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| Caterpillar extends backhoe loader choice  Caterpillar has added a seventh model to its popular E-Series backhoe loader line, in response to customer demand from central and eastern European markets. The company, which will be celebrating 25 years of backhoe loader production this year, has incorporated a number of detail improvements across the full range of E-Series machines to further boost productivity and performance on site. The Caterpillar 434E Mechanical joins the line-up alongside the existing 434E Pilot Control machine. As the name suggests, the 434E Mechanical boasts the same highly productive four wheel drive, all-wheel steer drive train as the servo controlled machine, but comes with the option of mechanical levers for the backhoe and loader.Traditionally, as befits their range-topping status, the 434E and 444E all-wheel steer machines have been available solely with the electro-hydraulic pilot control system, offering operators the highest levels of comfort and productivity available on a backhoe loader. However while customers from central and eastern European markets in particular want the ultimate off-road capabilities of the all-wheel steer chassis, they prefer the simplicity of mechanical hydraulic controls. Now customers can choose between a universal system, offering an SAE or X-pattern lever layout, or the ISO plus-pattern movement for the backhoe controls to suit operator preference. The 434E Mechanical is powered by Caterpillar's highly efficient C4.4 engine, which meets the emissions levels set down in Stage IIIA of the European Directive 2004/26/EC. This engine produces net power of 70kW (95hp) and peak torque of 395Nm. The machine is also available with Caterpillar's 3054 engine, which is Stage II compliant for exhaust emissions in non EU countries. The drive is transmitted to both axles through a four-speed Power-shuttle synchromesh gearbox. All Wheel Drive is engaged by a switch on the front console, and automatically when the brake pedal is applied, providing four-wheel braking for maximum stopping power under full control. All Wheel Drive can be engaged on the go, under load and in any gear, providing operators with maximum drive at the touch of a button. The 434E Mechanical retains the popular all-wheel steering system that offers the driver three operating modes. These include a conventional two-wheel steering mode, all-wheel circle steering, and a crab steer mode that is particularly useful for grading and trench back filling work. The machine will be supplied with Caterpillar's standard ROPS/FOPS cab specification. This includes twin opening doors, with opening windows, an air suspension driver's seat, eight working lights, a tilt steering column and a powerful heating and ventilation system for maximum comfort in all operating conditions. Caterpillar has revised the backhoe design on all of its E-Series models. The latest E-Stick extending dipper has a sliding inner section to improve over-the-side loading stability and simplify hose routing through the boom. Increased bucket breakout forces are available on several models and the E-Stick has revised wear pads with an efficient bolt adjuster system that reduces downtime and allows adjustment with no requirement to disassemble the dipper. The stabiliser legs on all E-Series models also feature revised wear pads, with an easily adjustable layout, further simplifying maintenance. The new E-Series models benefit from a new body-coloured composite roof cap, that offers improved channelling of rainwater to the front of the cab and away from the rear window. The lighter colour also helps to reflect heat in warmer countries, adding to the comfort levels inside the cab. Operators will also note a revised instrument cluster to the right of the seat, incorporating easy to read dials for engine revs, oil temperature and fuel level. The hour meter is also incorporated in this clear dash now. This console is the first to utilise an improved Caterpillar corporate appearance that will be included in other machines in the future. There is also a revised design to the loader arms on the 428E, 432E and 442E. The revised profile improves the welding process during fabrication, boosting durability and longevity of components. Tidy hose routing through the arms provides improved visibility to the work area and improved retention clips on the loader pivot pin, with centralised lubrication, will cut downtime for regular maintenance. The revised loader design provides increased breakout on some models, with the 428E now offering up to 61kN of front loader bucket breakout, up from 55kN previously. write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Construction News :: home page |