Bobcat E55 Compact Excavator

Introduction

The Bobcat E55 is a 5-tonne compact excavator that sits at the top of the popular mid-size range — the machine for operators who need the engine power, hydraulic performance, dig depth, and digging force to tackle big projects, but still want a machine compact enough to maneuver on small job sites. With less than an inch of rear overhang, it delivers near-zero tail swing alongside the added weight and performance that come with the 5-tonne class. For demanding prairie drainage, foundation, and utility work, the E55 packs serious capability into a still-transportable package.

On Aglist, the value is in understanding where the E55 fits in the compact excavator market, with real owner and operator feedback beside the spec sheet. The numbers tell you what it digs and lifts; the reviews tell you how it performs on bigger jobs, how the controls feel over a long day, and how it holds up over seasons.

One naming note for used shopping: the E55 was previously sold as the Bobcat E50. Bobcat renamed it the E55 in 2023 to align with its 5-tonne class. So a used “E50” is the same machine now called the E55. The E55’s minimal tail swing — less than an inch of overhang — is central to its design, which we explain below.

Configurations & Pricing Context

The E55 is part of Bobcat’s R2-Series compact excavator lineup in the 5-tonne class. (It was formerly the E50 before Bobcat’s 2023 renaming.) It’s offered with a canopy or optional enclosed cab — and for Canadian year-round work, the enclosed cab with automatic heat and A/C is the sensible choice. Options include an angle blade, rearview camera, and a state-of-the-art touch display.

The E55 runs the full range of compact excavator attachments — trenching and grading buckets, augers, hydraulic breakers, compactors, and more — with Bobcat’s coupler options. For demanding prairie work that needs power and reach, it’s a strong machine.

Pricing varies by configuration, attachments, and dealer. Because Dmytro has direct knowledge of Saskatchewan dealer and used pricing, we defer to local market figures over manufacturer-advertised numbers.

Key Specifications

Specification	Bobcat E55
Machine class	Compact excavator
Former designation	Bobcat E50 (pre-2023)
Weight class	5 tonne
Tail swing	Minimal (less than 1 in overhang)
Swing frame	In-track swing frame
Emissions	Tier 4
Maximum dig depth	Strong for class (~11–13 ft per arm)
Display	State-of-the-art touch display option
Cab options	Automatic heat & A/C, rearview camera, angle blade
Controls	Low-effort joysticks, fingertip control

Specifications are verified against Bobcat specification data and independent spec databases. Some detailed figures vary by configuration and arm; confirm exact specs for the specific machine, year, and option package with your dealer.

Understanding Tail Swing (Read This Before You Compare)

Tail swing is the most important design concept on any compact excavator, and the E55 achieves near-zero tail swing in a powerful 5-tonne package.

Tail swing describes how far the rear of the machine — the counterweight and engine housing — extends past the tracks when the upper structure rotates. The E55 has a minimal tail swing with less than an inch of overhang — so close to zero that the rear barely extends past the tracks through full rotation. This lets the machine work in confined areas and near obstacles while carrying the extra counterweight that supports its strong lifting and digging in the 5-tonne class.

The E55 also uses Bobcat’s in-track swing frame, so the swing castings and cylinders stay within the tracks when digging in an offset position — letting you excavate alongside a wall and pivot toward your soil mound without colliding with the adjacent structure. For prairie operators, this combination is compelling: you get serious 5-tonne digging and lifting power with tight-quarters capability that’s nearly as good as a true zero-tail-swing machine. The minor overhang means you still watch the rear when working absolutely flush against a wall.

Build & Engineering Detail

The E55 is built for big-project capability in a compact frame. Its engine and hydraulic power, digging force, and dig depth are sized to tackle substantial work efficiently — you get more done per day on job sites big and small. The minimal tail swing and in-track swing frame mean that power comes without sacrificing the ability to work near obstacles, a combination that’s hard to match in the 5-tonne class.

Low-effort joysticks support precise, predictable operation for fast cycle times, and the state-of-the-art touch display option brings full machine interaction and monitoring from the cab. The depth check system enables accurate digging without leaving the seat. Options like automatic heat and A/C and a rearview camera round out a machine built for long, productive days.

