CASE Construction Equipment
DL550B Compact Dozer Loader
Among the CASE announcements at CONEXPO was the company’s emphasis on alternate fuel power for CASE equipment; new concept machines; and the display of the DL550B Compact Dozer Loader, which was introduced at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017 as “Project Minotaur”. The DL550B is the construction industry’s first fully integrated compact dozer loader.
The DL550B features a true dozer-style undercarriage for optimal dozing performance and is available in either steel or rubber track configurations to provide contractors with extreme flexibility based on the types of turf/jobs they work on. It will also feature CASE Universal Machine Control, which allows it to be outfitted straight from the dealer with any of the three major suppliers of grade/machine control technologies. It will be compatible with CASE SiteControl CoPilot, which provides a mastless machine control experience with basic control of slope/grade.
The machine weighs approximately 18,000 pounds and operates at 114 horsepower. It is also available with an optional fully integrated ripper and is compatible with a wide range of heavy-duty attachments that make it suitable for everything from initial site clearing to finish grading.
‘Project Zeus’
CASE introduced “Project Zeus” – the 580 Electric Vehicle (EV), the construction industry’s first fully electric backhoe loader. The power and performance of the 580 EV is equivalent to other diesel-powered backhoes in the CASE product line and provides considerably lower daily operating costs while also producing zero emissions – a motivating factor for utility and government contractors incentivized to work with equipment that leverages alternative fuels and lowers emissions.
City governments and municipalities will also benefit from the elimination of emissions for working in urban environments and close to other buildings/people, as well as the reduced noise generated by the equipment.
850N Dozer
CASE offered a preview of the new 850N dozer – the first in the upcoming all-new N Series dozer line. Packed with advanced features, the 850N represents the next phase in electro-hydraulic controls in small- to medium-sized dozers. The new machine also features CASE’s Universal Machine Control, expanding the popular platform into smaller dozers and making the entire CASE dozer product line compatible from the factory with all major suppliers of machine control technology.
Additional advancements include a new front hood design that improves forward visibility, a new flat panel design at the rear of the machine that improves rear visibility, and a new and improved operator interface with rearview camera that further improves all-around visibility. The machine also features a new cooling package and hydraulic routings for improved serviceability.
The N Series dozers, including the 850N, are still in the final stages of development and will be formally announced at a later date.
Accessible Backhoe Loader
CASE showcased its new accessible backhoe loader at the show, which is designed to support workforce inclusivity and provide operators of all mobility levels with an opportunity to work in construction equipment operation.
The machine features a purpose-built elevator and accessories that allow the operator to be elevated into the cab and workstation. The operator positions the elevator chair near the ground via a pair of external joysticks in a manner that allows them to easily transfer into the seat. Those same joysticks then raise the operator into the cab where they transition into the backhoe seat. The chair is then tucked away into a position that does not obstruct machine operation.
Once in the cab, the operator can run the backhoe in a traditional control configuration, or hand controls can be added for operators who require that functionality.
B Series Loaders
New CASE B Series loaders feature a completely redesigned operator interface, including new left- and right-hand posts (all models) with simple ignition, push-button operation, easy throttle control and intuitive switches for all core machine functions. Users may choose between standard mechanical, mechanical hand-and-foot, and electro-hydraulic controls when specifying a machine. An all-new eight-inch LCD multi-function display with backup camera comes with all electro-hydraulic models – and it can be added to mechanical configurations for use with the backup camera and operational displays (but without the electro-hydraulic control capabilities). Electro-hydraulic models provide the additional simplicity of switching between ISO and H operating patterns with the simple push of a button.
The new 8-inch LCD multi-function display serves as the command center for the machine. It includes the industry’s only backup camera visible in a split screen display with machine data. The camera is operational in both forward and reverse and enhances the B Series’ industry-leading visibility with even greater jobsite perspective and awareness. It also provides operators with the most fully functioned operator experience ever found in a CASE CTL or skid steer, including: new electro-hydraulic control performance, new “creep speed” capability, new operator profiles, new economy mode and engine protection settings, new automotive-style information display, new and improved fault codes and troubleshooting.
G Series Wheel Loaders
CASE previewed new technology enhancements for G Series wheel loaders that feature increased technology to improve production and the overall operating experience. These latest enhancements (standard or optionally fit based on feature) are anchored by a large touchscreen display that serves as the command center for the new integrated onboard payload system, control customizations, improved telematics and streamlined operating parameters.
The CASE G Series enhancements feature an all-new touchscreen display that provides tablet-like performance for accessing all critical machine settings and operational data. This includes three new color-coded arm-rest buttons that allow the operator to automatically toggle between customizable functions and displays without having to take their hands away from the controls. These buttons can be pre-set for critical functions/displays such as the payload screen, rearview camera, differential lock or declutch, and strobe activation.
ProjectTETRA
CASE featured the methane-powered ProjectTETRA wheel loader highlighting the manufacturer’s commitment to sustainability through alternative propulsion solutions. It is presented at the show alongside the industry’s first fully electric backhoe loader, the CASE 580 EV – showcasing a commitment to expanding alternative fuel solutions for equipment beyond compact machines to heavy equipment.
ProjectTETRA was first introduced at Bauma 2019, taking its name from the Greek number four, which refers to both the four hydrogen atoms present in the chemical formula for methane, as well as the tetrahedron shape of the methane molecule.
The new wheel loader concept demonstrates the viability of alternative fuels in construction equipment and the feasibility of using fuel generated from waste products and renewable sources to perform loading/earthmoving operations. The machine is powered by a proven methane engine, produced by CASE sister-brand FPT Industrial, that delivers comparable performance as its diesel equivalent. ProjectTETRA has been tested in real-world construction environments and has the potential to lower total lifetime operating costs while simultaneously meeting sustainability objectives for its owners.
More information is available at www.CaseCE.com.
This material appeared in the May 2020 issues of the ACP Magazines:
California Builder & Engineer, Construction, Construction Digest, Construction News, Constructioneer, Dixie Contractor, Michigan Contractor & Builder, Midwest Contractor, New England Construction, Pacific Builder & Engineer, Rocky Mountain Construction, Texas Contractor, Western Builder