Rebates & Special Offers
Get as low as 0% for 48 months* or $5,000 cash rebate* in lieu of financing.
Download Spec Sheet
Get detailed specifications, dimensions, and performance data for this E38 | Bobcat.
|
General Info
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|---|---|
| Condition: | Showroom |
| Manufacturer: | Bobcat |
| Model: | E38 |
| Machine Type: | Other |
| Coupler: | X-Change |
| Excavator Class: | 3.6 Ton |
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Engine
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|---|---|
| Horsepower: | 33.2 |
| Emissions: | Tier 4 |
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Performance
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|---|---|
| Bucket Digging Force: | 7,284 lbf. |
| Arm Digging Force: | 4,690 lbf. |
| Max Digging Reach (Ground): | 17 ft. |
| Max Digging Depth: | 10.1 ft. |
| Operating Weight: | 7659 lb |
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Hydraulics
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|---|---|
| Aux. Standard Flow: | 16.9 GPM |
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Dimensions
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|---|---|
| Height: | 96.2 IN. |
| Length: | 190 IN. |
| Width: | 69.7 IN. |
| Fuel Tank: | 13.7 gal. |
Description
Bobcat® E38 Compact Excavator
The Bobcat® E38 Compact Excavator is built to take on demanding tasks with a 33 hp engine that offers powerful and efficient performance. Zero tail swing design provides superior maneuverability in tight workspaces, minimizing potential damage to the machine and surroundings. This excavator lets you tailor your setup with an angle blade option, long arm option or clamp-ready extendable arm option to handle a wide variety of applications. With its 3.8-ton size class, the E38 delivers greater digging depth, lifting capacity and overall stability to reach your project goals faster.
What Makes the E38 Different
33.2 HP 1.8L Bobcat Engine
The E38 steps up to a 33.2-horsepower 1.8L Bobcat engine — more power than the E32 and E35 for stronger, faster digging in the 4-ton class. Tier 4 compliant with no diesel particulate filter to regenerate, so you spend more time working and less time waiting.
Three Arm Configurations — Standard, Long & Extendable
Match the arm to the job: the Standard arm for maximum breakout force (121" dig depth), the Long arm for added reach and depth (133"), or the clamp-ready Extendable arm that hydraulically extends up to 30 inches — reaching 153" of dig depth and 235" at ground level when you need it, with full power when retracted.
Zero Tail Swing
The standard E38 house rotates with zero rear overhang past the tracks — slew and dig flush against walls, fences, and obstacles without repositioning. Work confidently along property lines and next to structures where conventional excavators can't.
2-Speed Travel with Auto Shift
Select high range for fast jobsite movement, low range for pushing and dozing. Auto Shift automatically transitions the travel motors between ranges under load — no manual downshifting. A directional lug track delivers a smoother ride and less vibration when traveling.
In-Track Swing Frame
Bobcat's exclusive In-Track Swing Frame keeps all swing castings and cylinders within the track width, even in an offset digging position. Dig flush against walls and obstacles without exposing components. Competing machines extend outside the tracks in offset positions — limiting access and risking damage.
Strong Digging Forces
7,284 lbf of bucket digging force and 4,690 lbf of arm digging force let the E38 break through tough, compacted ground and load dense material with authority. Paired with 16.9 gpm of selectable auxiliary flow, it also runs augers, breakers, and grapples without bogging down.
Depth Check System
Achieve accurate grade without leaving the cab. The optional depth check system delivers real-time dig depth measurement to eliminate over-digging (and the cost of backfilling) and under-digging (and the cost of manual labor to finish). Precise, efficient, and entirely operator-controlled from the seat.
Machine IQ Telematics
Monitor your E38's location, health, and security status 24/7 from the Bobcat Owner Portal or Machine IQ mobile app. Remote engine disable/enable, geofence boundaries, motion alerts, fault code notifications, and maintenance reminders keep you in control wherever the machine works.
