Telehandlers

Bobcat T40.180SLP vs JCB 540-180 Hi-Viz

Bobcat T40.180SLP

Bobcat

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JCB 540-180 Hi-Viz

JCB

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

Technical data

Parameter	Bobcat T40.180SLP	JCB 540-180 Hi-Viz
Capacity and weight
Operating weight kg	10,950	11,380
Max. lift capacity t	4.0	4.0
Working range
Max. lift height (on stabilisers) m	17.5	17.5
Max. lift height with max. load m	14.2	11.2
Forward reach with max. load (1 m) m	4.9	3.0
Stabiliser lowering angle °	62	45
Engine
Transmission	hydrostatic, auto-shift, speed management	torque converter with powershift, manual gear change on the move
Dimensions
Ground clearance mm	500	—

The table combines manufacturers' data and measurements from Bobcat's comparison tests (08-2019).

This comparison dates from 08-2019. A newer version of either machine may be on sale now, with different figures.

Performance values from Bobcat's tests.

— means the manufacturer does not publish this figure.

What the table shows

With the maximum load of 4 t: lift height 14.2 / 11.2 m; forward reach at 1 m height 4.9 / 3.0 m.
Both lift 4.0 t and reach 17.5 m on stabilisers; the T40.180SLP is 430 kg lighter (10,950 / 11,380 kg).
Stabilisers go down at up to 62° / 45°.
The 540-180 has 1.3 m more maximum forward reach; in Bobcat's test its load moment control stopped the boom with 3.5 t on the forks.
Hydrostatic drive / torque converter with powershift.

What it means on the job

4 t onto a roof at 12 m

With 4 t on the forks the T40.180SLP lifts to 14.2 m, the 540-180 to 11.2 m: the pallet reaches a 12 m roof edge with the T40.180SLP.

Calculation: 14.2 > 12 m; 11.2 < 12 m

Setting 4 t down beyond a trench

At 1 m height with 4 t the T40.180SLP reaches 4.9 m forward, the 540-180 3.0 m.

Calculation: 4.9 − 3.0 = 1.9 m

Standing next to a wall

Stabilisers going down at 62° need less room beside the machine than stabilisers at 45°, so the T40.180SLP can stand closer to a wall.

Shifting a pallet sideways at height

The T40.180SLP's boom positioning system moves the load sideways on tyres and on stabilisers. The 540-180 has none: the machine is repositioned or a side-shift attachment is used.

Closer look: notes from Bobcat's comparison test

Measurements and notes come from Bobcat's comparison tests (08-2019), 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.

Load charts

Bobcat T40.180SLP4.0 t to 14.2 m; 4.9 m forward reach with the maximum load.

Bobcat T40.180SLP — Load chart T40.180SLP — Load chart T40.180SLP

JCB 540-180 Hi-Viz4.0 t to 11.2 m; 3.0 m forward reach with the maximum load.

Operator's opinionsubjectiveTravelling with a heavy load needed extra care to stay within the load chart.

JCB 540-180 Hi-Viz — Load chart 540-180 Hi-Viz — Load chart 540-180 Hi-Viz

Transmission

Bobcat T40.180SLPHydrostatic drive: inching for precise positioning, auto-shift and speed management. No roll-back on slopes; the hydrostatic braking effect saves the service brakes. Automatic parking brake.

Operator's opinionsubjectiveTorque built up smoothly and progressively.

JCB 540-180 Hi-VizTorque converter with powershift: no inching, gears changed on the move by the operator. The machine rolls back on slopes and the service brakes wear faster. Manual parking brake lever.

Operator's opinionsubjectiveTorque felt less progressive, and the parking brake lever needs force.

JCB 540-180 Hi-Viz — Transmission — Transmission

What it affects: When placing loads at height, inching and a smooth drive decide how precisely the machine can creep forward.

Joystick and direction control

Bobcat T40.180SLPForward/neutral/reverse integrated in the single joystick.

JCB 540-180 Hi-VizForward/neutral/reverse on a left-hand lever while the right hand works the joystick, so driving, steering and boom work need both hands at once; a single joystick is an option.

JCB 540-180 Hi-Viz — Direction lever — Direction lever

Stabilisers and levelling

Bobcat T40.180SLPStabilisers need little space at full stability and go down at up to 62°, so the machine can stand close to a wall. Frame levelling on tyres and on stabilisers. Boom positioning system (sideways correction) on tyres and stabilisers.

JCB 540-180 Hi-VizStabilisers need more space and go down at 45°. Frame levelling on tyres only. No boom positioning system; a pallet side-shift attachment or moving the machine is needed.

Cab and attachments

Bobcat T40.180SLPOne step into the cab. Available with Bobcat, Manitou or JCB attachment interface.

Bobcat T40.180SLP — Cab entry — Cab entry

JCB 540-180 Hi-VizTwo steps into the cab, less space inside. JCB attachment interface only.

Boom and underbody

Bobcat T40.180SLPTelescopic cylinder inside the boom with protected hoses and cables; hoses in a cassette, so the boom does not have to be taken apart. Little boom bending at height. Full underbody protection and 500 mm ground clearance. Three-year factory warranty as standard.

Bobcat T40.180SLP — Underbody — Underbody

Bobcat T40.180SLP — Boom at full extension — Boom at full extension

JCB 540-180 Hi-VizExternal telescopic cylinder without rod or line protection. More boom bending, which loads the telescopic seals and guide pads; the boom sways at full height. No underbody protection.