Caterpillar showed eight machines and two new engines. I mentioned the 904H Wheel loader earlier in the week. The new Caterpillar 904H compact wheel loader comes standard with 52-net-horsepower and an operating weight of 9,900 pounds. It replaces the popular 904B.
The new loader features a new engine, new axles, articulated steering, two-speed hydrostatic drive, powerful Z-bar loader linkage, universal coupler (compatible with skid-steer-loader work tools), new operator’s station and fresh styling—including a new hood, counterweight and non-metallic fenders.
Other machines shown at the World of Concrete include three D-Series mini hydraulic excavators. The 307D is a direct replacement for the 307C. The 308D CR, a compact radius machine designed to work in tight spaces, replaces the 308C CR. A new model, the 308D CR SB, combines the compact radius design with a swing boom for increased versatility.
The D-Series mini excavators retain the best features of the C-Series models while incorporating many improvements that increase productivity and reduce operating costs. The new mini excavators outperform their predecessors with 22 percent higher bucket forces and 10 percent higher stick forces. Lift capacity has been increased with the addition of a larger counterweight. A 15 percent increase in traction forces improves dozing and turning performance. Collectively, these enhancements make the D-Series models quick, powerful and efficient so work can be completed faster and more economically.
Each machine is powered by a new turbocharged Mitsubishi 4M40 TL engine, rated at 54-net- horsepower and meets Interim Tier 4 emissions regulations.
Both machines have a rated load capacity of 8,100 pounds. Each also has a two-section boom, delivering a 20-foot lift height on the TH406 and a 24-foot lift height on the TH407. The new telehandlers replace the TH220B and the TH330B.
Both models are powered by the Cat C4.4 diesel engine, which meets U.S. EPA Tier 3 emissions requirements. The turbocharged, aftercooled engine is available in a mechanically controlled configuration, which produces 100 horsepower, and in an electronically controlled configuration, which produces 125 horsepower.
The new telehandlers incorporate load sensing hydraulics for superior lifting and digging forces and for the ability to operate all three boom functions simultaneously and proportionally. Smoother, logical control of the boom and work tool enables the operator to do more, more efficiently and more accurately. The new telehandlers also feature Z-bar linkage and greater breakout force for stronger digging performance compared to the previous models.
Three models of compact track loaders, the 279C, 289C and 299C, are the newest additions to the line of rubber-track loaders. They feature durable, steel embedded track and steel undercarriage components. The new tracked machines deliver solid traction and reduced wear on sites with sticky, rocky soils.
The new compact track loaders combine a freshly engineered suspension-type undercarriage, with the chassis of their multi terrain loader counterparts, the 277C, 287C and 297C. The fully suspended undercarriage employs four independent torsion axles for a superior ride and excellent bucket load retention. Class leading track-on-ground of almost 70 inches provides good flotation and traction, low ground pressure and long track life.
All three models feature two-speed drive systems, with a maximum speed of 8.5 miles per hour, for fast movement around large sites. The electrohydraulic joystick control of the drive motors delivers straight-line tracking, and electronic torque management optimizes productivity. Caterpillar exclusive drive motor seal guards extend the lives of seals and final drives.
The new models have rated operating capacities of 3,200, 3,850 and 4,150 pounds at 50 percent of tipping load. Net-horsepower ratings are 82 for the 279C and 289C, and 90 for the 299C. Lift-arm-path design is radial for the 279C and vertical for the 289C and 299C.
The new Caterpillar E-Series Backhoe Loaders—the 416E, 420E and 430E—replace the D-Series models. The 420E and 430E are the high performance machines in the new series. Both machines are offered in integrated toolcarrier configurations for applications that benefit from parallel-lift loader linkage and the versatility of quick work tool changes.
The 420E has 89-net-horsepower and a backhoe digging depth of 14 feet 4 inches when equipped with a standard stick. The 430E has 97-net-horsepower and a backhoe digging depth of 15 feet 5 inches when equipped with a standard stick. An extendible stick pushes the 420E digging depth to 17 feet 11 inches and the 430E digging depth to 19 feet 6 inches. The 74-net-horsepower 416E offers the same digging depths as the 420E. The 416E also is available with an optional turbocharged engine that boosts net-horsepower to 89.
The 420E features a 14 percent increase in backhoe stick breakout force and is about 10 percent more productive than the previous model. The 430E features increased lifting and breakout forces. Swing forces are also increased. On the loader end, truck-loading performance is improved through pump torque limiter changes and improved balance of power distributed to the drive train and hydraulics.
Caterpillar also introduced two new engines, the C7 ACERT (225-300 hp) and C9 ACERT (275-375 hp) Industrial Open Power Units (IOPU) for industrial applications. These new offerings allow customers to conveniently order pre-configured power packs. These units are ready made for a wide variety of applications including irrigation, industrial and mining pump applications.
“The Industrial Open Power Unit is a complete power package containing the radiator, flywheel, alternator and alternator wiring pre-assembled for fast, straightforward installation into a number of OEM applications’” said Cat industrial engine marketing manager Mike Reinhart.
Additional options include auxiliary crank pulleys, battery cables, bases and clutches making an IOPU an even more compact and versatile option for dealers and OEMS. Available in multiple engine ratings, the Industrial Open Power Units will be available for delivery in the first quarter of 2009.
I’ll give you more information on the other products that were introduced at the show as I get the information. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please use the comment section or contact me by e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you.
Greg Sitek