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Caterpillar Launches New 18 And 20 Ton Forwarders

2009-07-06T16:00:00.000-04:00

Cat Forest Products announces the launch of a new forwarder line with the introduction of two models with 18 metric ton and 20 metric ton capacities.

Photo Credit: Caterpillar

The new Cat 584 and Cat 584HD are designed to withstand the demanding requirements of transporting large payloads long distances over difficult terrain, while providing outstanding operator comfort, controllability and serviceability.

“We’re very excited about these new products,” said John Carpenter, Caterpillar Forest Products president. “It further solidifies our commitment to the industry and our goal of being the leading forestry equipment manufacturer in the world.”
In designing the new forwarder line, Caterpillar engineers conducted in-depth interviews of forwarder owners to learn what features they wanted in a new generation of forwarders.

Photo Credit: Caterpillar

Prototype operators and logging contractors who previewed the forwarders said they especially liked the structure’s sturdiness, the strength of the center oscillation joint and the styling, features and roominess of the cab.

“We’re focused on listening to the ‘voice of the customer’ and providing new equipment for existing demanding applications, as well as equipment for new market opportunities,” said Bruce Narveson, Cat Forest Products industry manager. “These new forwarder models will satisfy market needs in North and South America and in key logging countries around the globe.”

Source: Caterpillar

Komatsu America Corp. Introduces The WA50-6 Compact Wheel Loader

2009-06-25T15:52:00.001-04:00

Komatsu America Corp. has introduced the WA50-6 compact wheel loader, equipped with the latest KOMTRAX technology which sends machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology.

Photo Credit: Komatsu America Corp.

Data such as operating hours, machine location and machine utilization are relayed to the web application for analysis. The KOMTRAX fleet monitoring system increases machine availability, reduces the risk of machine theft and provides a wealth of other information to drive business efficiency.

The standard auxiliary hydraulics simplify hydraulic attachment installation enhancing the capability and versatility of the machine. The automatic electronic bucket leveling is controlled by the bucket control lever and increases the productivity of the compact wheel loader.

Source: Komatsu America Corp

New Bobcat M-Series Excavator Design Improves Performance, Operator Comfort and Maintenance

2009-06-17T16:52:00.001-04:00

Bobcat recently introduced new M-Series excavators, re-engineered to deliver increased performance in a lighter machine.

Photo Credit: Bobcat

According to Bobcat, it has completely re-engineered the design of M-Series excavators, reducing the weight to create a lighter machine. A new load-sensing piston pump and closed center-valve system deliver exceptional metering for smooth control of machine functions. With the new advanced hydraulic system, Bobcat was able to increase the arm breakout force by 10 percent over previous models.

Photo Credit: Bobcat

The E32 is a Conventional Tail Swing excavator, and the re-engineered house has reduced the overhang by 45 percent from previous excavators of comparable size. The E35 is a Zero Tail Swing excavator that excels at working on space-constrained jobsites, such as next to buildings or other obstacles.

Photo Credit: Bobcat

Bobcat designed the M-Series excavators to use X-frame undercarriages. This new undercarriage has increased ground clearance and enables better shedding of debris for easier cleanup when work is finished. Dirt and other debris easily pass through this undercarriage, making cleanup faster and leaving less debris on the trailers.

Photo Credit: Bobcat

The new Auto-Shift travel on the E32 and E35 boost the machines' productivity. Auto-Shift travel shifts the machine out of high range and back automatically, which provides an on-demand power boost when pushing into a pile. Operators get more tractive effort without having to manually control the throttle or drive.

Source: Bobcat

Caterpillar Launches Blog Via Their Power Generation Online Community

2009-06-12T16:30:00.000-04:00

Caterpillar has announced the launch the first blog within their new Power Generation Online Community.

According to Caterpillar, the community can be described as an interactive forum where consulting specifying engineers, operators and other power generation professionals can exchange ideas and best practices. Past experience purchasing or working with Cat power generation equipment is not required to participate and there are no registration fees.

