Bobcat V638 VersaHandler Delivers on Tool-Carrying Capabilities

Enlarge Image Bobcat's V638 is ideal for workers who need a compact machine with excellent height and reach.

January 24, 2007 • The V638 VersaHandler telescopic tool carrier from Bobcat Co., West Fargo, N.D., is designed as a pick-and-place machine that's ideal for construction and rental customers who need increased height and reach. With a 6,700-pound maximum load capacity, the V638 features a three-stage boom with a maximum lift height of 38'11". Maximum load at full height is 5,000 pounds, while maximum load at maximum reach is 850 pounds.

 

“It offers the lift height and reach to save time and labor for framers, masons, and others who need a compact machine to carry, lift, and place a variety of building materials,” said Eric Brown, Bobcat Co. product specialist.

 

Operators can shift-on-the-fly to transition smoothly from low to high speeds with the V638's hydrostatic transmission, and they can control travel speed at any rpm with the inching pedal. Using the first half of the stroke on the brake pedal enables operators to maintain full engine rpm while hydrostatically controlling the engine speed.

 

Enlarge Image The V638 features a hydrostatic transmission with dynamic braking.

“For example, you can operate the boom at maximum engine rpm for fast cycle times, while traveling at any speed within the transmission's speed range,” Brown said. Additionally, the inching pedal also reduces wear on disc brakes.

 

Another benefit of the V638's hydrostatic transmission is a dynamic braking system, which slows the machine to a stop as soon as the operator's foot leaves the accelerator pedal. This feature of the hydrostatic transmission proves especially helpful when traveling and working on slopes.

 

Standard features on the Bobcat V638 include road and working lights, fenders, and mirrors, and the unit is available with either a canopy or enclosed cab with heat and air conditioning. The V638's unitized frame provides the strength to lift materials, and according to Bobcat, it doesn't flex as much as a conventional rail frame.

 

Other features on the V638 include a full belly pan for machine component protection, easy-to-use controls, and a side-mounted engine. Operation is made easy with a single, loader-style joystick that controls lift and tilt functions, while variable-control thumb wheels on the joystick activate boom extension and auxiliary hydraulic functions.

 

Shuttle levers control forward and reverse travel and high and low speeds, as well as the turn signals, horn, and high beam road lights. Sweep gauges help operators monitor hydraulic oil temperature, engine temperature, and fuel level. The V638 also can be equipped with an optional field installed stabilizer kit, which improves side-to-side stability when lifting on uneven ground.

 

Touting its tool-carrying capabilities, the V638 offers a variety of attachments to meet the demands of different contractors and jobsites. Some of the available attachments include general purpose, light material, utility, and combination buckets; angle brooms; augers; bale handlers; grapples; pallet forks; truss booms; and tilt carriages. Operators can hook-up and disconnect hydraulic and non-hydraulic attachments from the cab with Bobcat's hydraulic Quick-Tach system.