Just days before National Manufacturing Day on Oct. 3, Caterpillar launched two new pieces of equipment, and introduced tools, updates and enhancements at its Clayton, N.C. Visitor and Training Center.
Mini-hydraulic excavators. The new E2 Series of five mini-hydraulic excavators features a high definition hydraulic system which provides a load sensing and flow sharing capability. The valve design reduces heat for better hydraulic stability and efficiency.
“What we’ve introduced to market is actually a whole new cab and a new hydraulics system,” said Jennifer Hooper, marketing and development engineer.
All but the 308EZ model have a redesigned operator station with new interlocking front window systems, updated operator interface controls and 100 percent pilot controls. They also have a high suspension set and an improved ergonomic layout with easily adjustable arm rests.
“The operator can get in, find something that accommodates them as effectively as possible and go from there,” Hooper said.
Caterpillar has moved away from sliding door to a pin back design in order to offer a wider opening. “We wanted the doors to be able to close within the confines of the cab and also there’s better visibility for the operator,” Hooper said.
The 8-ton model meets Tier 4 emissions standards, and the 4-, 5- and 5 1/2-ton models are Tier 4 interim, going Tier 4 final mid-next year. Plus, the 303.5E2 features Smart Technology, which Caterpillar says improves fuel consumption by 8 percent compared to the E series.
The less than 3-ton model is also Tier 4 compliant, and in order to get the 3.5-ton model complaint, Caterpillar is reducing the engine to less than 25 horsepower. “That is a huge cost saving to an entry level machine like the 3.5-ton machine,” Worley said.
The series includes the 303.5E2, 304E2, 305E2, 305.5E2 and 308E2, all of which will be produced at its Athens, Ga. site.
Compact wheel loaders. Caterpillar’s new 903C compact wheel loader is powered by a 42-horsepower, Tier 4-interim compliant engine that will take the vehicle up to 10 mph.
According to Jeff Brown, senior project engineer, Caterpillar sees about 80 percent of machines in this size class using buckets and forks, primarily for agriculture, snow contractors, nurseries and landscapes.
“There’s a lot of external handling work with those tools,” he said. “So we’ve designed the machine to have the rated operating capacity to meet the tasks that those customers need to do.”
To that end, there are optional external counterweights available to increase lift capacity. And landscapers can choose from three tire choices: 12-inch construction type, 15.5-inch flotation type, and Flexport, a puncture-proof tire that uses sidewall ports.
The new rear-opening hood gives easy, ground-level access for maintenance and service. The side-by-side engine and hydraulic coolers make them easy to reach for cleaning, according to Caterpillar.
The cab features a pillarless rear glass panel for easy visibility, plus a tilting steering column for operator comfort. Controls for lift, tilt and third valve functions are each on their own lever. A canopy option will be available in the first quarter of 2015.