As an R2-Series machine, the E55 includes the series’ engineering refinements: a redesigned engine for simplified maintenance and improved cold-weather operation, steel hydraulic lines through protected channels, sealed electrical connections, and an integrated lift eye for material handling. It’s a machine built to balance power and agility.

Best Applications

The E55 is a strong fit for:

• Big drainage and foundation projects — the 5-tonne power and dig depth handle deeper, larger trenching, footings, and excavation.
• Demanding utility work — strong digging force and reach for conduit, pipe, and infrastructure work.
• Lifting and material handling — substantial capacity for setting culverts, pipe, and heavy material.
• Operators needing maximum compact capability — the top of the mid-size range, with tight-quarters capability retained.

For lighter work or the tightest flush-to-wall jobs, smaller machines fit better; for the largest compact work, the E60 and E88 step up further. The E55’s strength is serious power and reach with near-zero tail swing — the most capable machine that still works comfortably on small sites.

How the E55 Fits the Bobcat Lineup

The E55 sits at the top of Bobcat’s mid-size compact excavator range — a 5-tonne machine above the E48 and E40, and below the larger E60 and the 8-tonne-plus E88. With its minimal tail swing and in-track swing frame, it combines strong 5-tonne power with tight-quarters capability. It’s the choice for buyers who need maximum compact excavator capability without stepping into the larger, less maneuverable machines.

Bobcat E55 Reviews & Ratings

On Aglist, open the Reviews & Ratings section on this page to see how the E55 performs where it matters: digging power and depth on big jobs, lifting capacity and stability, tight-quarters capability, hydraulic smoothness, control feel and the touch display, and serviceability over seasons. If you own an E55 (or an older “E50”), your review helps the next prairie buyer judge this capable machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bobcat E55 the same as the E50? Yes. Bobcat renamed the E50 to the E55 in 2023 to align with its 5-tonne class. A used “E50” is the same machine now called the E55.

Does the Bobcat E55 have zero tail swing? Very nearly — it has a minimal tail swing with less than an inch of overhang, so the rear barely extends past the tracks. Combined with Bobcat’s in-track swing frame, this lets you excavate alongside a wall and pivot toward your soil mound without colliding with it.

What weight class is the Bobcat E55? It’s a 5-tonne compact excavator — the top of Bobcat’s popular mid-size range, with the added weight and performance that come with the class.

How deep can the Bobcat E55 dig? Dig depth is strong for the 5-tonne class, varying by arm configuration. Confirm the exact figure for the specific arm and machine with your dealer, as it varies across standard, long, and extendable options.

What is the in-track swing frame on the Bobcat E55? It’s a Bobcat design where the swing castings and cylinders stay within the track width when digging in an offset position. This lets you dig flush against a wall and pivot toward your spoil pile without the components striking the structure — a real advantage in tight quarters.

What display and controls does the Bobcat E55 have? Low-effort joysticks with fingertip control, plus a state-of-the-art touch display option for full machine interaction and monitoring, and depth check compatibility for accurate digging without leaving the cab.

Is the Bobcat E55 good for cold-weather work? Yes — with optional automatic heat and A/C, and the R2-Series engine designed for improved cold-weather operation, it suits year-round prairie work.

How does the E55 compare to the E48? The E55 (5-tonne, minimal tail swing) offers more power and near-zero tail swing with the in-track swing frame; the E48 (4.5-tonne, conventional tail swing) prioritizes lifting stability. The E55 is better for tight-quarters work at high capability; the E48 for maximum stable lifting.

Should I buy an E55 or step up to an E60? The E60 is a larger 6-tonne machine with more dig depth and lifting for heavier work. If the E55’s capability meets your needs it’s the more maneuverable and economical choice; if you regularly need more depth or lift, the E60 steps up.

Related Models

• Compact & Mini Excavators — browse and compare excavators across all brands on Aglist.
• Bobcat E48 — the 4.5-tonne conventional-tail-swing machine one step down.
• Bobcat brand hub — explore the full Bobcat equipment lineup.