Bobcat E60 Compact Excavator

Introduction

The Bobcat E60 is a 6-tonne compact excavator that delivers maximum hydraulic and engine power for tackling challenging digs — a machine for operators whose work has outgrown the 5-tonne class but who still want compact-excavator transportability. With 55 horsepower, nearly 15 feet of dig depth, and strong lifting and breakout force, the E60 handles deep trenching, foundation work, and heavy material on prairie farms, acreages, and demanding job sites. It’s where Bobcat’s compact line starts to deliver near-large-machine capability.

On Aglist, the value is in understanding where the E60 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 big jobs, how the cab feels over a long day, and how it holds up over seasons.

The E60 uses a conventional tail swing, a deliberate choice for maximum power and lifting stability in its class. We explain what that means below, because tail swing is the most important design choice on any compact excavator.

Configurations & Pricing Context

The E60 is part of Bobcat’s R2-Series compact excavator lineup in the 6-tonne class. It’s offered in a range of packages from open canopy to an enclosed cab with the latest technologies — and for Canadian year-round work, the enclosed cab with heat and A/C is the sensible choice. Options include an extendable arm, advanced touch display, rearview camera, and the Bobcat depth-check system.

The E60 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 serious power, 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 E60
Machine class	Compact excavator
Operating weight	~12,646 lb (5,736 kg)
Weight class	6 tonne
Tail swing	Conventional
Horsepower	55 hp
Emissions	Tier 4
Maximum dig depth	~177.6 in / 14.8 ft (4.5 m)
Maximum reach at ground level	~265 in (6.7 m)
Maximum dump height	~182 in (4.6 m)
Rated lift capacity	~6,345 lb (2,878 kg)
Bucket digging force	~10,261 lbf
Arm digging force	~7,104 lbf
Auxiliary flow (standard)	~20 gpm
Width	~77.2 in (1.96 m)
Fuel capacity	~19 gal (72 L)

Specifications are verified against Bobcat specification data and independent spec databases. Confirm exact figures 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 E60 sits on the conventional side — a choice that maximizes power and lifting in its class.

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 E60 uses a conventional tail swing, where the counterweight swings well past the tracks. The advantage is strong stability and lift capacity: in the Bobcat lineup, conventional-tail-swing models typically deliver the greatest lift capacity, and the E60’s rearward counterweight balances the heavy loads this 6-tonne machine is built to handle. A useful secondary benefit is a narrower machine width for improved access through gates and property lines and easier loading onto a trailer. The trade-off is that the operator watches the rear when working near walls and obstacles, since the back overhangs the tracks as it rotates.

This makes the E60 well suited to demanding open and semi-open work where power, lift, and dig depth matter more than working flush against structures — deep trenching, foundations, and heavy material handling. If most of your work is in confined spaces against walls, a reduced or zero-tail-swing machine fits better; if you need maximum compact power and lift, the E60’s conventional design delivers.

Build & Engineering Detail

The E60 is built around maximum power in a compact frame. Its 55-horsepower engine and finely tuned hydraulics deliver the muscle for challenging digs, with bucket digging force around 10,261 lbf and a rated lift capacity around 6,345 lb — strong figures that let it handle work approaching what a larger machine would do. Nearly 15 feet of dig depth and over 22 feet of reach mean fewer repositions on deep trenches and foundations.

A dual-flange track roller system improves over-the-side digging confidence and slewing ability, with smoother ride quality across rough ground — valuable on a heavy machine that lifts to the side. The conventional tail swing provides the stability that supports this lifting. An extendable arm option hydraulically extends up to 30 inches for added reach, then retracts for maximum arm force.

As an R2-Series machine, the E60 includes low-effort joysticks with fingertip control, an advanced touch display option, depth check compatibility, blade float for easier grading, and an integrated lift eye. The redesigned engine is built for simplified maintenance and improved cold-weather operation, with a forgiving fuel system — practical benefits for prairie winters and long service intervals.

