Bobcat enables remote machine disable via telematics

Bobcat has added a remote engine disable/enable function to its Machine IQ telematics platform, allowing customers in Europe to remotely enable or disable their machine’s engine through the Owner Portal or Machine IQ app.

The manufacturer said the feature would allow owners and operators to “shut down their machine with a few clicks, deterring theft and aiding in quick machine recovery.”

Bobcat has introduced a remote disable.enable feature in its Machine IQ telematics system. (Photo: Bobcat)

Remote disable/enable can be activated in Bobcat’s skid-steer and compact track loaders, mini-excavators and compact wheel loaders, if they are connected.

The feature is the first two-way update for the Machine IQ telematics system that was launched in Europe last year. It will allow operators to both send commands to and receive data from machines. 

Machine IQ allows connected-machine owners to monitor the health of their machine and remotely track information to aid maintenance, security and performance.

Tomas Plechaty, Machine IQ senior program manager at Bobcat EMEA, described it as a “major milestone” for the company; “Enabling advanced theft deterrence provides critical peace of mind for our Machine IQ users, and remote engine disable/enable allows our European customers to protect their equipment and allow only authorised usage.

“This feature also demonstrates our ability to interact with machines via two-way communication using telematics.”

The new feature is available with a ‘Premium’ Machine IQ subscription. Dealers and customers can choose a Standard package with basic telematics and Premium with advanced features.

Plechaty said this allows users to access the level of connectivity that they need; “With a focus on simplicity for the user, we are confident that the packages will meet the needs of customers and dealers across the globe, and help them grow their businesses”.