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CONSTRUCTION EUROPE
SEPTEMBER 2013
COMPACT LOADERS
a large or small chassis, and from one of
three traction platforms – a skid steer loader
(SSL), multi terrain loader (MTL), or a compact
tracked loader (CTL).
There are currently nine rubber track
loader models in the Cat lineup, including
both radial and vertical lift machines. The
rubber multi terrain loader line comprises
four models ranging from 56 hp 46kW to 73
hp 55kW, and the steel embedded, rubber
track compact track loader line comprises five
models ranging from 55kW to 82kW.
Cat MTLs and CTLs are said to have extremely
low ground pressures so they can work in
environments and underfoot conditions not
ideally suited for skid steer loaders.
Caterpillar offers two distinct tracked
undercarriage designs, each system said
to provide advantages. Cat claimed these
options allowed its dealers to tailor the type
of machine to the customer’s application
to provide a solution offering the highest
productivity for the application with the
lowest owning and operating cost.
Both the MTL and the CTL rubber track
models feature a suspension system that
attaches to the machine chassis via torsion
axles. This is said to provide improved traction
and flotation as the torsion axles allow the
tracks to stay in contact with the ground.
Caterpillar claimed to be the first in the
industry to offer a sealed and pressurised
cab, standard ergonomic low-effort joystick
controls and an adjustable suspension seat.
With the introduction of the D-Series
models, Caterpillar’s Intelligent Levelling
system (ILEV) enabled three features –
Electronic Dual Self Level, Work Tool Return
to Dig, and Work Tool Positioner.
The D Series models also feature a new dial-
type hand throttle, and electronic throttle
pedal that provides a patented “decel” feature
when at high idle.
DRIVE TECHNOLOGY
Finnish manufacturer Avant has added a new
model to its 600 series family of compact
loaders with the Avant 640.
This is the third machine to join the Avant
600-series and is said to bring more drive
speed and pulling force to the 600 series with
enhanced drive technology.
Avant 640 is equipped with the same
Kubota diesel engine as Avant 635, but thanks
to the powerful two-speed drive motors, the
maximum drive speed of the 640 is 22km/h
in second gear, and the pulling force on first
gear is as high as 1,400kP.
Avant said the machine was small enough to
work in tight working conditions yet powerful
enough to lift over a tonne.
In 2012, Avant 600 series models were given
a face lift, and after these changes, the new
style LX- and DLX-cabs were also ready for
production.
The DLX-cab is designed for professional all-
year-round use. The cab has a work light kit,
heater, soundproofed interior and radio fitted
as standard. Air conditioning is an optional
extra.
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Turning waste into green power
A new Bobcat T770H compact tracked loader which was bought by K&S Allbones Civil
Engineers, based at East Kirkby in Lincolnshire, UK, is being used on projects to construct
new power plants being built by the farming customers which exploit biomass generated
on their farms as fuel.
One of these is a new 1.2MW Anaerobic Digestion Power Plant being built for cereals and
vegetable grower AE Lenton Group. Allbones is using the new T770H loader for work on
the new power plant, which is being built on a disused airfield at East Kirkby. The new plant
will produce green electricity and heat from biomass of processed trimmings of vegetables
produced by the group together with locally-grown whole crop maize.
Using the laser grader attachment, Allbones claimed to have completed a surface for the
piling contractor to work on with a much higher compaction level than that required for
this application. Changing the laser grader to the trencher attachment, K&S Allbones then
completed over 1.6km of trenching in just three and half days to take the cable connecting
the new plant at East Kirkby to the National Grid.
Using a Bobcat T770H, Allbones completed
over 1.6km of trenching in just three
and half days
The JCB 411 is powered by the low
emission Ecomax diesel engine