Best Applications

The E60 is a strong fit for:

• Deep trenching and drainage — nearly 15 feet of dig depth handles deep tile drainage, water lines, and ditching on farms and large acreages.
• Foundation and excavation work — strong digging force and reach for footings, basements, and site excavation.
• Heavy material handling — the ~6,345 lb lift capacity and conventional-tail-swing stability suit setting culverts, pipe, and heavy material.
• Demanding utility and site prep — maximum compact power for jobs approaching large-machine scale.

For tight-quarters work flush against structures, a reduced or zero-tail-swing machine fits better; for the absolute largest compact work, the flagship E88 steps up. The E60’s strength is delivering near-large-machine power and depth while staying transportable.

How the E60 Fits the Bobcat Lineup

The E60 sits near the top of Bobcat’s compact excavator range — a 6-tonne machine above the 5-tonne E55 and below the flagship 8-tonne E88. With its conventional tail swing, it prioritizes power, lift, and dig depth over tight-quarters access. It’s the choice for buyers who need serious digging capability — approaching what a larger machine offers — while keeping the transportability and versatility of a compact excavator.

Bobcat E60 Reviews & Ratings

On Aglist, open the Reviews & Ratings section on this page to see how the E60 performs where it matters: dig depth and force on demanding jobs, lift capacity and over-the-side stability, hydraulic smoothness, cab comfort and visibility, and serviceability over seasons. If you own an E60, your review helps the next prairie buyer judge this powerful compact machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the operating weight of the Bobcat E60? About 12,646 lb (5,736 kg), placing it in the 6-tonne class. It’s still transportable on a suitable trailer while delivering near-large-machine digging capability.

Does the Bobcat E60 have zero tail swing? No — in North America the E60 uses a conventional tail swing, where the counterweight extends well past the tracks. This delivers the greatest lift capacity in the lineup and a narrower machine width, at the cost of watching the rear near obstacles. For tight-quarters work, a reduced or zero-tail-swing machine fits better.

How deep can the Bobcat E60 dig? Maximum dig depth is about 14.8 feet (177.6 inches), with over 22 feet of reach at ground level. That handles deep trenching, foundations, and drainage that smaller compact excavators can’t reach.

How much horsepower does the Bobcat E60 have? 55 horsepower, paired with finely tuned hydraulics for maximum power in a compact frame — enough for challenging digs and heavy material.

What is the lift capacity of the Bobcat E60? Rated lift capacity is about 6,345 lb (2,878 kg), with bucket digging force around 10,261 lbf. Actual lifting varies with reach and angle — check the lift chart for the positions you’ll use.

What attachments does the Bobcat E60 use? It runs the full range of compact excavator attachments — trenching and grading buckets, augers, hydraulic breakers, compactors, and more — with Bobcat’s coupler options and an extendable arm available for added reach.

Is the Bobcat E60 good for cold-weather work? Yes — with the optional enclosed cab and heat, and the R2-Series engine designed for improved cold-weather operation and a forgiving fuel system, it suits year-round prairie work.

How does the E60 compare to the E55? The E60 (6-tonne, conventional tail swing) offers more power, dig depth, and lift capacity; the E55 (5-tonne, minimal tail swing) offers near-zero tail swing for tighter work. Choose the E60 for maximum power and depth, the E55 for tight-quarters capability.

Should I buy an E60 or step up to the E88? The E88 is the flagship 8-tonne machine with even more dig depth (15+ feet), reach, and the highest lift capacity of any Bobcat compact excavator. If the E60’s capability meets your needs it’s the more transportable choice; if you need maximum compact capability, the E88 steps up.

Related Models

• Compact & Mini Excavators — browse and compare excavators across all brands on Aglist.
• Bobcat E55 — the 5-tonne minimal-tail-swing machine one step down, for tighter work.
• Bobcat E88 — the flagship 8-tonne compact excavator, one step up.