Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/489028
April 2015 | EquipmentWorld.com 28 reader reviews | continued between different Bobcat models and the other said "They keep running with little babysitting." Performance: Overall score 7.8 out of 10 On the scorecards, nobody was overwhelmed with the horsepower. And fuel efficiency got one of the lowest cumulative scores. But many of the things that count – travel speed, balance and ride handling, the Bob-Tach attach- ment changing system, truck loading and tractive effort – all scored well. Halla puts foam-filled tires on his S650 and commented that he considers it to be an exceptionally stable machine. "We use it anytime we have a steep slope where something else might tip over – something you might ordinarily use a tracked machine on." He also uses it for heavy lifting. "It's a pretty strong machine," he says. "We like the high speed, high flow hydraulics," he added. "The reality is the hydrau- lics have gotten much better than they used to be. The stan- dard hydraulics are almost what the high flow used to be." Operator features: Overall score 7.7 out of 10 Reviewers clearly liked the cab and instrumentation. Visibility to the rear scored poorly, and several review- ers commented on this, but the design of a skid steer with its high rear end, makes rearward visibility difficult at best. Several reviewers said they'd like to see a rear view camera. Rate the serviceability of your Bobcat S650: Rating Access to daily service points 7.5 Access, ease of PM service 7.6 Access to battery 7.3 Fuel capacity 7.8 Cooling capacity 7.9 Ease of radiator clean out 7.9 Serviceability overall score (out of 10): 7.7 Rate the performance of your Bobcat S650: Rating Horsepower 7.8 Fuel efficiency 6.2 Digging, dozing, breakout force 7.8 Reach, lift height 7.9 Arm lifting force 7.6 Standard controls 7.9 Traction, tractive effort 7.9 Truck loading performance 7.9 Hydraulic flow and pressure 7.8 Cycle times 7.7 Travel speed 8.2 Balance, ride, handling 8.3 Bob-Tach, ease of changing attachments 8.3 Emissions controls 8.0 Nighttime lighting 8.3 Performance overall score (out of 10): 7.8 Rate the operator features of your Bobcat S650: Rating Cab size, roominess 8.0 Standard seat comfort, ergonomics 7.9 Visibility forward 8.3 Visibility rear and sides 6.9 Dash displays, instrumentation panel 8.3 In-cab storage 6.9 Foot room 7.8 Ease of entry/exit 7.7 Operator features overall score (out of 10): 7.7 Machine description T he Bobcat S650 is a skid steer loader with a vertical lift path and is part of the 600 series. Vertical lift is becom- ing more popular in the 1,350- to 2,200-pound class and the S650 is just a bit bigger than this, at 2,690 pounds. Compared to radial lift models, vertical lift machines are better at material handling and stockpiling and generally have a higher reach, which improves truck loading, especially loading to the center of the truck. Vertical lift skid steers are typically used when you have applications occurring above eye level. The S650 has a cab forward design and large windows on the side and top to improve visibility. Control options include: foot pedal, Bobcat's Advanced Control System, or Selectable Joystick Controls. Hydraulic hoses are routed through the loader arms for protection. According to the 2014-2015 Equipment World Spec Guide, the S650 is one of the heavier models in this class and has the highest standard hydraulic pressure, 3,500 psi. Bucket breakout force has increased from 4,800 pounds last year to 5,138 in the current year's Spec Guide. Going forward, the company is using a DPF-free Bobcat branded 2.4-liter engine. The Power Bob-Tach system enables you to change attach- ments without having to leave the cab. The ride control option cushions the loader hydraulic circuit to smooth out bumps in the road and prevent bucket spillage. Joystick controls (on Se- lectable Joystick Control machines) slide forward and backward independent of the seat, accommodating the needs of different size operators. Optional hydraulic bucket positioning keeps the bucket level when raising lift arms to reduce spillage.