Photo Credit: Caterpillar

“The primary goal of the online community is to help people in our industry connect with each other around the clock and around the world,” said Dave Lucas, Manager of Marketing Communications, Caterpillar Electric Power Division. “By expanding the community to feature blogs written by Caterpillar subject matter experts, we hope to provide an avenue for the exploration of new technology and trends.

We want to launch a platform to discuss not only best practices, but also address real challenges in the field by encouraging peer-generated solutions.”

Launched June 8, 2009, the first blog discusses landfill-gas-to-energy, where Richard Crump of Caterpillar outlines the economic benefits and offers advice on how to get started.

Source: Caterpillar

RESOURCES

Power Lift Competition Goes Live On Skid Steer Smackdown

2009-06-11T14:00:00.000-04:00

John Deere reports on the latest video posted to John Deere's www.skidsteersmackdown.com Web site, as real-life contractors use competitor units to challenge a Deere compact track loader (CTL) in an exciting "Power Lift" competition.

Photo Credit: John Deere

The Power Lift, part of Episode Two's "Battle in Bowling Green," was filmed live in front of 1,000 fans during The Ultimate Skid Steer Smackdown's Season Two "Prove It Tour."

Deere is taking these unique head-to-head battles on the road to visit job sites, tradeshow lots and dealerships throughout the country, testing the skills of on-the-job skid steer operators in various events inspired by the tasks and conditions real operators face.

Source: John Deere

Heavy Equipment Operator Voted “Toughest Job” in America

2009-06-08T16:00:00.002-04:00

The Working Person’s Store and Wolverine invited the working people of America to tell their stories and then vote on "What’s the toughest job in America?"

Brian Blosser, a heavy equipment operator from southern Indiana was the 2009 winner of the Toughest Jobs in America competition.

“From big rigs to construction sites we recognize and appreciate the people doing the work that keeps America running,” said Eric Deniger, CEO of Working Person’s Store. “The Toughest Jobs competition is our way of honoring these millions of unsung heroes.”

The winner of the company received a $1,000 “work wardrobe makeover” compliments of Working Person’s Store and Wolverine.

Source: The Working Persons Store

John Deere And Orthman Expand Agreement To Offer Custom-Built Planters To Cotton And Corn Producers

2009-06-05T13:04:00.000-04:00

John Deere and Orthman Manufacturing have announced that they will begin co-producing custom-built planter configurations for customers.

Photo Credit: John Deere

This agreement benefits cotton and corn producers in the Mississippi Delta and in West Texas where they farm on 36-, 38-, or 40-inch row spacing.

The two companies have had a supplier agreement for stack-fold toolbars for 17 years. According to Rob Rippchen, division manager, John Deere Seeding Group, the new, expanded agreement will be beneficial and seamless to customers.

"Today, customers and dealers can order planter row units from John Deere and toolbars from other suppliers, and assemble their own planters to fit their specific row counts and row-spacing needs. This can be a time-consuming process. By expanding upon our current supplier agreement with Orthman, customers can now order a custom-built planter — straight from the factory," Rippchen explains.

The new agreement allows producers in regional markets to be able to order fully assembled planters with some not-so-typical row spacing and working widths from their local John Deere dealer.

Source: John Deere

Case Throws Rockin’ Block Parties To Celebrate Skid Steer 40th Anniversary

2009-06-04T09:48:00.002-04:00

Case Construction Equipment has announced in celebration of its 40th year manufacturing skid steer loaders, the launch of the Case Rockin' Block Party campaign. This year-long series of events will be held at Case dealerships across North America.

Case began producing skid steers in 1969 after acquiring the Uni-Loader line from Universal Industries. During the past 40 years, Case has sold nearly 250,000 skid steers. "We're an industry leader and proud of our heritage," said Jim Hasler, Case vice president. "Our tough, compact and versatile skid steers are found on landscaping, highway and construction projects everywhere. We're celebrating this milestone with customers at Case dealerships across the United States and Canada."

