Bobcat Equipment South Africa’s sponsoring the loan of a B730 Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB) and an E20 mini excavator will ensure the success of the South African Downhill Cup 2019 at Iron Throne Bike Park, Hartebeespoort Cableway on Sunday 28 July.

The Bobcat machines were supplied with a highly experienced and efficient operator. The TLB was used to move large volumes of soil and to start building the jump line, while the mini excavator shaped and built the berms.

“Bobcat sponsoring the loan of the machines translated into a massive saving in both time and manual labour. It essentially reduced the timeframe of the track build from months to under a week,” according to Hartbeespoort local and track designer Charl van Zyl. The productivity was aided by the fact that both the machines are so fuel-efficient that they do not need to be refuelled that often, thereby reducing downtime significantly.

Van Zyl had long nurtured the dream of cable-car assisted mountain biking, designing and building the world-class trail in time for the 2018 South African Championship in association with landowner WC du Plessis. The massive success of this initial event proved that van Zyl’s dream was, indeed, viable.

“This is the only cableway-assisted downhill track in South Africa,” van Zyl points out. Lift-assisted cycling is common in established mountain-biking venues in the Alps and Canadian Rockies, for example. “It allows riders to practice multiple descents, without incurring the fatigue of having to pedal back up to the top again every time.”

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of getting the bikes up the Magaliesberg Mountain on the cable car is how to secure them. Here a local specialist fabricated specialised gondola racks according to exact Swiss standards.

“Downhill is probably one of the most loved and respected mountain-biking disciplines in the world,” van Zyl notes. The two-day South African Downhill Cup 2019 is expected to attract 150 riders and over 1 000 spectators. An added drawcard on the Sunday is a classic car show organised by the Rotary Club, which is anticipated to draw even more spectators to the downhill event itself.

“This will ensure that Bobcat receives significant exposure during the event, as the company is dedicated to assisting local communities and simultaneously boosting its brand awareness and goodwill,” according to Bobcat Equipment South Africa Marketing Manager Madel Dalla Pria.

“To build parks like this and the big exciting jumps that are required needs specialised equipment, and our compact machines are ideal for this unique application. We are proud to be associated with such a unique event, and wish all the participants and organisers a wonderful time,” Bobcat Rental GM Vanessa Koszulinski comments.

The B730 TLB is a truly versatile ‘back-to-basics’ machine. From digging to trenching, breaking, or even materials-handling, this TLB can get the job done in no time at all. Features include a 100 hp turbocharged engine, a powershift transmission as standard, 18" front tyres and two-wheel steer, superior breakout force with double loader bucket cylinders, and reduced maintenance costs due to a bolt-type cylinder head design.

The Bobcat E20 mini or compact excavator delivers impressive performance in tight areas, with minimal repositioning required. The undercarriage can be retracted hydraulically, and then expanded for a wider footprint and greater performance. Zero tail swing allows for extra manoeuvrability on even the most restricted jobsites.