Compare the MX Family
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| E10 | E17 | E20 | E26 | E32 | E35 | E38Viewing | E40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specifications | ||||||||
| Tail Swing Overhang | Zero | Zero | 0 in | 3.5 in | 16.9 in | 3.2 in | 3.2 in | 1.6 in |
| Operating Weight | 2,593 lb | 3,774 lb | 4,167 lb | 6,489 lb | 8,497 lb | 8,362 lb | 7,893 lb | 9,180 lb |
| Horsepower | 10.2 hp | 15.0 hp | 15.0 hp | 24.8 hp | 24.8 hp | 24.8 hp | 33.2 hp | 40.4 hp |
| Rated Lift Capacity | 965 lb | 807 lb | 1,382 lb | 2,359 lb | 2,733 lb | 3,206 lb | 3,318 lb | 3,939 lb |
| Aux Hydraulic Flow | 5.3 gpm | 7.9 gpm | 7.9 gpm | 14.2 gpm | 16.9 gpm | 16.9 gpm | 16.9 gpm | 16.9 gpm |
| Bucket Digging Force | 1,865 lbf | 4,121 lbf | 4,121 lbf | 5,652 lbf | 7,284 lbf | 7,284 lbf | 7,284 lbf | 7,284 lbf |
| Max Dig Depth | 60 in | 87.8 in | 100.2 in | 114.4 in | 153.2 in | 133 in | 133.2 in | 130.8 in |
| Max Reach at Ground Height | 122.4 in | 154.8 in | 169.2 in | 192 in | 225.3 in | 215.8 in | 204 in | 215.2 in |
| Max Dump Height | 60 in | 98 in | 110.2 in | 128.8 in | 154.5 in | 144.3 in | 136.8 in | 150 in |
| Width *E10–E20 w/ blade retracted |
28 in | 38.6 in | 38.6 in | 61 in | 61.8 in | 69.7 in | 69.7 in | 72.8 in |
| Travel Speed (High/Low) |
1.7/1.7 mph | 1.2/2.5 mph | 1.3/2.5 mph | 3.2/1.8 mph | 2.9/1.6 mph | 2.9/1.6 mph | 2.9/1.6 mph | 3.2/1.6 mph |
Specifications subject to change without notice.
E38 Features & Benefits
Performance 13
2-Speed Travel
Maneuver faster with the Bobcat 2-Speed option. The quicker you can move on your jobsite, the faster you can complete your work. Select low range for pushing and dozing and high range for increased jobsite mobility.
Auto Shift
Auto-Shift travel shifts the machine out of high range and back automatically, offering superb travel performance without having to manually downshift. It automatically transitions the travel motors to and from high range, giving you greater tractive effort with no manual shifting. Simply select the travel speed range and go. A directional lug track also provides a smoother ride and less vibration when traveling.
Fingertip Boom Swing Control
Bobcat® excavator controls allow you to make fine movements with low effort and maximum comfort – so you can get precise results in less time, with less fatigue. A rocker-style thumb switch, located on the left joystick, provides superior boom swing control with better metering than foot pedals. Multifunction operation, such as swinging and traveling simultaneously, is also easier. With the boom swing control on the joystick, you get more floor space and foot room that provides a comfort advantage on long, tiring jobs.
Advanced Hydraulics
Whether you're traveling across a jobsite, backfilling, or digging, your excavator's hydraulic system contributes to performance more than any other feature. When compared to other brands, advanced hydraulics on Bobcat® excavators deliver the most horsepower in working range.
Predictable Control
Bobcat® compact excavators deliver the house, boom, arm and bucket control you expect in the most challenging work environments. It's the confidence in these precise movements that determines whether you complete the job using your machine, or with two workers and a pair of shovels.
Blade Float
Simplify grading and leveling. Blade float exerts a minimal, consistent down-force on the blade, with minimal operator input.
Dual-Flange Roller System
Dig with confidence over the side of the machine and experience greater slewing ability thanks to the dual flange track rollers. Operators will also notice smoother, more comfortable ride quality while moving across bumpy jobsites.
Deluxe Instrumentation
With deluxe instrumentation, vital machine information is at your fingertips. A full-color panel gives you access to operation data, functional lockouts, maintenance reminders, eco mode, and includes an integrated keyless start system.
