Industry roundup: Case introduces N Series backhoe loader enhancements

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Photo: CasePhoto: Case

Case Construction Equipment introduced many machine enhancements to its N Series backhoe loaders incorporated throughout the machine.

The company says it also made standard several options that were previously optional, and Case says it now offers an increased suite of factory options on all N Series backhoe loaders.

Now featuring a new Pilot Control hydraulic system, Case says this offers operators more control in critical applications. There have also been improvements made to the hydraulic system to reduce cab noise for greater operator comfort.

Case says the fuel economy package now comes standard and includes ECO mode switches for both the loader and backhoe functions. This, the company says, allows for greater fuel savings and optimal power and performance.

The Auto Engine Idle feature is also included in this package, and Case says it brings engine RPMs down to idle when the backhoe controls are not used for a set period of time. Both the Auto Engine Idle and Auto Engine Shutdown have adjustable settings to customize the timing to the style and preference of the operator.

Case says that another additional feature now made standard is the Engine Protection Shutdown mode, which the company says turns the engine off if engine temperature, engine oil pressure or drivetrain fluid go out of normal operating range.

Additional enhancements to the product line are as follows:

  • Electrical system features that were previously optional — including a battery disconnect switch and jumpstart terminal — have been made standard on all N Series backhoes.
  • The drivetrain has been updated for improved roading and gradeability, the company says, as well as more pushing power under load and greater acceleration around the jobsite.
  • The machines also feature new externally adjustable Extendahoe wear pads that Case says allow for easier maintenance and serviceability while keeping tight tolerances, reducing strain and wear on components.

Along with machine enhancements and standard features, Case says many brand-new factory options are now available on all N Series backhoes:

  • A new LED light option includes four front, four rear and two sidelights that are all adjustable to target the task at hand. Case says these LED lights shine brighter than halogen bulbs while drawing less power.
  • A bolt on chaff screen attaches over the standard front grill, protecting the engine compartment and cooling package from finer airborne debris such as straw chaff, grass clippings, leaves or other fine materials.
  • An 18-inch front tire offering (bias ply or radial) and heavy duty front axle option are available on the 580N and 580 Super N models.
  • New bolt-on front fenders that Case says help protect the machine and operator from water, mud, dirt and debris while traveling off-road in rough, muddy terrain.

Briggs & Stratton acquire commercial spreader and sprayer product line

Photo: Briggs & StrattonPhoto: Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton recently announced its acquisition of the assets of Ground Logic, Inc. of Lincoln, Nebraska, a manufacturer and designer of stand-on commercial spreaders and spreader/sprayers for fertilizer and pesticide-herbicide lawn applications.

“This acquisition supports Briggs & Stratton’s strategy to ‘fill out the trailer’ of the commercial lawn and turf professional, with highly-regarded products that are built to stand up to the toughest working demands,” says Harold L. Redman, senior vice president and group president — Turf & Consumer Products, Briggs & Stratton. “We will be able to use our industry-leading global distribution network to accelerate growth and are eager to add these products to our portfolio of outdoor power equipment to help commercial business owners get the job done.”

The company says the transaction was financed from cash on hand, and it expects the acquisition to not have a material effect on fiscal 2018 earnings or cash flows.

Caterpillar launches Yellowmark parts

Caterpillar recently announced its plans to introduce a new tier of repair and replacement parts to support the small- and medium-sized equipment under its Construction Industries umbrella.

yellowmark logoThe company says its Yellowmark parts will offer an alternative for customers looking for reliable, conveniently available, value-priced parts from their local Cat dealer.

“Many of our Building Construction Products (BCP) and Global Construction & Infrastructure (GCI) equipment customers have given us feedback that their operations need more options on repair and replacement parts as they seek the right balance between convenience and reliability at a lower cost, especially for older equipment,” said Nigel Lewis, chief marketing officer and vice president of Caterpillar Inc. “We listened, and through Yellowmark we will provide a range of products that respond to these needs. Developed by Caterpillar and sourced conveniently through the Cat dealer, Yellowmark repair and replacement parts build on the current range of Caterpillar new and remanufactured solutions to provide more options to customers as they work to optimize the owning and operating costs of their fleets.”

Encompassing and expanding on the Cat Classic Parts line, Caterpillar says new offerings will be added over time to the classic line as part of the Yellowmark brand. This, the company says, ensures a full range of parts for BCP and GCI equipment.

Caterpillar says these new parts offerings will be introduced throughout 2018 and will initially include repair and replacement parts. The company adds that future new parts introductions will also include maintenance and wear parts.

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