Case expects 40 or more Rockin' Block Parties to be thrown by Case dealers this summer. "Customers, co-workers and family members will be invited to celebrate our 40th anniversary with a day of music, prizes, food and fun," explained Hasler. "Plus, we're inviting customers to climb in the cab of a skid steer for a demo - and a chance to win a new skid steer, valued at more than $47,000."

The Case Rockin' Block Party events also promote local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Both Case and its dealers are donating funds towards their local Habitat for Humanity organizations. Plus, businesses will be encouraged to volunteer manpower and other in-kind support at the Case events.

Case and its dealers have supported Habitat for Humanity for several years. Not only have they donated more than $140,000 during this time, but they also helped build several homes. "Contractors have incredible impact on local Habitat for Humanity affiliates." Hasler added, "We will help several dozen communities this year through donations from Case, our dealers and contractors at the Rockin' Block Parties. Together, we hope to generate an additional $80,000 for Habitat for Humanity."

Source and Photo Credit: Case Construction Equipment

Caterpillar Offers Undercarriage for Compact OEM Machines

2009-06-01T16:45:00.000-04:00

Caterpillar reports that Cat 301.6 and 301.8 undercarriages including carbody are now available to other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) through Caterpillar OEM Solutions Group.

OEMs who produce machines with a gross vehicle weight up to 4330 lb (1964 kg) are key targets for the new undercarriage offering. Applications such as drills for geothermal installations, stump grinding, small auger drills or small pile drivers are typical of this weight class.

The new undercarriage is assembled at the same facility where larger Cat Undercarriage (312 - 375) is built and to the same demanding standards that Caterpillar expects for its end user customers.

Source: Caterpillar

Elvis Presley's Original John Deere Tractor To Go On Display At Graceland

2009-05-26T15:45:00.005-04:00

The John Deere homepage reports that a John Deere tractor regularly used by Elvis Presley on his Mississippi ranch and at his home at Graceland will be displayed at the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum. Elvis.com features a video about the tractor.

Photo Credit: Elvis.com

According to Elvis.com, the John Deere 4010 tractor was restored by students at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi, with guidance from John Deere. The 4010 tractor owned by Elvis was one of four models in John Deere's "New Generation of Power" – a four- and six-cylinder tractor line that the company introduced in 1961 and that helped John Deere become the world's leading manufacturer of agriculture equipment.

Photo Credit: Elvis.com

The Elvis Presley Automobile Museum is located at the national historic landmark Elvis Presley's Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee.

A special-edition, die-cast version of the tractor will go on sale in November at authorized John Deere dealers nationwide, on ShopElvis.com and at Graceland. This special model will include a 46A loader, an accessory rarely found on die-cast collectibles.

Source: John Deere and Elvis.com

Kenworth Trucks Play Pivotal Role in Construction of New Minneapolis Stadiums, I-35 Bridge

2009-05-22T13:00:00.001-04:00

The Kenworth Truck homepage features a story on the pivotal role of Kenworth Trucks in the construction of the New Minneapolis Stadiums and I-35 Bridge.

“We have a fleet of more than 450 trucks, mostly Kenworth T800 and W900S models,” said Jim Dewall, Cemstone fleet manager, who has been with the company for 20 years. “We started buying T800s back in 1994 when Kenworth and Rihm Kenworth worked with us to build an all-wheel drive T800 mixer, which gave us a competitive edge in our market by handling well in mud, snow and sand. We did a lot of jobs then which required off-road concrete pours – we didn’t have the big concrete booms we have today. Traction was important and we were the first company in our area to run a 6x6.”