Multiple Arm Configurations
Multiple arm configurations are available: standard, long, and extendable. Depending on the reach, depth, power, and lifting performance you need, there's an arm to meet the needs of your job. The standard power arm offers maximum arm breakout force. For added reach and dig depth, equip your machine with the optional long arm. The first and only clamp-ready extendable arm option delivers power and lifting performance when retracted, combined with additional reach and dig depth when extended.
Integrated Rear Counterweight
For added stability, the counterweight on compact excavators is integrated into the structure of the machine. This design contributes to an improvement of lift-over-side capacity up to 15 percent in select models. You'll notice the difference when lifting a heavy load — such as a culvert — and slewing over the side of the machine.
Angle Blade
With the angle blade, you can configure your compact excavator's blade to the left or right up to 25 degrees to find the best position for your work. Left and right adjustments help you backfill and grade faster. Downward adjustments, available on some models, stabilize your excavator when digging on an uneven surface or trenching at an angle.
Depth Check System
Achieve an accurate grade every time without leaving your cab by using the Bobcat® depth check system. Efficient and easy to use, the system delivers accurate dig depth measurement for precise digging performance. It eliminates over-digging and the costs associated with backfilling and compacting fill material. It also prevents under-digging and the resulting need for manual labor to finalize depth or grade.
Extendable Arm
If your jobs often require an excavator with greater reach, choose a Bobcat compact excavator with the extendable-arm option. When needed, the arm can be hydraulically extended up to 30 inches and then retracted to its standard position for maximum arm force and lift performance.
Comfort 2
Premium Cab
Premium comfort gives you the endurance to power through long days and tough jobs. When you step inside the Bobcat compact excavator cab, you'll see refinements everywhere you look, including plenty of headroom and legroom, clear visibility, and a larger suspension seat. Each feature has been designed to help keep you working all day long.
Auto Idle
Auto Idle makes it easier and quieter to pause your work, take a quick break or communicate on the jobsite — all while saving fuel. When machine functions aren't used, the machine automatically idles the engine until you start working again.
Uptime Protection 9
In-Track Swing Frame
The exclusive In-Track Swing Frame on Bobcat® compact excavators gets you closer to your work. When you dig in an offset position, the swing castings and cylinders remain within the tracks to help you work in small spaces. You can dig flush against an obstacle, minimizing the chances of inadvertent contact and reducing operating costs of repairs to your machines or adjacent structures. Other brands cannot match this feature: when they work in an offset digging position, their components extend outside the tracks and reduce their ability to dig in tight areas.
Protected Components
No other manufacturer provides so many job-proven features to give you more uptime in the field. Bobcat® steel hydraulic lines offer better protection than rubber hoses — routed through the lower portion of the boom swing casting and tucked securely into the top area of the boom structure, preventing costly damage and protecting component life. The boom, arm and attachment/bucket offer better lifting performance and longer durability. Cast pivot joints provide precise pin alignment which lengthens the service life of pivot pins and bushings. The work group easily accommodates a second set of auxiliary hydraulics for easier, lower-cost installation. A strong, lightweight composite door on cab models withstands years of tough work.
Simple Machine Tie-Down
Get on and off the jobsite faster. Secure your load quickly, without searching for hard-to-reach tie-downs.
Integrated Slew Brakes
Integrated slew brakes hold your load steady on slopes for more accurate placement. It's easier to position the excavator, and you no longer need to manually engage the slew brake during transport.
X-Frame Undercarriage
With better ground clearance, the X-frame undercarriage improves your performance in difficult conditions. Dirt and other materials easily pass through this undercarriage, making cleanup faster and leaving less debris on trailers. The X-frame design places drive motors within the width of the tracks, protecting the assembly and improving agility in soft conditions. Recessed motor covers eliminate potential damage and improve your uptime on the job.
Protection Technology
Bobcat controls and electrical systems are engineered with more watertight, corrosion-resistant connectors than other manufacturers' machines.
