– Bobcat S86 loader installs 300 iron anchors to secure circus tent –
When the largest circus in the world goes on tour, ‘standard’ solutions are no longer enough. The legendary Circus Krone, founded in 1905, is not only one of the largest but also one of the most traditional circuses in the world. The ensemble boasts the largest circus tent of its kind, with which it tours around 30 cities across Germany every year.
And that means constant assembly and dismantling. Sometimes on grass, sometimes on gravel, sometimes on asphalt – the tent must stand securely everywhere. To ensure this, 1.5 m long iron anchors attached to the tent are driven deep into the ground. This is exactly where a major challenge arose – one that Circus Krone solved with a special steel ‘Big Cat’: a new Bobcat S86 compact loader.
“Until now, we had used a modified forklift with a hydraulic hammer for this task – but it simply didn’t have enough power,” explains Martin Lacey-Krone, Circus Director and big-cat trainer at Circus Krone. “With our new tent, we urgently needed a more effective solution that works on any surface. There was no ready-made solution. The iron anchors are in a class of their own, because they secure a tent of exceptional size: the dome rises 17 m high, while the two impressive lattice arches reach up to 23 m. The roof alone spans around 3200 m2 in area, while the total tent canvas covers roughly 10,000 m².”
Twenty-four electric winches with a combined output of more than 48,000 watts raise the entire structure and position it in place. With 300 iron anchors hydraulically driven 1.5 m into the ground, the structure can withstand even the strongest storms – and this is where the Bobcat compact loader comes into play.
Power, Speed and Precision Required
The technical team at Circus Krone discussed the situation with Bobcat dealer, Hans Völk, and eventually identified the right machine: the Bobcat S86 compact loader, currently the most powerful model in its class. The combination of enormous hydraulic performance and compact dimensions was the key. When erecting a giant circus tent, it is not only about raw power but also about precision, speed and reliability. That is exactly what the S86 delivers. Two powerful hydraulic systems – Standard Flow and Super Flow – provide up to 159 l per minute, delivering enough power to operate even heavy attachments such as the specially designed hydraulic hammer with ease.
“The S86 has the most powerful high-flow hydraulic system Bobcat has ever installed in a compact loader – exactly what Circus Krone needs,” explains Harald Sancu, Head of Commercial Equipment Technology at Hans Völk. “Our challenge was to provide a machine that could handle this power while driving the iron anchors into the ground with millimetre precision without bending them.”
Precision Engineering Through Teamwork
The solution: a hydraulic hammer combined with a custom-developed attachment precisely matched to the shape of the anchors. To ensure perfect alignment, a steel wedge was also integrated to optimize the driving angle. This ensures that the hammer always strikes the anchor vertically and drives it reliably deep into the ground.
“It was true precision work and a close collaboration between us and the technicians at Circus Krone,” says Sancu. “Krone has its own workshop in Munich, which immediately joined the effort. Just six weeks after the start of the project, the specialized tool was ready for use.”
Centre Ring Clear for the Bobcat
The Bobcat S86 was imported from the United States. It arrived equipped with the most powerful hydraulic hammer typically used on 10 tonne excavators – not a standard setup for a compact loader. Thanks to an identical mounting interface, the attachment still fit almost perfectly. The technicians only needed to make a few adjustments: the support surface for the iron anchors was enlarged slightly and the holder was deepened. Then the moment of truth arrived: the first tent setup with the new system was completed in record time. “This is a completely different league,” says Circus Director, Martin Lacey-Krone, enthusiastically. “In the past, driving the anchors took a lot of time. Now it’s fast, efficient and requires much less effort. Exactly as I had imagined.”
European Tour with Service Guarantee
Anyone traveling across Europe must be able to rely on their equipment. For Circus Krone, this is a decisive factor. “The dense service network was one of the key reasons for us,” emphasizes Lacey-Krone. “Whether we perform in Barcelona, Brussels or Berlin – Bobcat is never far away. If there’s ever a problem, we can rely on fast service. That gives us planning security.” In addition, the S86 is equipped with modern telematics. Workshops and technicians can see at any time where the machine is located, whether an error has occurred or if diesel levels are running low. Spare parts can be carried in advance – a real advantage during tours. “We save time, money and nerves. And we know the show will go on – no matter where we are,” says Lacey-Krone.
A Christmas Surprise
The compact loader has proven itself perfectly in everyday touring operations and has become an indispensable part of the Circus Krone team. “Working with Bobcat and Hans Völk is a pleasure. Everything runs quickly, reliably and professionally. And the Bobcat S86 – our steel ‘Big Cat’ – has now become part of the circus family,” says Lacey-Krone. And the family has grown: for the Christmas Circus in December 2025, a second Bobcat joined the team.
Technical Data Bobcat S86 (excerpt)
- Engine Power: 78 kW (105 HP)
- Maximum hydraulic output: 159 l/min
- Operating weight: 4536 kg
- Lift height: 3353 mm
- Rated operating capacity (ISO): 1587 kg
- Tipping load (ISO): 3175 kg
