ONEIC Purchases First Mini-Excavators in Oman
Oman National Engineering & Investment Co. (SAOG), based in Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman, has taken delivery of the first mini-excavators to be sold in the country, comprising 20 new Bobcat E20 compact excavators supplied by International Heavy Equipment LLC (IHE).
Gaby Rhayem, Regional Director Middle East and Africa for Bobcat, said: “We are delighted with this order, which is the result of pioneering work by Bobcat and IHE to introduce the mini-excavator concept in Oman. This tender was won by a joint effort between IHE and Bobcat, involving our staff in Dubai and Doosan Bobcat management including Jose Cuadrado, Vice President Compact Equipment – EMEA, who was part of our team which visited SAOG prior to winning the order.“
Oman National Engineering & Investment Co. was formed in 1978 to manage the Rural Electricity System for the Ministry of Electricity & Water Established. For more than 35 years, the company has developed a proven track record, serving hundreds of thousands of customers across the country and today is a leading supplier of services to the Utility and Engineering sectors in Oman.
Operating from the Gala area of Muscat, IHE is the Trucks, Buses and Equipment company of The Zubair Corporation. The company has been the authorised distributor for the Bobcat range of equipment in Oman for well over 25 years. The Bobcat range is one of many world renowned manufacturers and products that IHE represents in Oman.
The Bobcat E20 2 tonne model is a Zero Housing Swing (ZHS) excavator, which means that it offers enhanced Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) functionality by further protecting the front upper structure corners turning within the swing circle. The ZHS configuration in the E20 excavator therefore provides 320° of free rotation when working close to structures, without sacrificing on operator comfort or performance.
Oman National Engineering & Investment Co. chose the Bobcat E20 excavator because it is a state-of-the-art machine that provides a perfect balance uniting all the benefits of the ZHS design with the high performance and stability expected of a market-leading 2 tonne conventional tail swing excavator.
According to Bobcat, the E20 compact excavator provides an unmatched combination of class-leading breakout forces, working range, smoothness of workgroup functions, hydraulic output and fast cycle times, centred around a roomy and comfortable operator environment, durability and excellent service access.
Optimum Operator Comfort and Safety
Like all Bobcat compact equipment, the E20 excavator has been built around the operator, providing optimal ergonomics for operators of all sizes. There is ample space for the feet with a flat floor for easy cleaning with floor panels that can be easily removed for service purposes, ergonomic pedals and easy access to all controls, storage box and cup holders. In addition, when not in use, the foot pedals can be folded back to further increase room for the operator’s feet.
The unique hydraulic system on the E20 model makes the best possible use of the engine power on the excavator. Fast cycle times, combined with smooth control of the class-leading breakout forces provide maximum productivity. Boom and arm cylinder cushioning, another unique feature in this class of excavator also increases overall smoothness.
With enhanced stability and lifting capacity, combined with best-in-class proportional auxiliary flow, the E20 model offers the highest versatility in operating a wide range of attachments. Stability is essential for making maximum use of the digging forces and lifting capacities. Though it is a true ZHS machine, the stability of the E20 model is comparable to that of best-in-class conventional machines on the market.
Expandable Undercarriage
When fully retracted, the undercarriage allows the excavator to go through narrow spaces; and, when fully expanded, it provides optimum stability for the excavator, especially when working over the side. Expansion and retraction are simple and easy via a switch on the control panel.
The use of highly durable materials ensures that the Bobcat E20 model offers hard-wearing and robust performance. All components and design features are tested under extreme conditions and the heavy steel gauge tailgate ensures extra durability and peace of mind while working.
The tailgate and side cover can be quickly opened to provide immediate access to conveniently located components such as easily cleaned side-by-side coolers and other daily maintenance and service points, reducing downtime to a minimum.
IHE has Bobcat trained engineers and technicians to support the complete range of Bobcat products and maintains a huge inventory of Bobcat parts to meet all the needs of Bobcat customers in Oman. In addition, IHE’s parts and service operation is open seven days a week to offer extended support to Bobcat customers in the Sultanate.
The success of IHE has been recognised by the number of awards the company has been bestowed by Bobcat for achieving marketing targets and for the excellence of the company’s aftersales support.
IHE’s parent company, The Zubair Corporation, is one of the most respected names in Oman and the Middle East. It is a success story that began life as the Muscat Trading Company, a small shop in the bustling winding alleys of Muscat souq and today has become a major business group comprising nearly 60 wholly owned companies, subsidiaries and associates in Oman, the Middle East, India, North Africa, the Far East and the USA.