Multiple Tailswing Configurations
Choose an excavator model with the tail swing configuration that best matches the needs of your jobsite. Conventional Tail Swing models deliver the greatest lift capacity and a narrower stance for easier trailer loading and better access through tight areas. Minimal Tail Swing provides more maneuverability than conventional tail swing, with the rear of the house protruding no more than 6 in. beyond the width of the tracks. Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) keeps the rear of the house within the width of the tracks through full rotation, giving you the most unrestricted rotation for working close to objects or against a wall.
Steel Tracks
Steel tracks increase your pushing force when working in harsh or abrasive jobsites. The segmented construction makes for quick, convenient repair and the rubber pads give you a more comfortable ride.
Reversible Cutting Edge
Extend the life of your backfill blade through the bolt-on, one-piece and reversible cutting edge. Compared to welded-on cutting edges, the cutting edge on the angle blade is easily reversible and replaceable. Available on select models.
Serviceability 2
Panoramic Serviceability
Maintenance is necessary, and Bobcat compact excavators are designed to make it easy. A wide opening gives you more space to work, while a smart layout gives you access to critical components. Access engine and pump package, valve bank, cooling system and plumbing using the swing-open tailgate and side access hood. Filters, fluid checks, air cleaner, battery and other maintenance points are simple to access. A multi-groove auto-tensioning belt made of tough DuPont Kevlar® requires no adjustment, making maintenance much easier. Fewer 90-degree fittings result in more efficient hydraulic fluid transfer and better utilization of engine horsepower. A centralized grease bank makes fast, simple work of lubricating the slew bearing and slew pinion.
Greaseless Pin Joint
Unlike most joints, which require greasing as part of a daily checklist, Bobcat excavators include a greaseless boom swing cylinder pin joint. Instead of a typical bushing, Bobcat compact excavators use a sealed bushing on the boom cylinder pin joint that doesn't require greasing — less time maintaining your machine and more time working.
Digital Connectivity 1
Machine IQ
Available in the Owner Portal and Machine IQ mobile app, Machine IQ telematics lets you monitor your machine's location, health, and security status so you're always in control. Protect your equipment with remote engine disable/enable, geofence boundaries, motion detection and curfew alerts that notify you when unauthorized activity occurs. Reduce downtime with proactive critical fault code notifications and maintenance reminders that keep you ahead of potential issues.
Why Buyers Choose the E38
Zero-tail-swing house — slew and dig flush against walls and obstacles without rear overhang
Three arm options — standard for max force, long for added depth, extendable for ~30" more reach on demand
33.2 hp 1.8L Bobcat engine with strong digging forces — 7,284 lbf bucket, 4,690 lbf arm
16.9 gpm auxiliary flow with selectable flow control — runs augers, breakers, grapples and more
In-track swing frame and steel hydraulic lines protect components for more uptime
Enclosed cab with heat and A/C available, plus suspension seat and deluxe instrumentation
4-ton class at 69.7" wide — easy to trailer without a CDL while still digging 10+ ft deep
Who Uses the E38 and What For
The Bobcat E38 R2 is a 4-ton compact excavator built for contractors who need real digging power and depth in a machine that still fits tight sites. With zero tail swing and three selectable arm configurations, it adapts from confined utility work to deep trenching and grading.
- Digging footings and foundations
- Trenching and backfilling
- Site grading and leveling
- Small-structure and interior demolition
- Loading spoil into trucks and dumpsters
- Water, sewer and storm line installation
- Electrical and gas conduit trenching
- Working flush to buildings and walls with zero tail swing
- Repairs in tight easements and right-of-ways
- Pond, water-feature and drainage excavation
- Tree and stump removal
- Retaining-wall and hardscape prep
- Auger and grapple work with auxiliary hydraulics
Arm Options
Choose the arm configuration that best matches your work.
Standard Arm
Provides maximum breakout force and lifting ability. The best choice when power and digging performance are the priority.
Long Arm
Gives you longer reach and more dig depth. Ideal when you need to work farther from the machine or dig deeper trenches.
Extendable Arm
Delivers the power and performance of a standard arm with extra reach on demand — up to 2 feet greater than the long arm, depending on the model.