While Kenworth T800s are still stalwarts in the fleet, Cemstone has more recently specified Kenworth W900S mixers with set-forward axles. “The W900S is a great set up for our bridge laws and we can carry about 11 yards of concrete,” said Dewall. “And, with a recent change in our length laws (from 40 feet to 45 feet), we’ll be able to add another pusher axle in our future truck orders, which will allow us to haul up to 3,000 more pounds, or 11-3/4 yards, of payload. That will be a big boost to productivity.”

Dewall said his current fleet of Kenworth’s have withstood the test of time. “We still have many of our original Kenworth T800s,” he said. “They may have gone through a couple mixer barrels and feature a second coat of paint, but they still perform and are reliable. We put a lot of trust in these Kenworths and they’ve paid us back in reliability and consistency,” he said. “Kenworth trucks are easy to work on, and since the cabs are constructed of aluminum, we don’t have the rust problems other truck brands might have. Kenworth trucks remain our truck of choice based on how they hold up, their productivity, serviceability, and driver acceptance.”

Source: Kenworth Truck Company

RESOURCES

Caterpillar to Sell Articulated Truck Bare Chassis for Specialty Applications

2009-05-20T12:30:00.002-04:00

Caterpillar has announced they will offer a family of articulated truck bare chassis to support specialty machines not included in the portfolio of Cat products.

According to Caterpillar, sales of the bare chassis without the dump bed will be targeted toward Caterpillar Dealers and original equipment manufactures (OEMs) who specialize in such applications as water trucks, high capacity waste, lube & fuel trucks, etc. Cat Articulated Dump Trucks will continue to be sold through Caterpillar Dealers around the world.

Caterpillar OEM Solutions Group will assume commercial responsibility for articulated truck bare chassis sold as custom machine solutions. This includes standard and long rear frame length configurations. Working with Caterpillar Dealers, OEMs and end-users, OEM Solutions Group can assist with application and integration issues, helping determine the best solutions for mounting a variety of tools and attachments.

The bare chassis product shares very high commonality with Cat Articulated Dump Trucks. Therefore, available Caterpillar information can address many questions related to the bare chassis product.

Service support and financing are available through the worldwide network of Caterpillar Dealers. A variety of genuine Cat parts are also available to make customizing the bare chassis easier, such as hoist cylinders and pivot pins.

The articulated truck bare chassis product will be available for Cat Dealer and OEM orders during the second quarter 2009.

Source: Caterpillar

Volvo Construction Equipment has Strong Start for Certified Refurbishment Program

2009-05-19T14:30:00.000-04:00

The Volvo Construction Equipment homepage features details on Volvo's equipment refurbishment program.

According to Volvo, the program was started in 2008, based on the premise that a mid-life remake of the equipment is, many times, the best economical option for machine owners.

“During our months of investigation into a program of this type, we became convinced that a system built upon high standards of dealer certification, firm content, time committed agreements and backed by factory warranties would enhance the productivity and profitability of equipment and the businesses owning them,” said Kevin Stock, Product Manager, and developer and manager of the program. “We are now seeing the fruits of our labor – customers are seeing the benefits of “starting over”, if you will.”

The Volvo CE certified refurbishment program is extensive and comprehensive. It begins with a thorough project scope of parts to be rebuilt/replaced that has been determined through detailed analysis of the equipment.

Every stage of the refurbishment procedure – from the initial inspection through final reassembly to operational tests – follows strict and unrelenting guidelines and is thoroughly documented. Warranties are provided for specific rebuild/refurbishment actions, and follow-up inspections are made within a specified time frame of placing the “new” machine back into operation.

Source: Volvo Construction Equipment

Caterpillar Inc. Receives United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Excellence Award

2009-05-18T16:45:00.001-04:00

Caterpillar Inc. announced they have been awarded the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Air Excellence Award for its D7E track-type tractor with electric drive. According to Caterpillar, the electric drive system is the first of its kind in this application, designed to maximize efficiency and productivity while conserving natural resources.

