J H Fencing, based in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, has purchased the first Bobcat MaxControl Remote Control system in the UK from Grays Machinery - the local Authorised Bobcat Dealer. J H is using the equipment to control a Bobcat T450 track loader, also supplied by Grays last year. 

JH owner Jack Hampshire said: “The MaxControl system is perfect for remote control of the Bobcat T450 equipped with our post knocker attachment, which we use to install fence posts at a fixed distance apart. I use the MaxControl system on my iphone to move the machine and attachment from one installation point to another, positioning the machine exactly where it is needed.

“As well as allowing me to do the fence installation work by myself from outside the machine, the MaxControl system gives me a perfect view of all the work area. This means I require less staff and it also greatly increases work efficiency, being able to load and unload more safely and to possibly operate in places where I may have felt less comfortable inside the loader. As a result, I am finishing work in around two-thirds of the time, taking 2-3 hours off a 10 hour day.”  

Bobcat MaxControl is a new hardware kit, combined with an iOS application, with easy touch controls that are designed for smartphones, so that remote control using the system is just as intuitive as using a phone app. MaxControl is available now on iOS devices, but an Android version will be available shortly.

With MaxControl, owners of Bobcat loaders do not need the latest machine or costly hardware updates to enjoy remote control, as the system is compatible with all Bobcat loaders with Selectable Joystick Controls dating as far back as 2004. 

"The set-up is child's play and very intuitive. You simply connect the device to the machine via the joystick control and a remote dashboard forms and is displayed on the smartphone," added Jack. "

Thanks to this flexibility, I can simply start the machine, pull out my mobile phone and control the machine remotely. Switching back to manual driving is just as quick. It is easy and intuitive to use and has a range of up to 100 m. Being based on an app, I know I can also get the newest features the moment they are available."

www.bobcat.com