43
january-february 2014
international
construction
COMPACT EQUIPMENT
Exhaust emission impetus
model, the bucket digging force has been
increased to 61.8 kN, a +13% increase
over the previous model.
The low exhaust emissions and external
noise levels (97 and 98 dBA in the
E62 and E85, respectively) mean the
excavators could be used sensitive areas,
or at night. The cab meanwhile offers low
operator noise levels of 73 and 71 dBA,
respectively.
Dual brand
As they occupy the grey area between mini
and full-sized excavators, the excavators
are also available in the orange livery
of Bobcat’s parent company and sister-
brand, Doosan. They are designated the
DX62R-3 and DX85R-3 in Doosan’s
nomenclature. Also new in the range is
the DX63-3, a conventional machine
with an overhanging counterweight. This
replaces the DX55E, while the DX62-R
supersedes the DX60R.
Further down the weight categories,
Bobcat’s the E42, E45, E50 and E55 are
also new, and feature engines without a
DPF.
The company says the E50 and E55 excavators offer
+12% more torque than their predecessors, and
like the new skid steers and tracked loaders, there
are systems on board all four machines to protect
the engines against high and low temperatures. The E42
is a conventional tailswing machine with an overhanging
counterweight, while the E45 is a zero tailswing model.
Caterpillar’s newest offerings in the compact segment are
four new D series skid steer loaders, which are being released
as two other models in the range are updated with a new cab
and lifting arm design.
The six models offer rated operating capacities from
816 kg to 1 678 kg. The 236D and 242D are
mid-size frame models and can be as narrow as
1.52 m. The 246D and 262D are larger, with
rated capacities of 975 kg and 1225 kg, but all
four feature a 55 kW electronically controlled 3.3-litre engine
that meets Tier 4 Final emissions standards. The engine provides
+8% more torque and 6 percent improvement in fuel economy
compared to the previous models.
The largest D Series models, the 272D and 272D XHP, were
>
launched in early 2012 and continue to be powered by an
electronically controlled 73 kW 3.8-litre engine, which meets
Tier 4 Interim standards.
There is a new cab across the D-Series, and an interesting
feature is the video-capable display, which is linked to an
integrated rear-view camera to aid visibility and safety.
Caterpillar it is the first skid steer manufacturer in the
industry to offer a factory-fitted camera. The display
also expands machine diagnostics capability by allowing
the master-code holder to review operator-specific
machine information such as hours of operation, fuel
burn and operating event or diagnostic codes.
Lift arms on the D Series machines are a new
tubular design which Caterpillar says remain
strong while being sleeker than their predecessors.
The optional automatic work-tool coupler is now
electrically actuated, replacing the previous hydraulically
actuated coupler, and the new design is simpler, eliminating hoses
and connectors, and easier to install as an accessory in the field.
Accompanying these skid steers are eight new rubber-tracked
D-Series compact tracked loaders, which share many of the new
improvements. They range in rated operating capacity from
1,270 kg 2,109 kg and are powered by the same engines.
John Deere’s latest additions in this area meanwhile are its new
E-series mid-sized loaders, the 318E and 320E skid steers and
319E and 323E compact tracked loaders, which follow on from
the large frame models launched in 2013.
An interesting feature is the option to have controls that are
switchable between the three different patterns that are to be
found in the industry. This means operators can chose the control
pattern most familiar to them.
Other new features include a boom design which Deere says
Caterpillar has launched its new D-series skid steer and
tracked loaders with a range of in-cab and performance
improvements.
Kobelco’s
latest compact
excavator is
the short radius
SK55SRX.
Case’s new CX75C SR short radius
excavator features three work modes and an
automatic engine shut-off system to help save fuel.