The diesel-electric drive technology uses a diesel engine to drive an electric generator that powers two AC electric drive motors. The D7E track-type tractor (bulldozer) increases dozing efficiency by 25 percent, reduces fuel consumption by 10 to 30 percent, and reduces criteria and greenhouse gas emissions. The total emissions reductions, from productivity increase and fuel savings, per hour are: 10 percent for CO, 20 percent for NOx and HC, 51 percent for PM and 23 percent for CO2.

"Caterpillar is committed to improving the sustainability of our customers, our industry and our shared environment,” said Tana Utley, Caterpillar’s Chief Technology Officer, who accepted the award at a ceremony in Washington, DC. “We are proud of the D7E and the significant improvements in fuel efficiency and productivity it will provide our customers, ultimately helping them cut costs and reduce emissions. This accomplishment proves technology can improve both customer value and sustainability. Technology unleashes the power of ‘and’, which makes sustainable progress possible."

Source: Caterpillar

John Deere's Skid Steer Smackdown Returns With Real Contractors Trying To Dethrone Deere

2009-05-04T13:00:00.000-04:00

John Deere now features Episode Two, "Battle in Bowling Green," on John Deere's www.skidsteersmackdown.com Web site, where real contractors get in the cab of competitor equipment to take on a John Deere skid steer in a hill-climbing contest with Smackdown supremacy at stake.

The Hill Climb is the first of four battles filmed in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and just one of numerous battles in The Ultimate Skid Steer Smackdown's Season Two "Prove It Tour," which has Deere taking to the road to visit job sites, tradeshow lots and dealerships throughout the country, testing the skills of on-the-job skid steer operators in machine vs. machine competitions.

In this event, two contractors climb into their brand of skid steer to take on a John Deere 313 in front of a cheering crowd of 1,000 people. First, they had to negotiate two small moguls, but then they had to conquer a five-foot berm, grab a bucket of dirt and tackle the same obstacles on the way back to the starting line.

"These inclines are similar to what you might see on a jobsite," said Sam Norwood, manager, John Deere Commercial Worksite Products. "What's important here is a skid steer's weight distribution and stability. Let's just say we had a lot of fun – and not all skid steers are created equal."

Source: John Deere

Caterpillar Announces New C7.1 ACERT Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB Technology Industrial Engine

2009-04-28T15:30:00.000-04:00

Caterpillar has announced the introduction of the Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB technology Cat® C7.1 ACER.

According to Caterpillar, the new engine is a 7.01 liter platform with a power rating of 175-300 hp (130-225 kW) and delivers a peak torque of 944 lb. ft. (1280Nm).

Supplied with an industry leading choice of factory configured options, the engine includes a robust Cat Clean Emissions Module (CEM) aftertreatment system that will meet Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emissions standards.

Designed for reliability in off-road applications operating in demanding environments, it features poly-vee belts for longer service intervals and hydraulic tappet adjustment that minimizes the need for routine service. Additionally, fuel consumption improvements of up to 5% have been realized compared to existing Tier 3/Stage IIIA engines. These features make the new 7-liter platform a powerful choice for mid range industrial applications.

Source and Image Credit: Caterpillar

John Deere Reman Adds Remanufactured Tier 3 Engines To Lineup

2009-04-20T15:05:00.001-04:00

John Deere has announced that it has expanded its remanufactured component product line to include the popular 4.5L, 6.8L and 9.0L Tier 3 complete block assemblies (CBAs), with corresponding complete running engines slated for availability this fall.

According to Stacy Schroeder, product marketing manager with John Deere Reman, these remanufactured engines are an excellent replacement option for a long list of John Deere models as well as other equipment. "Both complete block assemblies and complete running engines from Reman provide customers with readily available, reliable and economical engine replacement options that can get them back into the field faster than other service alternatives," Schroeder says.

