The comments come from leading contractor, Fujairah National Construction Co. L.L.C (FNC) and are supported by their experience with a top-of-the-range Bobcat T40180 18 m telehandler.
Purchased in December 2015 from Dubai-based Kanoo Machinery, the Bobcat dealer for the UAE, the T40180 has provided trouble-free performance since it arrived, already completing well over 10,000 hours on site. The T40180 has been working two shifts a day throughout this period and has been used on three major contracts including two new 18 storey buildings.
According to Kanoo, the record of the T40180 is typical of what can be expected from the Bobcat telehandler range in the tough working conditions in the Middle East. Over the last two and half years, the T40180 has required only normal servicing under the preventative maintenance programme recommended by Bobcat. Its performance is a perfect illustration of the reliability and durability that customers can expect not only from Bobcat telehandlers, but also Bobcat skid-steer and compact loaders, compact excavators, backhoe loaders and attachments in the exacting conditions found in the Middle East.
Looking after Equipment in the Middle East
Farhan Mahmood Rizvi, Engineered Equipment and Plant Manager at FNC, said: “We have been delighted with the performance of the Bobcat T40180 telehandler. We make sure we look after all of the equipment in our fleet, following or even exceeding manufacturers’ servicing and maintenance guidelines. We closely monitor all the components and performance of our machinery, ensuring all aspects such as greasing, oils and fluids and genuine parts are used in full compliance with these guidelines.”
From its roots in the construction of factories, commercial buildings and warehouses including many in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, FNC developed to become the first turnkey construction company in the UAE offering combined expertise in design, construction and management for building high rise towers exceeding 40 floors. As well as being a turnkey contractor, FNC is also the largest steel framework contractor not only in the UAE but also in the Middle East.
Mr Rizvi added: “We have used the Bobcat T40180 telehandler for a wide variety of applications from lifting rebar from trucks for foundation work to moving heavy materials such as the components for the steel work for buildings. The dependable safe lifting offered by the T40180 when it is used both with the wheels alone or with its stabilizers deployed has been an important aspect for us. The easy-to-use stabilizers also ensure that the full capabilities of the telehandler can be utilised in the most confined working areas and close to walls.”
The T40180 18 m telehandler at FNC is the largest model in the Bobcat range of rigid frame telehandlers. The T40180 model delivers market leading load chart performance in its class, with an unmatched maximum lifting height of 16.2 m when operated on tyres alone. The high stability of the telehandler ensures minimal loss of lift height and capacity, and the T40180 model is based on an easy-to-use design that provides class-leading efficiency and productivity backed by state-of-the-art safety systems.
The T40180 telehandler has a maximum lift capacity of 4 tonne and a maximum lift height of 17.52 m. The lift capacity at maximum lift height is 2.5 tonne, while at maximum reach (13.7 m), the lift capacity is 560 kg. Unloaded, the T40180 weighs 10.79 tonne and provides a crowding force of 12300 daN. The unique, patented Bobcat side shift system is a standard feature on the T40180 model, ensuring there is no need to reposition the machine if it is not aligned with an opening, providing maximum flexibility with a +/- 700 mm side shift.
High Comfort, High Visibility Cab
Featuring optimized ROPS/FOPS protection, the cab on the T40180 telehandler offers increased safety and visibility through a curved front window providing a better view of loads and attachments at height; a larger back window increasing sight to the rear and a cab door with windows above and below the handlebar for optimum visibility when manoeuvring the machine. From their comfortable seat, the operator is provided with an ergonomic array of machine controls all within easy reach and including a forward/reverse (FNR) control button on the joystick; a digital display; an adjustable steering wheel and an integrated airflow solution.
FNC has used the T40180 mainly with pallet fork and bucket attachments but the company also equips the telehandler with a man platform for periphery works on buildings. These are part of a wide range of attachments for Bobcat telehandlers, including different types of digging buckets, concrete buckets, jibs and winches. The T40180 telehandler can also be supplied with a wide selection of engine, hydraulic, boom, rear, cab, frame and tyre options.
A Leader in the Gulf Region
Kanoo Machinery has grown to become one of the leading materials handling, construction, agriculture, cleaning and industrial equipment distributors in the Gulf region. Products from Bobcat are marketed through dedicated sales and aftermarket product specialists available in all five branches (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah and RAK) in the UAE. The company supports its customers through its expert team of sales and factory trained service engineers, technicians and support staff. An extensive inventory of fast moving machines and consumables offers a fast response time to customer requests and is maintained in stock at all branches of Kanoo Machinery. This is complemented by the large inventory held in the Kanoo Distribution Centre in Al Quoz and in the Jebel Ali Free Zone.
