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| Newest additions to the Caterpillar line of rubber-track loaders  Three models of compact track loaders, the 279C, 289C and 299C, are the newest additions to the Caterpillar line of rubber-track loaders. The new loaders feature durable, steel embedded track and steel undercarriage components for maximum life in aggressive applications. 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, designed and built by Caterpillar, 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 (1767 mm) 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 (1451, 1746 and 1882 kg), at 50 percent of tipping load. Net-horsepower ratings are 82 (61 kW) for the 279C and 289C, and 90 (67 kW) for the 299C. Lift-arm-path design is radial for the 279C and vertical for the 289C and 299C. The new compact track loaders complement the Caterpillar multi terrain loaders, which feature very low ground pressure for high flotation and little ground disturbance. Multi terrain loaders also offer the best ride and highest travel speeds of all compact tracked machines. Now customers can choose the machine that best suits their primary applications. At the heart of the Caterpillar compact track loader design is a robust new undercarriage. It uses an external-type sprocket, steel track rollers and idlers, conventional spring-type (grease-adjusted) recoil mechanism and rubber tracks that incorporate the reinforcing strength of steel - both as steel cords that run longitudinally through the tracks and as steel inserts at the sprocket-engagement points. The design emphasizes durability and aggressive traction, suiting it particularly well for applications in which maintenance, operator technique and underfoot conditions might present challenges. Powering the three new loaders is the Cat C3.4T diesel engine, an inline, four-cylinder, turbocharged model with a 201-cubic-inch (3.3-liter) displacement. The engine powers a two-speed hydrostatic drive system, which provides a travel speed of 8.5 mph (13.6 kph) in second range - and which is standard equipment for the new 279C, 289C and 299C models. Electronic control of the drive system allows continual fine-tuning of the engine, drive pumps and drive motors to deliver controlled tractive effort, but always in combination with ample hydraulic power for the implement (lift and tilt) and auxiliary circuits. Standard hydraulic flow is 22 gpm (84 lpm), and rated system pressure is 3,335 psi (23 000 kPa). For applications requiring added hydraulic horsepower, Caterpillar offers the optional High Flow XPS auxiliary-hydraulic system, which delivers 33 gpm (125 lpm) at a system pressure of 4,061 psi (28 000 kPa). The XPS system allows the new machines to efficiently handle such demanding work tools as a cold planer and a brush cutter. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Construction News :: home page |