Bobcat E38 Compact Excavator
The zero tail-swing E38 provides unrestricted rotation to tackle big projects on confined worksites.
Because comfort is closely tied to productivity, the E38 is designed with premium comfort features to keep you productive on the most challenging jobs.
Choose from a range of packages – from an open canopy to an enclosed cab with the most advanced, performance-boosting technology.
With leading horsepower and hydraulic performance, the zero-tail-swing E38 will help you accomplish more in less time. It features a 33-horsepower engine, unmatched cab comforts and the latest technology to increase your productivity.
Call Bobcat of Huntsville at (256) 895-3311 For Unit Availability.
204 in
Maximum Reach
7,893 lb
Operating Weight
7,284 lbf
Digging Force
Compact Excavator Financing & Cash Rebates
As low as 0 % for 36 months or up to $7,000 USD in lieu of financing. Offer ends October 31, 2025.
Bobcat E38 Compact Excavator Features
Faster Cycle Times
Operators often tell us that a Bobcat compact excavator can work and dig faster. Responsive and precise controls engage powerful work group functions for fast cycle times. Advanced hydraulics are finely tuned to deliver maximum hydraulic horsepower.
Auto Shift
Get superb travel performance – without the need to manually downshift – with auto-shift travel. Automatically transitions the travel motors to and from high range for greater tractive effort and ease of use. Simply select the travel speed range and go. A directional lug track also provides a smoother ride and less vibration when traveling
Predictable Control
Bobcat compact excavators help you confidently make precise movements – so you can leave hand tools behind on jobs that require finesse. Bobcat-exclusive control valve systems deliver smooth operation without sacrificing cycle times. Fingertip controls for auxiliary hydraulics, boom swing and angle blade make multi-functioning easier.
Non-DPF Engine
Most competitor compact excavators require a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet emissions standards. Bobcat compact excavators meet emissions standards without a DPF. DPF regeneration can interrupt work, and cleaning leads to more downtime and maintenance.
Sealed Connectors
Jobsites can be dirty, dusty and wet. Bobcat electrical systems are made for it. More sealed connections than in other manufacturers’ machines. Watertight and corrosion resistant.
Protected Components
Compare Bobcat compact excavators to other machines, and you’ll see a thoughtful design that stands up to common jobsite challenges. More steel hydraulic lines, which are more durable than rubber hoses. Hydraulic lines are routed to prevent costly damage from impacts in the trench. Well-designed mounts and minimal fittings stand up to heavy-duty work. Cast pivot joints provide precise pin alignment for longer life of pivot pins and bushings.
Clear Visibility
When you have clear visibility to your work area, your productivity can take off. Cabs with narrow cab pillars and more glass surface area. Cabs with narrow cab pillars and more glass surface area. More visibility to the work group and angle blade.
Operator-Friendly Controls
Bobcat compact excavators have simple, ergonomic controls that keep you productive all day long. More controls at your fingertips for precision, flexibility and low fatigue. Newly designed joysticks fit better in your hands.
Maximum Headroom and Legroom
Inside the cab of a Bobcat compact (mini) excavator, you have plenty of space to work comfortably. Designed for all-day comfort. Wide suspension seat. More floorspace.
Depth Check
Prevent over- or under-digging. The Bobcat depth check system makes it easy to achieve an accurate dig depth without exiting your mini excavator. Operators set a desired digging depth and work against that benchmark. Sensors detect the exact position of the bucket's teeth. Audible alerts indicate whether the operator is approaching, at or beyond the target.
Deluxe Display
The Bobcat depth check system integrates with Bobcat displays for compact excavators. Install easily with deluxe instrumentation, touchscreen or color display. Eliminate the need for an add-on display monitor.
Optional Laser Receiver
Get more flexibility to move around larger jobsites while using the depth check system. Bench off a laser signal rather than a fixed grade point. Compatible with optional CR600 and BLR 2 laser receivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compact or mini excavators are built for digging in confined jobsites. Most models feature a hydraulic-powered arm attached to a track-mounted chassis.
Construction, landscaping and utility professionals rely on small excavators to work where larger machines can’t fit. They can maneuver between buildings and around obstacles with minimal or zero tail swing, giving them an advantage over large excavators. Smaller, electric models can even operate indoors.
