Photo: Case Construction EquipmentCase Construction Equipment announced the launch of its next generation of compact track loaders (CTLs) and skid steers with the introduction of the B Series – five CTLs and eight skid steers spanning radial and vertical lift patterns, as well as numerous horsepower and size classes.
“Case CTLs and skid steers are enhanced to deliver a completely new and intuitive operating experience while also standing up to the rigors of heavy earthmoving and attachment use,” says George Mac Intyre, product manager for compact equipment, Case. “The B Series retains the styling of previous Case loaders, yet critical operational systems have been re-engineered for greater performance, and fully integrated with new control and operator interfaces to give contractors a powerful match of productivity, efficiency and convenience.”
The company says the B Series loaders feature a redesigned operator interface, which includes left- and right-hand posts on all models with simple ignition, push-button operation, easy throttle control and intuitive switches for all core machine functions.
Case says contractors can choose between standard mechanical, mechanical hand-and-foot and electro-hydraulic controls when specifying a machine. The company says the electro-hydraulic models come with an eight-inch LCD multi-function display with a backup camera, and it can be added to mechanical configurations for use with the backup camera and operational displays but without the electro-hydraulic control capabilities.
Electro-hydraulic models also allow users to switch between ISO and H operating patterns with the push of a button. The company says the LCD multi-function includes the only backup camera visible in a split-screen display with machine data. Case says the camera is operational in both forward and reverse and enhances the B Series’ visibility with even greater jobsite perspective and awareness.
Case says its CTLs and skid steers feature 360-degree visibility — enhanced by the new backup camera as well as a cab-wide rearview mirror that comes standard on all machines. The company adds that low entry threshold and large front window provide excellent visibility to the front of the machine and down to the attachment.
Case says large side windows and a large curved rear window allow for great sightlines to the sides and the rear of the machine, and rear visibility is further aided by low-profile rear hoods and a low-profile H-Link on vertical-lift models that doesn’t impede visibility to the rear when compared with select competitive equipment.
Case says joysticks on electro-hydraulic models have been designed with a narrower, more comfortable grip, and closer switch layout and smaller head size for easier operation. The electro-hydraulic pods on each joystick have also been made smaller to give the operator more legroom inside the machine.
The company says mechanically controlled models of the SR210B and larger models also feature servo-assisted joysticks for easier operation and less operator fatigue.
As it relates to attachment use, Case says the B Series provides either standard, high-flow or enhanced high-flow auxiliary hydraulics with pressures up to 4,000 psi for running high-capacity hydraulic attachments such as cold planers and mulchers. All models additionally feature a connect under pressure manifold design that allows for quick and tool-less removal of hydraulic lines.
Case says additional optional features such as Ride Control and self-leveling further improve overall operator performance and efficiency.
Case says all B Series models (except the SR160B) feature either a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (CEGR) design with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) that requires no fluids or lifetime filter maintenance or a CEGR design with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after treatment (on 90-horsepower units) that also requires no lifetime filter maintenance — although it does require filling with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) as needed.
The company says fleet managers can further expand the simplicity of maintaining B Series models with the addition of an optional Case SiteWatch telematics subscription that provides insight into operational data, service intervals and total machine performance.
Arbor Day Foundation announces first cities of Tree Cities of the World program
The Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently announced the first cities to be recognized through the Tree Cities of the World program.
The groups report that 2019 was the first year of eligibility in this worldwide initiative to recognize cities for their commitment to urban forestry management.
A total of 59 cities earned this international designation including Toronto, Canada; New York, USA; Guadalajara, Mexico; Paris, France; Birmingham, United Kingdom; Campo Grande, Brazil; and Auckland, New Zealand. The complete list of recognized communities is available here. To earn this recognition, each city met five core standards for managing city trees and forests.
“We applaud all of the cities that have earned Tree City designation,” says Dan Lambe, president, Arbor Day Foundation. “They are leaders when it comes to planning and managing their urban forests. Many of the cities being recognized have gone above and beyond to use trees as part of their green infrastructure. This distinction is a celebration of their creativity and sustainability in creating healthier urban spaces.”
The Tree Cities of the World program is a partnership of FAO and the Arbor Day Foundation that began in 2019. The program says its shared vision is to connect cities around the world in a new network dedicated to adopting the most successful approaches to managing urban trees and forests. Recognition through the Tree Cities of the World program represents the first step toward achieving a green vision for qualifying cities.
