Mini excavators 2–3 t

Bobcat E26 vs Volvo ECR25D

Bobcat E26

Bobcat

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Volvo ECR25D

Volvo

Data: manufacturers and Bobcat's comparison tests. Does your experience say otherwise? Tell us ↓

Technical data

Parameter	Bobcat E26	Volvo ECR25D
Capacity and weight
Operating weight, standard / heavy configuration kg	2,608 / —	2,490 / 2,680
Working range
Digging depth, standard / long arm mm	2,568 / —	2,460 / 2,760
Dump height, standard / long arm mm	2,845 / —	2,780 / 2,960
Reach at ground level, standard / long arm mm	4,413 / —	4,310 / 4,600
Forces
Bucket breakout force kN	23.7	22.3
Arm breakout force, standard / long arm kN	15.7 / —	17.7 / 14.9
Dimensions
Max. tail overhang, standard / heavy counterweight mm	70 / —	0 / 75
Undercarriage width mm	1,500	1,500
Overall track length mm	1,965	1,906
Track width mm	250	250
Overall height mm	2,438	2,535
Engine
Engine	Kubota D1105	Volvo 1.1A
Engine power kW	15.4	15.6
Hydraulics
Hydraulic pumps	1 gear pump + 2 variable piston pumps	variable piston pump with load sensing
Pump capacity l/min	87	58
Auxiliary flow l/min	50	50
Travel and slew
Travel speed low / high km/h	2.5 / 4.3	2.4 / 4.5
Boom swing left / right °	60 / 60	72 / 56

The table combines manufacturers' data and measurements from Bobcat's comparison tests (06-2020).

This comparison dates from 06-2020. A newer version of either machine may be on sale now, with different figures.

The E26 comes in one configuration: standard arm and standard counterweight. For a long arm or heavy counterweight the Bobcat E27z is the configurable model. The E26 limits boom swing to 60° so that the bucket cannot reach the cab. Volvo's only zero-tail machine in the 2–3 t class is the ECR25D, positioned between the E26 and E27z.

— means the manufacturer does not publish this figure.

What the table shows

With standard arms the E26 digs 108 mm deeper (2,568 / 2,460 mm), dumps 65 mm higher and reaches 103 mm further at ground level.
Pump capacity 87 / 58 l/min (+50%); bucket breakout force 23.7 / 22.3 kN.
Height: 2,438 / 2,535 mm.
The ECR25D is 118 kg lighter, is a zero-tail machine (E26: 70 mm) and offers a long arm and a heavy counterweight; with those options the Bobcat model is the E27z.

What it means on the job

Transport height on a platform

On a platform 1.5 m high the E26 stands at 3.94 m, the ECR25D at 4.04 m — above the EU limit for road vehicles of 4.0 m.

Calculation: 1,500 + 2,438 = 3,938 mm; 1,500 + 2,535 = 4,035 mm

A jump start on a cold morning

The E26 battery is reachable directly. On the ECR25D a tool is needed to open the side panel first, and the starter cannot be reached directly for a field replacement.

A knock in rental use

Rear cover, side cover and right-hand channel are steel on the E26 and plastic on the ECR25D.

Replacing a blade hose on site

The E26's blade cylinder hoses are two-piece and replaced in sections; the ECR25D's are one piece.

Closer look: notes from Bobcat's comparison test

Measurements and notes come from Bobcat's comparison tests (06-2020), in which both machines did the same jobs. These figures are not in the manufacturers' brochures. “Operator's opinion” is the personal impression of the operator who worked in the test: it is subjective, and your experience may differ.

Workgroup and stability

Bobcat E26Workgroup sized for the 2–3 t class.

Operator's opinionsubjectiveThe machine stayed stable at full lift.

Volvo ECR25DWorkgroup about the size of a 2-tonne machine such as the Bobcat E20z.

Operator's opinionsubjectiveThe lift capacity felt lower.

Boom cylinder

Bobcat E26Patented cylinder-in-boom design: the boom cylinder and the boom safety valve (if fitted) sit inside the boom.

Bobcat E26 — Cylinder-in-boom design — Cylinder-in-boom design

Volvo ECR25DConventional boom cylinder in front of the boom.

What it affects: In rental and demolition work a cylinder in front of the boom and its safety valve are exposed to knocks.

Cab and controls

Bobcat E26Cab with storage space and the same operator space as the Bobcat E27z. Boom swing and auxiliary hydraulics both controlled proportionally.

Volvo ECR25DTighter operator position with little or no storage space. Boom swing and auxiliary hydraulics share one control; the operator switches between them.

Volvo ECR25D — Operator position — Operator position

Volvo ECR25D — Storage space — Storage space

Covers and windows

Bobcat E26Steel rear cover, side cover and right-hand channel. Flat side windows that open front and rear and lock in several positions.

Volvo ECR25DPlastic rear cover, side cover and side channel. Glass-in-glass side window that opens on one side only.

Volvo ECR25D — Plastic covers — Plastic covers

Volvo ECR25D — Side window — Side window

Service

Bobcat E26Direct battery access for jump starts; starter reachable in the field. Washer fluid filled in the engine and hydraulic compartment. Two-piece blade cylinder hoses, replaced in sections.

Volvo ECR25DA tool is needed to open the side panel to the battery; no direct access to the starter. Washer fluid filled in the cab area. One-piece blade cylinder hoses.

Volvo ECR25D — Battery access — Battery access

Volvo ECR25D — Starter location — Starter location

Volvo ECR25D — Washer fluid filler — Washer fluid filler

Volvo ECR25D — Blade cylinder hoses — Blade cylinder hoses

Blade and shared features

Bobcat E26Blade float as standard. Auxiliary line AUX1 standard, AUX2 optional.

Volvo ECR25DBlade float not available. AUX1 standard, AUX2 optional. Both machines have optional auto-idle, two-speed travel with auto-shift, Stage V engines, and both can be towed with a 3.5-tonne vehicle.

Photos: Bobcat comparison tests. Volvo ECR25D overview photo: Volvo.