"In addition, our remanufactured complete engines satisfy all engine performance and Tier 3 emissions specifications. The CBAs come with a one-year, unlimited-hour warranty and the complete running engines come with a John Deere warranty of two years or 2,000 hours, which provides customers with even greater peace of mind," he notes. "Additionally, the money customers save by choosing Reman helps them realize a lower cost of ownership over the life of their machine."

Source: John Deere

Caterpillar, Navistar Move Relationship Forward with Global Joint Venture for Commercial Trucks and North America Strategic Alliance for Vocational Trucks

2009-04-13T15:42:00.003-04:00

Both the Caterpillar Inc. and Navistar International Corporation homepage feature details on the agreement to produce Caterpillar heavy-duty vocational trucks for sale in North America and form a 50/50 joint venture that will pursue global commercial truck opportunities outside of North America.

According to Navistar and Caterpillar, the 50/50 joint venture will develop, manufacture and distribute commercial trucks in regions outside of North America and India.

Under the strategic alliance Caterpillar and Navistar will develop and manufacture a new line of heavy-duty Caterpillar vocational trucks for North America only. The new Caterpillar trucks will be co-developed by Caterpillar and Navistar and manufactured in Navistar's Garland, Texas facility. The trucks will be sold and serviced through the Caterpillar North American Dealer network.

"The heavy-duty vocational trucks will be purpose-built to complement Caterpillar's existing product line and will give Caterpillar dealers an unmatched ability to support customer needs from extraction through delivery," said George Taylor, Director and General Manager of the Caterpillar Global On-Highway Department.

The Caterpillar trucks will feature key Caterpillar proprietary components and technology and will target customers who operate in a wide variety of vocational applications, such as earth moving, quarry, waste, mining, general and heavy construction, logging and road construction.

The new Caterpillar on-highway vocational trucks will be unveiled in late 2010 and will go into full production in early 2011. The trucks will be sold and serviced exclusively by Caterpillar Dealers in North America. The transaction is subject to various closing conditions, including the execution of the related strategic alliance agreement and certain other ancillary agreements.

Source: Navistar and Caterpillar

New Cat 314D CR and 314D LCR Excavators Combine More Power With Enhanced Control and Expanded Versatility

2009-04-06T11:30:00.000-04:00

The Caterpillar homepages features details on the new Cat 314D CR and 314D LCR (long undercarriage) hydraulic excavators.

According to Caterpillar, these compact-radius models build on the valued attributes of their C-Series predecessors with a new fuel-efficient Cat C4.2 ACERT engine, more hydraulic power, expanded work-tool versatility, a spacious new operator station and a new intermediate-length stick. The 90-horsepower (67 kW), 14-metric-ton machines have the features to cut operating costs, boost production, increase machine potential and to keep operators comfortable and confident.

The new C4.2 engine complies with U.S. EPA Tier 3 and EU Stage 3A emissions regulations and offers significant potential for fuel savings. Caterpillar estimates fuel consumption for the new 314D CR/LCR models, working in typical applications, to be 5 percent less (compared with C-Series models), and as much as 10 percent less when performing light-duty applications in Economy Mode (selected via the in-cab monitor). Electronically controlled regeneration circuits save energy and fuel during boom-down and stick-in operations.

If the jobsite requires a falling object guard or windshield screen, these attachments bolt directly and easily to the cab. An optional Machine Security System uses an electronically coded key to deter theft and vandalism, or to limit machine use to specific individuals and specific times

Source: Caterpillar

The New Caterpillar Center-Lock Pin-Grabber Coupler for Cat Hydraulic Excavators

2009-03-16T16:00:00.000-04:00

Caterpillar recently announced the new Caterpillar Center-Lock Pin-Grabber coupler for Cat hydraulic excavator models 311 through 385.

Caterpillar reports that the Center-Lock Pin-Grabber uses a patented over-center locking mechanism and two hydraulic locking features to assure positive work-tool attachment.