Breakers, plate compactors and drum mulchers are used to expand the machine’s capabilities. With the right compact excavator attachments, operators can demolish concrete, trench, clear brush and more.
Bobcat compact (mini) excavators range in operating weights:
- The smallest Bobcat mini excavator model, the E10, weighs 2,593 pounds.
- The heaviest Bobcat mini excavator, the E88, weighs 19,600 pounds.
Additional factors that affect compact excavator weight:
- Attachments for your excavator can add hundreds of pounds.
- Steel tracks increase weight compared to rubber tracks.
- Other features like enclosed cabs or add-on counterweights also contribute to overall weight.
Bobcat compact excavator lift capacity varies depending on model:
- The lightest-lifting model, the E10e electric compact excavator can handle up to 704 pounds.
- The heaviest-lifting model, the Bobcat E88 can lift up to 10,020 pounds.
Lift capacity will help you lift more and penetrate harder, denser and heavier materials. It affects your efficiency when digging, hardscaping, installing drainage or utilities, and performing demolition.
As you move up to larger mini excavators, performance and lift capacities are more suited for heavier tasks, like excavation, handling large rocks, heavy construction, tree removal and bulk aggregate work.
Operating a mini excavator isn’t hard, but it requires proper training. With Bobcat operator training courses, you can quickly learn what you need to know:
- Safe and efficient operation
- Understanding of key components and safety features
- Detailed explanations of controls and functions
- Maneuvering, traveling and working safely
Courses are available online to learn at your own pace. They make learning easy with interactive videos, graphics, quizzes and more.
Bobcat offers six types of attachment interfaces for mini excavators, giving you flexibility in choosing a quick coupler that works for you – or you can go without a coupler by pinning the attachment directly to the excavator arm via the pin-on system. You’ll notice a few differences in how to use each one, from basic pin-on mounts to advanced hydraulic couplers.
Pin-On System
The pin-on system for Bobcat compact excavators provides a simple, direct-mount solution for operators who rarely change attachments.
- Attachments can be pinned directly to the excavator arm, with no coupler involved
- Ideal for long-term use of a single bucket or attachment
- Allows reverse mounting for backfilling or digging under pipes
- Requires manual pin alignment and tools to swap attachments
Mechanical X-Change Coupler
Compared to pin-on systems, the Bobcat X-Change™ coupler, provides a faster, easier way to manually swap attachments.
- Standard on many Bobcat mini excavators
- Reliable pin-and-hook design ensures reliable attachment hookup
- Drive a single pin in and out of the bucket or attachment to secure
- Preserves strong breakout force and optimal bucket angles
- Does not allow for attachments to be mounted in reverse
Hydraulic X-Change System
If you switch out attachments frequently, the Hydraulic X-Change™ Coupler provides some of the fastest changes in the industry. You can change non-hydraulic attachments without even leaving your seat.
- Retention pins extend/retract at the push of a switch
- Delivers faster changes and minimal downtime
- Delivers optimal geometry to maximize breakout force
- Compared to pin-grabber couplers, provides superior range of motion for additional vertical wall depth
Mechanical Pin-Grabber Coupler
The mechanical pin-grabber makes changing attachments quicker and easier on smaller Bobcat excavators. It works with nearly the same number of attachments as the X-Change couplers.
- Quick unlock and release with a dedicated release tool
- One cab exit required – no repeated trips in and out
- Automatically locks next attachment when bucket is curled
- Supports reverse bucket mounting for digging under obstacles
Hydraulic Pin-Grabber Coupler
Change non-hydraulic attachments in a hurry with the familiar and functional hydraulic pin-grabber coupler. This easy-to-use quick coupler has nearly the same attachment compatibility as the Mechanical X-Change and Hydraulic X-Change systems.
- Switch attachments from your seat with the on-off and intent switches in the cab
- Hydraulically activated locking mechanism provides fast, easy attachment changes
- Supports shovel (reverse bucket) digging for work under pipes and utilities
Bobcat E38 Compact Excavator Specs
** Listed specs based on machine base model. Actual specs may vary depending on model and options **
Specifications
Performance
Dimensions
Bobcat E38 Compact Excavator
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