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Posted: 01/01/2016

Reach Further

At times, your work may require more reach than a standard arm configuration can provide. Because we think about what is important on a jobsite, Bobcat® offers an extendable arm option. You can even use it with a clamp attachment. Caterpillar®, John Deere®, and Kubota® have telescopic arm options, but none of them can be used with a clamp. Only Bobcat gives you the most attachment flexibility on your jobsite.

Reach Further Overview

Bobcat compact (mini) excavators extendable arm comparison overview video.

In some digging situations, you just need extra reach. You could reposition your excavator, which takes time and decreases productivity. Or you could choose a telescopic or extendable arm, which give you the best of both worlds: the power you expect and the reach you require. They’re designed with an extension that telescopes down the length of the excavator’s arm. It gives you the extra reach you need without repositioning your excavator.

Watch the Full Test

Bobcat compact (mini) excavators extendable arm comparison test video.

When considering an excavator with greater reach, you may think that every extendable or telescopic arm option is the same. But only Bobcat makes an extendable arm that can be used with a clamp attachment. Other brands simply don’t support it. Why does that matter? Watch the test results to find out.

Bobcat vs. Other Brands

Extendable arm comparison of Bobcat vs Caterpillar vs John Deere vs Kubota compact (mini) excavators.

Test Results

With the Bobcat extendable arm, you’ll gain extended dig depth and reach. It offers the best of both worlds: power and lifting performance, combined with the ability to extend the machine's dig depth and reach when you need it. Caterpillar®, John Deere®, and Kubota® have extendable arm options, but none of them can be used with a clamp. Only Bobcat has the only fully clamp-compatible extendable arm. For more information visit our full page on the Extendable Arm.

Extendable Arm

Bobcat compact excavator (mini excavator) with extendable arm.

If you need more reach from your compact excavator, the extendable arm option may be just what you need. As needed, the arm can be hydraulically extended up to 30 in., and then retracted to its standard position for maximum arm force and lift performance. The extendable arm cylinder is powered by the primary auxiliary circuit, and a paddle on the right-hand joystick controls the extension and retraction of the arm.

Arm Configurations

Bobcat compact excavator (mini excavator) arm configurations.

Choose the arm configuration that best meets your needs. The standard power arm offers maximum arm breakout force. For added reach and dig depth, equip your machine with the optional long arm (select models). The first and only clamp-ready extendable arm option (select models) delivers power and lifting performance when it’s retracted, combined with additional reach and dig depth when it’s extended.

How We Test Equipment

Bobcat Advantage behind the scenes testing equipment video.

When you’re shopping for a new machine, it’s easy to compare specs. After all, that’s the best way to compare machines, right? Not quite. With specs, you’re only getting part of the story. They don’t measure real performance on your jobsite and that’s what matters most. It’s the reason we put top brands through the paces with fair, accurate, and repeatable tests. Watch to see how we developed the tests.

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