New equipment and facility for Caterpillar

ATHENS, Ga. – Caterpillar has announced a handful of new products for the industry. The new products feature a Tier 4 Final solution and were designed with five customer values in mind: fuel efficiency, productivity, technology, comfort and safety.

In the loader market, Caterpillar has four new small-chassis models: two compact track loaders (the 239D and 249D) and two skid-steer loaders (the 226D and 232D). All are Tier 4 Final and maintenance-free.

The smaller loaders have redesigned chassis and lift arms.

“We're excited about these models because of all that D Series value that we introduced in 2013 that we're able to extend down to these smaller machines,” said Jeff Brown, product specialist.

Caterpillar has improved visibility on the D Series machines with low profile lift arms that allow for more visibility both above and below the arms on the sides of the machine. The loaders feature an optional Advanced Display, available with a rear-view camera, which offers more visibility behind the machine as well.

The D Series loaders feature Creep Control and Continuous Flow, which allow operators to slow the track speed of the equipment while maintaining high RPMs on attachment tools.

“This allows the operator to be very precise and productive in grading and other applications,” Brown said.

A new, optional track tread pattern on the 239 and 249 track loaders is a 15-inch track with a wide bar tread. This different pattern delivers better flotation, lower ground disturbance and better snow traction.

“(It’s) ultimately delivering a better finished product for the customer,” Brown said. “Especially for that landscape contractor that's working on a house pad or finished grading a housing development. We're really excited about what this track can do on a small CTL.”

Caterpillar has three new track type tractors: the D3K2, D4K2 and D5K2, which are all Tier 4 Final.

 “The D5K2 is the real star of the Athens facility,” said Joel Fritts, product specialist with Caterpillar.

These new K2 models feature Slope-Assist, part of the Cat AccuGrade Ready attachment, which allows controllers to automatically maintain a pre-established blade angle for a consistent grade.

Along with the new Slope-Assist, Automatic Traction-Control and Slope-Indicate, the models also retain the hydrostatic drive, Stable Blade and Power Pitch systems, Eco Mode found on previous models.

Caterpillar has released four F2 Series backhoe loaders that are Tier 4 Final: the 416F2, 420F2, 430F2 and the 415F2. The F2 series is an update from Caterpillar’s previous F series machines.

A new model to the range, the 415F2, is an entry-level machine featuring a 68 HP Cat engine.

Along with the new products, Caterpillar also unveiled a new production facility. In 2011, the company made the decision to relocate its Sagami, Japan facility to Athens, Ga., the result of a large market shift from the Asia Pacific region to North America.

Todd Henry, operations manager for Caterpillar, explained the site selection process included seven criteria: location to Eastern export/import ports, location in relation to highway and rail transportation, availability and qualification of workforce, workforce training capability, 250-acre site with infrastructure to support, location of a potential supply base and a good relationship with state and local government.

The new facility will produce nine of the Caterpillar’s building construction products: six mini hydraulic excavators and three small track type tractors.

Currently, 1,100 people are employed at the Athens facility, with 1,400 expected as the site matures over the next few years. Most of the employees will be new to Caterpillar.

Click here to check out images from the event.