“We congratulate the first cities to be recognized for 2019, our inaugural year,” says Hiroto Mitsugi, assistant director general, FAO. “Together, these Tree Cities form a new global network of urban forestry leaders who share the same values for city trees and forests. We are proud to recognize these cities for their actions toward healthier, greener places to live.”
For more information on the Tree Cities of the World program and to see how your city can become involved, click here.
Ruppert Landscape announces new branch manager
Ruppert Landscape recently announced the expansion of its landscape management operations to include a new location in the eastern regions of Richmond, Virginia. This branch joins five existing landscape management branches in Virginia, located in Gainesville, Alexandria, Fredericksburg, northern and southern Richmond, and will serve existing customers as well as growth between Richmond and Williamsburg.
“One of our goals has always been to provide our customers and employees with a small company feel,” says Kevin Hazelgrove, region manager. “As the market and the company have grown rapidly in recent years, this can be increasingly difficult. We believe that the addition of this new location will help us meet this goal and provide better service to our customers.”
David HenselThe Richmond East branch will be led by David Hensel, who has recently been promoted to branch manager.
As a landscaper, Ruppert says Hensel began his career at the age of 13 working at a large retail garden center in Richmond. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 2009 with a degree in horticulture and landscape contracting and began working at a high-end residential landscape company in Sterling, Virginia, overseeing all facets of landscape management operations.
In early 2017, he joined Ruppert as an area manager in Richmond, where he took on the management of the branch’s second largest portfolio and lead the team in sales in 2018 and 2019.
Additionally, Ruppert says in 2018 he was recognized with the company’s Branch Impact Award for his dedication and contributions to the team. He was promoted to associate branch manager in July of 2019, where he trained with leadership in preparation for the next opportunity to come in the Richmond market.
The company says he is a Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association (VNLA) certified horticulturist, landscape industry certified technician (CLT) and an Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) certified hardscape installer.
“Dave’s competitive spirit, strong leadership and recruiting skills and industry and market knowledge made him a clear choice for this position,” says Hazelgrove. “I have every confidence in his ability to lead and grow this promising new team.”
As branch manager, the company says Hensel will be responsible for the overall welfare of the branch, including the safety and development of his team, strategic planning and budgeting, training and day-to-day operations.
John Deere launches new compact utility tractor
John Deere announced the launch of the new John Deere 4M heavy-duty tractor.
Designed with commercial customers and large property owners in mind, John Deere says the 4M heavy-duty delivers all the performance customers demand from their utility tractor in a compact, easy to use package.
Photo: John DeereThe company says the 4M heavy-duty is available in two output ratings, the 52-horsepower 4052M HD and the 66-horsepower 4066M HD. The company says both units feature John Deere’s three range eHydro transmission with Twin Touch pedals, allowing for easy direction changes and increased productivity while decreasing operator fatigue. John Deere adds that the eHydro transmission also includes eThrottle, LoadMatch, MotionMatch and SpeedMatch systems along with automotive style cruise control.
To make this one of the most versatile tractors available today, John Deere says it equipped the 4M heavy-duty with a category I/II hitch with telescoping draft links. The company says customers can use one tractor across a broad range of implements with various hitch specifications, and thanks to the telescoping draft links, implement hook up is a simple task.
The company says operators will be able to spend more time completing the task at hand versus struggling to attach their implements, and factory-installed hydraulics also allow operators the ability to connect and use multiple hydraulic controlled implements simultaneously.
John Deere says the 4M heavy-duty features an innovative lighting design and a short wheelbase. With the tractor’s fore and aft work lights, the company says visibility is significantly improved in low-light environments. Additionally, John Deere says its compact 73-inch wheelbase allows for a much tighter turning radius while operating in small spaces.
“The 4M heavy-duty tractor was designed with versatility and ease of use in mind,” says DeMark Cole, product marketing manager, John Deere. “With this unit, we had three main objectives – increase visibility, provide industry leading maneuverability and reduce downtime related to changing attachments. With this tractor, we’ve achieved all of these objectives and we look forward to getting our customers in the seats.”
The 4M heavy-duty is backed by a full machine standard two-year warranty, which promises to fix any defects in materials and workmanship for two years after delivery, or 2,000 hours. Additionally, the 4M HD’s powertrain is covered by a six-year, 2,000-hour warranty.
