Excavators 8–9 t

Bobcat E88 vs JCB 86C-2

Bobcat E88

Bobcat

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JCB 86C-2

JCB

See the model on the manufacturer's site ↗

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

Technical data

Parameter	Bobcat E88	JCB 86C-2
Capacity and weight
Operating weight kg	8,919 (SAE J732, with counterweight)	8,600 (ISO 6016, standard dipper)
Additional counterweight kg	+407 (option)	—
Ground pressure, rubber tracks kPa	39.2	40.2
Engine
Engine	Bobcat D24, 2.4 L, Stage V	Kohler KDI 2504 TCR, 2.5 L, Stage V
Net power kW	48.5	45.4
Hydraulics
Pump capacity l/min	149	158.4
Auxiliary flow (max.) l/min	95	100
Dimensions
Overall width mm	2,200	2,300
Height over cab mm	2,550	2,706
Track width mm	450	450
Track length on ground mm	2,311	2,325
Undercarriage length mm	2,896	2,950
Working range
Digging depth mm	4,519 / 4,859	3,931 / 4,381 / 4,531
Dump height mm	4,537 / 4,765	5,061 / 5,395 / 5,506
Reach at ground level mm	7,087 / 7,418	6,635 / 7,075 / 7,225
Forces
Bucket breakout force kN	55.6	57.1
Arm breakout force kN	39.1 / 35.3	49.9 / 42.3 / 40.3
Travel and slew
Boom swing left / right °	64 / 61	55 / 60
Slew speed rpm	9	10
Travel speed low / high km/h	2.5 / 4.4	2.5 / 5.0

Table: manufacturers' published data. E88: standard / long arm. 86C-2: dipper 1,650 / 2,100 / 2,250 mm.

Operating weights are measured to different standards (SAE J732 and ISO 6016) and with different equipment, so they are not directly comparable. JCB ground pressure converted from 0.41 kg/cm².

— means the manufacturer does not publish this figure.

What the table shows

The E88 is 100 mm narrower (2,200 / 2,300 mm) and 156 mm lower (2,550 / 2,706 mm).
Deepest digging and longest reach at ground level: 4,859 / 7,418 mm on the E88 with the long arm, 4,531 / 7,225 mm on the 86C-2 with its longest dipper.
The 86C-2 dumps higher (up to 5,506 / 4,765 mm) and has higher breakout forces (bucket 57.1 / 55.6 kN).
Net engine power 48.5 / 45.4 kW; boom swing to the left 64° / 55°.
An additional counterweight (+407 kg) is available for the E88; the 86C-2 specification lists no counterweight option.

What it means on the job

On a truck platform under the 4 m limit

Road vehicles in the EU may be 4.0 m high. On a platform 1.3 m above the road the E88 stands at 3.85 m, the 86C-2 at 4.01 m.

Calculation: 1,300 + 2,550 = 3,850 mm; 1,300 + 2,706 = 4,006 mm

A sewer connection 4.6 m deep

With the long arm the E88 digs to 4,859 mm, 259 mm below the connection. The 86C-2 with its longest dipper reaches 4,531 mm, 69 mm short of it.

Calculation: 4,859 − 4,600 = 259 mm; 4,600 − 4,531 = 69 mm

A trench along a wall on the left

To dig parallel to the machine next to a wall, the boom is swung to the left. In Bobcat's test the bucket clears the left cab post from about 60° of boom swing. The E88 swings 64° to the left, the 86C-2 55°.

Calculation: 64° − 60° = 4° to spare; 55° < 60°

Closer look: notes from Bobcat's comparison test

Measurements and notes come from Bobcat's comparison tests (07-2023), 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.

Boom, arm and counterweight

Bobcat E88The articulated boom is an option on the same model (E88 AB). Two arm lengths and an additional counterweight (+407 kg).

JCB 86C-2The articulated-boom machine is a separate model, the 86C-2 TAB. Three dipper lengths, no additional counterweight.

Stability

Bobcat E88Standard counterweight plus an optional additional one; double-flange rollers.

JCB 86C-2No additional counterweight; reduced tail swing, a relatively high kingpost, single-flange rollers.

Operator's opinionsubjectiveThe machine rocked more, especially with the blade raised and with the long dipper.

What it affects: Counterweight, tail length and kingpost height decide how much the machine rocks when lifting over the side and working with a long dipper.

Cab interior

Bobcat E88R2-Series cab with panels fitted flush.

Operator's opinionsubjectiveThe joystick and armrest positions felt more comfortable.

JCB 86C-2Hard plastic surfaces and wider gaps between panels; armrests not adjustable.

JCB 86C-2 — Joystick and armrest — Joystick and armrest

Visibility

Bobcat E88Boom swings 64° to the left, so the bucket stays in view past the cab post.

JCB 86C-2A wide cab post and 55° boom swing to the left narrow the view to the left; the right side view is narrower too. The wiper motor is in the line of sight and the wiper clears a small area of the windscreen.

JCB 86C-2 — View to the left — View to the left

JCB 86C-2 — View to the right — View to the right

JCB 86C-2 — Windscreen: the red line marks the wiper area — Windscreen: the red line marks the wiper area

Climate and display

Bobcat E88Air conditioning as standard, automatic climate as an option. Oval display as standard, 7" touch screen as an option.

JCB 86C-2Air conditioning is optional, no automatic climate. The colour display is operated with a jog dial; the usable area is about 45% of the screen.

Workgroup control

Bobcat E88

Operator's opinionsubjectiveMovements stayed smooth and predictable when several functions were combined.

JCB 86C-2Digging results in the test were similar to the E88's.

Operator's opinionsubjectiveThe workgroup reacted more abruptly; precise positioning and combined movements needed more practice.

Blade

Bobcat E88Blade float as standard, Depth Check as an option.

JCB 86C-2Blade float is optional, no depth guidance.

Undercarriage

Bobcat E88Double-flange rollers. X-shaped undercarriage frame.

JCB 86C-2Single-flange rollers. H-shaped undercarriage frame.

What it affects: Roller flanges keep the track in place: their number affects ride smoothness, side stability on a slope and which tracks can be fitted. The frame shape affects how rigid the undercarriage is under load.

Build and service

Bobcat E88The kingpost, boom and arm use cast nodes.

JCB 86C-2The kingpost nose and the boom and arm nodes are welded. The cab tilts up for service.

What it affects: A cast node is one piece; a welded node is several parts joined together — the difference is visible in the photos. It affects how the node copes with long-term alternating loads. A tilting cab affects how easily you reach the components underneath it.

Photos: Bobcat comparison tests. JCB 86C-2 overview photo: JCB.