E38 Arm Configuration Comparison
† Extendable arm shown retracted. When extended, adds approximately 30 in. to reach and dig depth.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Full Specifications
General
| Condition | Showroom |
| Machine Type | Other |
Engine
| Engine Make | Bobcat |
| Horsepower | 33.2 |
| Emissions | Tier 4 |
Performance
| Travel Speed | 2.9 / 1.6 mph |
| Dig Depth | 10.1 ft. |
| Max Reach at Ground Level | 17 ft. |
| Max Dump Height | 137 in |
| Bucket Digging Force | 7,284 lbf. |
| Arm Digging Force | 4,690 lbf. |
| Boom Swing | 75° left / 55° right |
Hydraulics
| Aux. Standard Flow | 16.9 GPM |
| Relief Pressure | 2,987 psi |
Dimensions & Weight
| Height | 96.2 IN. |
| Length | 190 IN. |
| Width | 69.7 IN. |
| Operating Weight | 7659 lb |
| Tail Swing Overhang | 0 in (ZTS) |
| Fuel Tank | 13.7 gal. |
Features
| Tail Swing Type | Zero |
| Auxiliary Hydraulics | ■ Standard |
| Rubber Track | ■ Standard |
| Cab Enclosure | ○ Optional |
| Cab Heater | — Not Available |
| Air Conditioning | ○ Optional |
| Radio | ○ Optional |
| Quick Tach System | ■ Standard |
| Selectable Aux. Flow | ■ Standard |
| Angle Blade | ○ Optional |
E38 Arm Configuration Specs
| Specification | Standard Arm | Long Arm | Extendable Arm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 33.2 hp | 33.2 hp | 33.2 hp |
| Operating Weight | 7,893 lbs | 8,596 lbs | 8,824 lbs |
| Arm Digging Force | 4,690 lbf | 4,074 lbf | 4,592 lbf |
| Bucket Digging Force | 7,284 lbf | 7,284 lbf | 7,284 lbf |
| Travel Speed (Max) | 2.9 mph | 2.9 mph | 2.9 mph |
| Dig Depth | 121 in (10.1 ft) | 133 in (11.1 ft) | 153 in (12.8 ft)† |
| Max Dump Height | 137 in | 144 in | 155 in |
| Reach at Ground Level | 204 in | 216 in | 235 in† |
| Transport Length | 190 in | 190.4 in | 190.4 in |
| Width | 69.7 in | 69.7 in | 69.7 in |
| Cab Height | 96.2 in | 96.2 in | 96.2 in |
| Tail Swing Overhang | 0 in (ZTS) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in |
| Aux. Hydraulic Flow | 16.9 gpm | 16.9 gpm | 16.9 gpm |
| Aux. Pressure | 2,987 psi | 2,987 psi | 2,987 psi |
| Fuel Tank | 13.7 gal | 13.7 gal | 13.7 gal |
Source: Bobcat Company published specifications. Extendable arm shown in retracted position; when extended adds approximately 30 in. to reach and dig depth.
Specifications subject to change without notice. Contact your local Carleton Equipment dealer to confirm details.
Rebates & Special Offers
Get as low as 0% for 48 months* or $5,000 cash rebate* in lieu of financing.
Download Spec Sheet
Get detailed specifications, dimensions, and performance data for this E38 | Bobcat.
|
General Info
|
|
|---|---|
| Condition: | Showroom |
| Manufacturer: | Bobcat |
| Model: | E38 |
| Machine Type: | Other |
| Coupler: | X-Change |
| Excavator Class: | 3.6 Ton |
|
Engine
|
|
|---|---|
| Horsepower: | 33.2 |
| Emissions: | Tier 4 |
|
Performance
|
|
|---|---|
| Bucket Digging Force: | 7,284 lbf. |
| Arm Digging Force: | 4,690 lbf. |
| Max Digging Reach (Ground): | 17 ft. |
| Max Digging Depth: | 10.1 ft. |
| Operating Weight: | 7659 lb |
|
Hydraulics
|
|
|---|---|
| Aux. Standard Flow: | 16.9 GPM |
|
Dimensions
|
|
|---|---|
| Height: | 96.2 IN. |
| Length: | 190 IN. |
| Width: | 69.7 IN. |
| Fuel Tank: | 13.7 gal. |












