February 2011, Vol. 66 No. 2
Equipment Spotlight
Equipment Spotlight: Backhoe Loaders
Backhoe loaders from John Deere, Case, Volvo, Caterpillar, New Holland Construction, Bradco/Paladin Construction Group, Kubota Tractor and Terex Construction Americas.
John Deere
Total Machine Control (TMC) provides more controls that are intuitive and enables automation of functions that operators previously had to do manually. An option for the John Deere 310SJ and 410J backhoe loaders, it gives operators best-in-class comfort, faster cycle times and the best automatic features of an excavator and 4WD loader built into one machine. Armrest-mounted joystick controls turn with the seat and eliminate pilot towers, resulting in enhanced visibility, exceptional comfort and reduced heat in the cab, thanks to the absence of hydraulic oil used in other control systems. Fingertip control means no more foot pedals or extra levers to control the stabilizers, extendable dipper stick and front/rear auxiliary hydraulics. 800.503.3373, www.deere.com
Case
The over-center backhoe design on Case’s new N Series loader/backhoes eliminates the “porpoising” or rocking motion common to backhoe-heavy models. The Ride Control option further stabilizes the machine and increases load retention during travel around the jobsite. The hydraulic quick coupler options for both the backhoe and loader allows the operator to engage and disengage many loader and backhoe attachments without leaving the cab. The system includes Flow Control to automatically match hydraulic flow to the needs of the attachments (hydraulic augers and hammers for the backhoe, and forks, grapples, brooms, snow blades and combination buckets for the loader). 262.636.0447, www.casece.com
Volvo
The Volvo center-mount backhoe loaders are fitted with Volvo’s D5D Tier 3 fuel-efficient, high-performance engines with high torque and powerful breakout capabilities. The 90-hp Volvo BL70 has a dig depth of 14 feet 9 inches, an operating weight of 17,248 pounds, a bucket capacity of 1.3 cubic yards, a loader lift capacity of 6,953 pounds and a breakout force of 12,445 pounds. The 83-hp Volvo BL60 has a dig depth of 14 feet 5 inches, an operating weight of 16,178 pounds, a bucket capacity of 1 cubic yard, a loader lift capacity of 5,460 pounds and a breakout force of 11,330 pounds. Both models can be equipped with a variety of attachments for specific job applications and have standard Volvo hydrostatic steering and load-sensing hydraulic systems. 828.650.2000, www.volvo.com
Caterpillar
The 450E Backhoe Loader, in the 17-foot dig depth class, has 124 net hp and a backhoe digging depth of 17 feet 3 inches when equipped with a standard stick. The extendible stick pushes the 450E digging depth to 21 feet 4 inches. The general-purpose loader bucket is 1.75 cubic yards capacity. The high rotation backhoe linkage eliminates the need to change pin position when moving from loading trucks to vertical wall trenching. Four-wheel drive improves traction and machine balance. Ride control improves operator comfort at all speeds and reduces spillage when the bucket is full. A four-cylinder diesel engine has 4.4 liters displacement. catrequests@cat.com
New Holland Construction
The B Series line of loader backhoes includes the B90B, B95B, B95B TC, B95B LR, B110B and B115B. The B Series models range in gross horsepower from 95 to 110 and feature Tier III certified turbo-charged 4.5-liter engines. The loader backhoes excel in tough digging conditions, with loader breakout forces ranging from 12,169 to 15,212 pounds. The units feature a curved, narrow boom design. Not only does the design lower transport height and increase digging power, it also provides excellent visibility. The slim cab pillars and sloped hood allow excellent visibility to the front edge of the loader bucket. www.newholland.com
Bradco/Paladin Construction Group
The Bradco 485 Backhoe increases utilization of skid-steer loaders and tractors. At 925 pounds without a bucket, its compact size allows operators to easily move the unit around the job site and provides a maximum digging depth of 8 feet, 5 inches. The full 180-degree dual-cylinder swing rotation provides equal power in both directions. A 10-foot, 7-inch horizontal reach from the swing post efficiently places dirt away from the digging area and minimizes the need to move the machine. The Bradco 485 Backhoe is compatible with bucket sizes from 10 inches up to 24 inches and heaped capacities that range from .92 cubic feet up to 3.1 cubic feet. 800.456.7100, www.paladinbrands.com
Kubota Tractor
The Kubota L45 TLB tractor-loader-backhoe features an HST Plus Transmission and the versatility of three machines in one, combining a strong, integrated loader and quick attach backhoe with a Category I 3-point hitch. With a slanted boom design and braceless frame for excellent visibility, the loader is designed with a lifting capacity of 2,200 pounds. The backhoe offers a 10-foot digging depth and backhoe crawling mode to reposition along trenches. Powered by a 45-hp Kubota diesel engine, the L45 TLB’s immense versatility is ideal for operators with professional results in mind. 888.458.2682, ext. 900, www.kubota.com
Terex Construction Americas
The new Terex TLB840 backhoe loader boasts a 88-hp Perkins engine and is powered by an optional 4-speed servo power syncro transmission with automatic shifting, delivering fuel efficiency and high tractive effort. Operators asked for, and got: a spacious, ergonomic cab, extended dig depth and reach capabilities with increased power and maneuverability.
The new TLB840 has a curved boom design that offers operators greater clearance to reach over obstacles and the ability to load closer into trucks for greater productivity. With a dig depth of 14 feet, 9 inches (extended to 18 feet, 1 inch) and a reach up of 18 feet, 9 inches (extended 21 feet, 11 inches), the unit is designed with a new slew system that provides high torque for easier backfilling and slewing uphill. The “deep dig” extendable dipper stick is new on the TLB840. With an optional thumb attachment, operators are able to clamp objects and materials between the bucket and dipper with ease. For high-productivity trenching, this new backhoe loaders brags 7,958 foot/pounds dipper tearout and 11,892 foot/pounds bucket tearout. The hydro mechanical self-leveling feature on the TLB840 enables the operator to avoid spillage and allows for load retention at full height. The hydraulic unload button controls the loader’s lift speed, as well as boosts the machine’s pushing performance. 662.393.1800, www.terex.com
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