The new over-center locking technology promotes jobsite safety and allows operators to quickly, simply and confidently engage and disengage work tools regardless of boom and stick position. The Center-Lock coupler accommodates the same range of Cat work tools as previous pin-grabber couplers, as well as a broad range of other brands of buckets and tools.

When the operator uses an in-cab switch to engage the Center-Lock coupler with a work tool, the coupler's robust cylinder extends to close the primary hook around the tool's rear pin. As the cylinder rod continues to close around the rear pin, the cylinder housing adjusts its position and forces a combination of three attached parts—center-lock rocker, connector link and secondary lock—to snap into an over-center position (much like closing the handles of locking pliers). This action forces the secondary lock to grip the forward pin.

Once the coupler locks, the mechanical principles involved in its over-center locking technology assure that any working forces applied to the pins will serve only to increase the coupler's grip. Constant hydraulic force exerted by the cylinder and the action of a counterbalance valve provide additional locking forces, supplementing that of the mechanical lock.

The Center-Lock coupler remains positively closed until the operator takes the deliberate actions of activating the in-cab switch and extending the bucket cylinder. For the operator's convenience and for jobsite safety, the secondary lock is distinctly visible from the cab and provides an unmistakable indicator of the coupler's status—whether locked or unlocked.

Because the new Center-Lock coupler eliminates the blocking bar and spring pack required with conventional pin-grabber designs, the operator no longer needs to completely curl the boom and stick (thus inverting the coupler) when engaging a work tool. The Center-Lock design requires only that the bucket cylinder be extended to activate locking and unlocking functions, and this action is independent of boom and stick position.

The resulting advantage is that the operator can engage and disengage tools with the boom and stick at full extension, a valuable feature when changing tools in low-overhead situations, such as near power lines.

Maintaining the new Center-Lock coupler requires only daily greasing, and to promote trouble-free operation, a new jumper-line routing helps avoid pinching or snagging on jobsite hazards.

Source and Image Credit: Caterpillar

John Deere Introduces New 3754D Swing Machine

2009-03-03T17:00:00.000-05:00

John Deere Forestry has introduced the John Deere 3754D to its lineup of D-Series Swing Machines.

According to John Deere, the 3754D boasts increased power yet promotes fuel efficiency with its durable redesigned structure and a Tier 3-compliant engine.

"The John Deere 3754D Swing Machine is specifically designed to prolong uptime, with a new 9.0L 271-hp engine boosting fuel efficiency and a standard 277-gallon fuel tank extending run-time between fill ups," said Dave McFarlane, John Deere swing machine product marketing manager. "The 3754D is the toughest swing machine in the forest."

"Other product features to boost the efficiency of the 3754D include an updated hydraulic system that advances attachment performance and machine smoothness, and facilitates faster cycle times. Other improvements, such as easily accessible external debris management screens, newly designed heavy duty structures, hardened pins and tighter tolerances in critical joints, and better component protection, all help to reduce downtime," McFarlane said.

Source: John Deere

Case Construction Equipment Marks 40 Years Making Skid Steers

2009-02-23T17:00:00.001-05:00

Case Construction Equipment is celebrating 40 years of manufacturing skid steer loaders. The company began producing skid steers under the Case name in 1969 after acquiring the Uni-Loader line from Universal Industries.

According to Case, in addition to the 40th anniversary milestone, Case is on track to hit another significant milestone in 2009. “Before the end of the year, Case will produce its 250,000th skid steer,” said Jim Hughes, Case brand marketing manager.

For 40 years, construction contractors, landscapers, farmers and others have recognized the value of multi-attachment machines. “In terms of size, performance, productivity, serviceability, operator comfort and control, hydraulics and lift capacity, Case has always pushed the envelope with its skid steer line,” Hughes said. “From the original Case 1530 Uniloader skid steer, to the 1800 Series, the XT Series and the new 400 Series 3, you can track the evolution of features that have put Case skid steers in a class of their own.”

