New line of Caterpillar backhoe loaders

This year, the Caterpillar company celebrates 35 years since the introduction of the first Cat backhoe loader on the market. And what is a better way of celebrating of this anniversary than to introduce a new line of these universal machines? A quartet of four machines has been introduced to the world. Backhoe loaders Cat 428, Cat 432, Cat 434, and Cat 444. These machines have been upgraded with several modern features that improve the effectiveness and comfort of the machine operator.

They combine the abilities of several machines into one. It is not a huge overstatement to say that they are a Swiss army knife on four wheels that can solve almost any problem on its own. Its history started at the beginning of the 80s. During a process which lasted several thousand hours, a team of designers was trying to answer the question of what was missing in the backhoe loaders at the time and what would the users like to improve. More than two thousand customers participated on the study. At first, only a small team of five experts was designated to come up with the best solution.

First prototypes

In the year 1982, the team grew by two more members from the ranks of designers, production, marketing, materials, and quality from USA and from UK. Since the middle of 1983, the first prototypes were tested. The resolve of all the co-workers led to an unprecedented shortening of the development. Computer design, laboratory testing, and the use of the method of final elements that simulates stress over time, deformation, and other properties of the created model, played an important role in the final steps. In 1985, the new type was introduced to the public – only three and a half years since the first designs were drafted on paper. A year later, a new model intended for the European market got into production.

First series

Today, after 34 years since the introduction of the first series, its best version comes into our hands.

The new backhoe loaders have got several modern features that improve the work effectiveness and the machine operator’s comfort. New Cat C3.6 engines meet the strict EU Stage V norm. All while keeping to the performance parameters. The fuel consumption decreased by a very nice 10 %. The whole machine is, at the same time, very easy to maintain and the emission system is completely non-maintenance. The new automatic transmission Powershift with easy control thanks to the ergonomically shaped gear lever works well with the new engine.

Work comfort

The machine is controlled by joysticks connected to the revolving seat. This provides the machine operator with perfect work comfort. At the same time, this layout saved up a lot of valuable space in the cabin and improved the sight line. The joystick control also means easier and more precise manipulation with the backhoe arm, which is, as is the standard, equipped with a telescopic shaft for a wider reach of the machine.

The basic information necessary for work and maintenance are displayed on a well-arranged and configurable display. The machine operator has, in this way, constantly awareness of the important parameters and can set the machine for the best performance for a given task.

Source: Lomy a těžba