Italian Fire Brigade adds new Bobcat loader

Rescue experts from the SOG Lazio take delivery of their new Bobcat T870 compact loader.

The Special Operating Group (SOG), part of the Regional Directorate of Firefighters, Public Aid and Civil Defense for Lazio, is an emergency-response team that is deployed to areas that have suffered natural disasters.

They are responsible clearing debris, mud and rubble in order to open up vehicle routes, and to make buildings and river embankment safe. The SOG rescue team, which can be deployed anywhere in Italy, operates a fleet of customised earthmoving machines.

Designed for heavy loads, its new T870 has an operating weight of 5.8 t and features a 5-Link torsion suspension undercarriage.

It is fitted with a Tier 4 diesel engine that provides 74.6. kW of power. According to Bobcat, was further adapted to meet the needs of the fire brigade department.

Providing access: The Bobcat T870 clears debris after a mud slide on a mountain road.

The manufacturer sealed and pressurized the cab to prevent smoke from entering and installed an activated carbon filtration system.

The T870 was also painted in the Italian Fire Brigade’s distinctive red livery.

Gianfranco Di Leo, chief officer of the SOG Lazio, said: “An important prerogative that distinguishes this machine from those of competing manufacturers is that the pipes of the front hydraulic outlets are totally protected as they pass inside the arm.

“This aspect represents an indispensable advantage when working in areas where there is protruding steel and other sharp objects.”

A total of 20 SOG team members underwent intensive theoretical and practical training to operate the new loader. This was organized and delivered by Bobcat’s authorised dealer Idio Ridolfi & Figli.

Gianfranco said: “We are very satisfied with the performance of the Bobcat T870 compact track loader.

“The machine has been optimal in terms of lifting capacity, dynamism and manoeuvring speed, allowing for a significant reduction in rescue operations.

“The compact dimensions of the T870 makes it possible to access even the narrowest roads, and the stability of the machine and the ability to adapt to the ground surfaces in difficult conditions, have guaranteed maximum safety at work.”

The T870 was painted in the distinctive red livery of the Italian Fire Brigade.

The new loader joins a fleet of machines that are used to clear disaster areas across Italy.