Innovative Iron Awards 2020: Bobcat’s L23 and L28 Small Articulated Loaders

We Honor the Top Equipment of 2020

Even when the world shut down this year, construction equipment continued to roll. Since the beginning of the pandemic, crews and projects have been considered essential. Key machinery markets like housing are actually bucking the trend and growing in our new Covid economy. Somehow, I was able to attend two important machine tradeshows in February and March (The Rental Show and CONEXPO-CON/AGG) before all the chaos, and equipment manufacturers continued to release awesome, industry-changing products throughout 2020 despite the incredible challenges. The persistence, dedication and innovation of both equipment makers and the equipment trades (construction, rental, ag, landscape and beyond) blew me away this year. They helped build a clearer path in our radically changed world, and I’d like to honor all of them by highlighting what I consider the best compact, off-highway machines, technologies and OEM systems released for sale or concept in 2020. Congrats to all the companies included, and thanks to all the men and women behind these brands. They are essential in today’s rapidly changing world.

Wheel Loader Pivot

Bobcat sells just about every category of compact tool carrier under the sun. Skid steers, track loaders, mini track loaders, excavators, telehandlers, utility tractors and, new to 2020, the new Bobcat L23 and L28 small articulated loaders. These ultra-small, tool carrying wheel loaders are popular in Europe, sized to fit busy streets, sidewalks and walking paths for snow removal, tree care and landscape and facility maintenance. Powered by 24.8-hp, 2,600-rpm engines, the L23 and L28 articulate to minimize tire wear and save on fuel compared to a skid steer or track loader. Operators will use a steering wheel and joystick to operate, a heated cab enclosure and heated seat will be options and there will no doubt be a zillion attachments to choose from due to utilizing a Bob-Tach interface. The bigger Bobcat L28 model even has a telescoping lift arm that extends up to 24 more inches. For more info, visit bobcat.com or watch the video below.

Keith Gribbins is publisher of Compact Equipment.