Dutch armed forces take delivery of new Bobcats

Bobcat has won major orders for 53 telehandlers, 63 PA12.7v portable air compressors and 127 compactors for the armed forces in the Netherlands. The telehandler and light compaction orders were secured by Apeldoorn-based Inter-Techno, the Authorised Dealer for Bobcat in the country.

Most of the Bobcat telehandlers were delivered during 2024 by Inter-Techno, comprising a mix of TL25.60 and TL35.105L models in army green to be used for logistical support for various army units. The final units, including those for the Air Mobile Brigade, will be arriving in early 2025. Inter-Techno also has a contract for maintenance, service and repairs covering the telehandlers for the next 10 years.

The Bobcat telehandlers are intended for the Royal Army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. There they are used for logistical support, such as loading and unloading goods and equipment. As part of the order, three Bobcat TL30.60 telehandlers were also delivered to the navy in Den Helder. These machines are used for logistics work on board ships and on the quays.

The TL25.60 is suitable for the army because of its very compact dimensions and small turning circle. The telehandler can lift a weight of 2500kg, while the maximum lifting height is 6m. The TL35.105L has a lifting height of 10.5m and a capacity of 3500kg. This machine will be used for, among other things, loading and unloading containers.

As well as sporting the well-known army green, the Bobcat telehandlers have also undergone some technical adjustments. The machines are equipped with a front and rear towbar, special blackout lighting, cameras, a block heater, a first aid kit and a weapon support.

The telehandlers for the Air Mobile Brigade, part of the Royal Netherlands Army, are equipped with extra lifting eyes for transport under helicopters. For use in other regions, the engine cooling fan can be reversed so that dirt and dust are blown away above the radiator. Where required, the engine can be converted with the help of Bobcat to Stage III, so that the machines can be used without problem in areas where only diesel with a high sulphur content is available.

Special pallet forks for use by the armed forces are also being supplied with the telehandlers. The length of the forks can be adjusted to the pallet shape and the load using a fold-down board, so that the pallet forks never protrude and cannot cause damage to the load or material.