E38 | Bobcat

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Get as low as 0% for 48 months* or $5,000 cash rebate* in lieu of financing.

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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.

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.

0%
for up to 48 months*
Financing Available
OR
$5,000USD*
cash rebate in lieu of financing
Customer Rebate

See participating dealers for details.

*Program disclosure: 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 48 months and $5,000 USD customer rebate offers are mutually exclusive — select one or the other. Financing subject to credit approval through an authorized Bobcat financing provider. Offer applied at time of purchase. Offers valid on qualifying new Bobcat compact excavator models through participating dealers only. See dealer for complete details, eligibility requirements, and program end dates. Offers subject to change without notice.

E38 Key Features

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.

Bobcat Compact Excavators

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

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.

Bobcat E38 R2 Compact Excavator

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

Customers & Applications

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.

Excavation & Site Work

  • Digging footings and foundations
  • Trenching and backfilling
  • Site grading and leveling
  • Small-structure and interior demolition
  • Loading spoil into trucks and dumpsters

Utility & Underground

  • 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

Landscape & Hardscape

  • Pond, water-feature and drainage excavation
  • Tree and stump removal
  • Retaining-wall and hardscape prep
  • Auger and grapple work with auxiliary hydraulics
E38 Configuration

Arm Options

Choose the arm configuration that best matches your work.

Standard on E38

Standard Arm

Provides maximum breakout force and lifting ability. The best choice when power and digging performance are the priority.

Optional on E38

Long Arm

Gives you longer reach and more dig depth. Ideal when you need to work farther from the machine or dig deeper trenches.

Optional on E38

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

Working Dimensions
Dig Depth
Standard
121 in
Long
133 in
Extendable
153 in†
Max Reach
Standard
204 in
Long
216 in
Extendable
235 in†
Dump Height
Standard
137 in
Long
144 in
Extendable
155 in†
Digging Forces
Bucket Force
Standard
7284 lbf
Long
7284 lbf
Extendable
7284 lbf
Arm Force
Standard
4690 lbf
Long
4074 lbf
Extendable
4592 lbf

† Extendable arm shown retracted. When extended, adds approximately 30 in. to reach and dig depth.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

Full Specifications

Download Spec Sheet
General
ConditionShowroom
Machine TypeOther
Engine
Engine MakeBobcat
Horsepower33.2
EmissionsTier 4
Performance
Travel Speed2.9 / 1.6 mph
Dig Depth10.1 ft.
Max Reach at Ground Level17 ft.
Max Dump Height137 in
Bucket Digging Force7,284 lbf.
Arm Digging Force4,690 lbf.
Boom Swing75° left / 55° right
Hydraulics
Aux. Standard Flow16.9 GPM
Relief Pressure2,987 psi
Dimensions & Weight
Height96.2 IN.
Length190 IN.
Width69.7 IN.
Operating Weight7659 lb
Tail Swing Overhang0 in (ZTS)
Fuel Tank13.7 gal.
Features
Tail Swing TypeZero
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
Horsepower33.2 hp33.2 hp33.2 hp
Operating Weight7,893 lbs8,596 lbs8,824 lbs
Arm Digging Force4,690 lbf4,074 lbf4,592 lbf
Bucket Digging Force7,284 lbf7,284 lbf7,284 lbf
Travel Speed (Max)2.9 mph2.9 mph2.9 mph
Dig Depth121 in (10.1 ft)133 in (11.1 ft)153 in (12.8 ft)†
Max Dump Height137 in144 in155 in
Reach at Ground Level204 in216 in235 in†
Transport Length190 in190.4 in190.4 in
Width69.7 in69.7 in69.7 in
Cab Height96.2 in96.2 in96.2 in
Tail Swing Overhang0 in (ZTS)3.2 in3.2 in
Aux. Hydraulic Flow16.9 gpm16.9 gpm16.9 gpm
Aux. Pressure2,987 psi2,987 psi2,987 psi
Fuel Tank13.7 gal13.7 gal13.7 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.

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