Bobcat enters the 20-ton class with high-performance, fuel-efficient excavators built for today's job sites

Bobcat's legacy in compact equipment has shaped the industry, but now the company is scaling up. With the release of the 23-ton E220 and the 25-ton E245, Bobcat is moving firmly into the 20-ton class, bringing familiar performance and operator comfort to a larger size of excavators.

"We've had an excavator lineup for many years," says Luke Hill, senior product specialist at Bobcat. "But we had a gap from that 19,000-pound class up to the 30,000- to 40,000-pound range. So really, what we're doing here is expanding our portfolio to meet more of our customers' needs."

As job sites and customer expectations grow, Bobcat is expanding its offerings to match without losing sight of the performance, reliability, and support that built its name in compact equipment.

"Our dealers are excited for the 20-ton excavators and the performance that's going to come at that price point," says Hill.

These machines represent more than just a new size category. They reflect Bobcat's long-term strategy to grow alongside its customers, expand its product portfolio, and better serve a broader range of contractors and applications.

Purpose-built to perform 

While Bobcat already offers larger excavators, such as the E145 and E165, Hill says the E220 and E245 were developed to meet increasing customer demand for machines that deliver more lifting capacity, stronger digging performance, and better fuel economy. The E220 is powered by a 174-hp turbocharged engine and weighs approximately 52,738 pounds in its standard configuration. The E245 features a larger 189-hp diesel engine and weighs in at approximately 56,908 pounds.

"The E220 and E245 are focusing on the core needs of high performance and reliability," explains Hill. "On the performance side, we have some of the highest lift capacities in the E220 and E245 compared to their competitors in the size class, as well as tremendous breakout forces giving excellent digging power for, honestly, just really good productivity."

Performance-enhancing features 

The E220 and E245 are built with job site productivity in mind. Both models come equipped with performance-focused features designed to support precision, efficiency, and control in a wide range of applications.

Standard features include:

Smart Power Control automatically adjusts engine RPM, hydraulic pump torque, and machine response based on load requirements.

Four selectable power modes (Power+, Power, Standard, Economy) that optimize fuel use or prioritize speed, depending on task demands.

Fine swing mode to reduce sway and spillage when lifting heavy objects into position.

Joystick or foot-pedal auxiliary control with two-way hydraulic piping for attachments and multi-directional operation.

Side- and rear-view cameras included as standard equipment for enhanced visibility.

"You get into these machines and the first thing you notice is how smooth and responsive they are," Hill says. "They're balanced. They feel strong, and they're intuitive to operate."

Which excavator fits the job?

Though both machines share key features, Hill notes that the E220 and E245 serve distinct types of work.

E220: Designed for long-term use on large job sites, this model is well-suited to commercial contractors who don't move machines frequently.

"The E220 will really target those commercial contractors who have machines stationed at larger job sites for longer periods of time," says Hill.

E245: A reduced-tail-swing model ideal for infrastructure and roadwork in confined spaces.

"We're going after those roadwork and infrastructure contractors on job sites that have size limitations," he explains. "It has excellent bucket capacity," Hill adds, "but then also that reduced tail swing keeps the working area rather tight."

Both models have a bucket digging force of 35,464 pound-feet. Digging depth ranges from 21 feet 7 inches on the E220 to 21 feet 11 inches on the E245.

Clarity from the cab 

Visibility, a long-time Bobcat strength, is also notable in the new excavators. Hill says that the cabs are designed to minimize blind spots and give operators clear sightlines to the work area.

"The visibility in these machines is exceptional," Hill says. "You've got great front visibility with the lower window cutout. That's increasingly important as job sites become more congested and safety becomes even more of a focus."

The operator environment also includes premium features like an air-ride seat, touchscreen display, and customizable controls.

"Operators are spending long days in these machines. It's important that they're comfortable, and that the cab helps them stay productive," he adds.

Tech-ready and rental-friendly 

Both machines come ready for grade control and are compatible with third-party systems. This plug-and-play approach to technology appeals to users looking for streamlined integration within their own fleets.

It is also part of what makes the E220 and E245 especially appealing to rental companies, another key market for Bobcat. Hill says their balanced specs and approachable price points make them easy additions to any fleet.

"You get all the productivity benefits of a larger excavator without jumping into the ultra-premium segment," he explains. "That's something rental customers are going to respond well to."

Dealer support and market fit 

Hill emphasizes that Bobcat's expansion into heavier size classes isn't just about offering larger machines. It's about supporting them properly.

"Our Bobcat dealers are a core identity to the brand, and they offer exceptional service that many people love," he says. "They'll now be able to get that service all the way up through the heavy equipment offerings that we now have."

So far, that opportunity has been met with excitement from dealers and early demo users alike.

"Our dealers are excited to get aggressive and to go after [new] customers and then also to offer our compact customers solutions for their heavy needs."

He adds that while many customers are just beginning to receive shipments, early impressions are strong.

"I have had the opportunity to have customers come demo these machines," says Hill. "They've stated that these machines do not lack any power. From heavy wet topsoil to digging into the earth and lifting heavy loads, they are absolutely blown away by the power and performance that these machines have."

Looking ahead

For Bobcat, the entry into larger excavators isn't just a one-off. It's a deliberate shift into heavier territory that reflects where contractors are heading.

"Right now we're offering machines tailored more to moving and lifting material throughout our excavator and wheel loader lineup, really focused on the core contractor," Hill says. "As we get to know the customer's needs a little bit more, we may branch out into more niche marketplaces within these size classes of machines."

And for those contractors who haven't considered Bobcat excavators in the past?

Hill says the brand is ready to go head-to-head with the industry's top players in the segments where it matters most. Still, the goal isn't to be everywhere.

"We're not trying to compete with every manufacturer out there across every size class," adds Hill. "But we are looking at where we can offer value, where our customers are already working, and how we can support them with machines that make sense."

Bobcat's bet is clear: focus on the segments that matter, deliver machines that hold up under pressure, and let performance do the talking.