Caterpillar introduced several new options and products for the company’s skid-steer and multi-terrain loaders during a media-only event in Peoria, Ill.
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Attendees played in the dirt at Caterpillar’s 720-acre Edwards Demonstration & Application Center on July 31. The center features an indoor education center with a dirt floor perfect for testing equipment during hot Illinois summers or bitter cold winter months.
The company unveiled a new industrial grapple rake in both 72-inch and 84-inch versions. The grapple rakes feature hydraulically operated dual, independent grapple assemblies to grasp irregularly shaped materials. They’re designed to load, lift, sift or dump various materials, and can be used in brush removal, loading rocks and logs.
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Caterpillar debuted a number of creature comforts to assist both landscape and snow contractors during long shifts. “What we’re finding is operators are spending more and more time in skid-steers,” says Kent Pellegrini, a skid-steer specialist. The cabs of the C-series and multi-terrain loaders are now radio-ready, and are complete with speakers and wiring, Pellegrini says. At least one dealer he spoke to is offering contractors satellite radio installation.
Caterpillar reviewed its AMICS, or Advanced Machine Information Control System. It’s an LCD control pad offered as an option and provides selectable work speed control, which is useful during trenching and cold planing that require precise machine control at constant speeds. There are 10 speed settings. AMICS also allows greater control over attachments by adjusting the responsiveness of the joysticks.
A new mini hydraulic excavator operating training CD-ROM is available in both Spanish and English.
Caterpillar’s new machines include:
Three new Cat C-Series Multi-Terrain Loaders: 277C, 287C and 297C
Features: Newly redesigned tracked undercarriage; electro-hydraulic joystick control of the hydrostatic drive system; electronic torque management; electronic torque management; optional sealed and pressurized cab; optional air suspension seat; optional High Flow XPS hydraulics
Four new Caterpillar C-Series Skid Steer Loaders: 246C, 256C, 262C and 272C
Features: Electro-hydraulic joystick control of the hydrostatic drive system; electronic torque management; optional sealed and pressurized cab; optional air suspension seat; optional High Flow XPS hydraulics