Hughes noted that customers operating current-model Case skid steers will still find the trademark maneuverability that allows the machines to counter rotate. “But today’s Case skid steers include operator comforts – suspension seats, heated and air conditioned cabs, radios with an MP3 port – and productivity features like pilot controls, hydraulic couplers and high flow hydraulics that operators in 1969 couldn’t even begin to imagine,” Hughes said.

Case 400 Series 3 skid steers feature radial- and vertical-lift configurations for greater versatility, redesigned cabs offering more room and better visibility, and superior serviceability for increased uptime. To further boost production on job sites, more than 75 compatible attachments are available for Case skid steers.

Among other features, Case 400 Series 3 skid steers are available with temperature-controlled cabs, hydraulic quick couplers that can be used for the quick exchange of attachments, and Ride Control for maximum load retention and more comfortable operation.

Source: Case Construction Equipment

Case Upgrades Its Largest Excavator Model CX800 For Increases in Fuel Efficiency

2009-02-11T16:30:00.002-05:00

Case Construction Equipment has announced the upgrade of its largest excavator – the CX800B – to its B Series line of excavators. The new CX800B features increases in fuel efficiency and productivity, as well as improved operator comfort and ease of maintenance.

The excavator also features an electronically controlled, common rail Tier 3-certified 15.7L Isuzu engine which delivers 532 net hp (397 kW).

The CX800B is available in standard and mass excavation configurations, making it ideally suited for a variety of quarry, road and bridge and other applications requiring heavy muscle and long reach.

The common rail fuel injection system, combined with the redesigned hydraulic system, delivers increased fuel efficiency over the previous model.
“The CX800B delivers increased fuel efficiency and productivity, which results in more cubic yards of material per gallon of fuel,” said Mitchell Blake, Case brand marketing manager.

"Our first customer is operating the CX800B three shifts a day in a mining operation," Blake said. "In December, they ran the machine for more than 600 hours. The foreman's not only amazed at its productivity, but also at the fuel efficiency. He said that, compared to a competitive excavator model, the CX800B will save more than $100,000 a year in fuel."

Source: Case Construction Equipment

RESOURCES

Caterpillar Forest Products Announces Cab Updates On The Track Feller Buncher Line

2009-02-06T15:00:00.000-05:00

Cat Forest Products recently announced updates to the cab on the track feller buncher line, including the Cat 511, 521, 522, 532, 541, 551, and 552. The changes improve operator comfort and safety and machine durability.

According to Caterpillar, changes include a full-size sliding window on the left side of the cab allows more fresh air into the cab, an escape hatch above the operator’s head has a new quick release latch system to allow fast exit in an emergency (the operator just grabs and flips the latch to pop the escape hatch open), and window mounting brackets and hardware have been strengthened to prevent damage from falling debris, and the design simplified to eliminate potential leaks into the cab.

Source: Caterpillar

LBX Introduces the New Link-Belt 240 X2 Materal Handler

2009-02-02T16:30:00.001-05:00

LBX recently announced the availability of the new Link-Belt 240 X2 Material Handler for specialty applications such as: scrap/material-handling, demolition, waste transfer and site prep.

With the option of linkage- or gooseneck-style attachments, this machine can be equipped with a variety of tools like dangling magnets and orange-peel grapples for scrap yards, trash grapples for construction and demolition debris, buckets for handling material fi nes, or shears and processors to handle tougher tasks.

Operators will have excellent visibility into truck bodies or containers such as rail cars with a cab that raises hydraulically to a full height of 18-feet 2-inches while still allowing for easy transport from job-to-job with a weight of approximately 70,000 lbs.

An optional cab anti-interference device is available to prevent the attachment tool from damaging the cab when it’s positioned at its furthermost point, and an operator protective guard is standard on the front of the cab. To also help prevent damage in harsh applications, the 240 has thick upper belly pans.

Source: LBX