Thursday, November 05, 2009

John Deere's New Frontier SB2176 Snow Blower Packs Power and Ease with Loader-Mount Design

John Deere's Frontier Products has introduced an easier, more powerful way to quickly move snow: the hydraulically driven and loader-mounted SB2176 Snow Blower for all John Deere 400 Series Loaders.

Photo Credit: John Deere

Designed to save time and energy, the SB2176's quick-attach feature allows operators to mount the blower without removing the loader. The blower is driven by an independent, hydraulic three-point hydraulic power pack that attaches to the rear of the tractor. Self-contained and driven by the tractor's rear PTO, it is also Category 1- and iMatch-compatible.

"The SB2176 increases tractor versatility and ease of use, both of which are necessities for operators with a long list of duties, such as those at schools or municipalities," said Tom Elliott, division sales & marketing manager for Frontier. "But clearing snow will become every operator's favorite task with the help of the hydraulic controls and the ability to drive the blower facing forward. The ability to quickly disconnect the snow blower and begin using the loader again means more versatility."

Source: John Deere

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

907H Rounds Out Strong Caterpillar Compact Wheel Loader Lineup

Caterpillar has announced the new Cat 907H, the latest addition to the Cat Compact Wheel Loader range, which fits between the popular 906H and 908H models.


Photo Credit: Caterpillar

The new 70-net horsepower (52-kW) model features a skid steer loader style coupler, auxiliary hydraulic system, Cat C3.4 diesel engine, two-speed hydrostatic drive, standard differential locks in both axles, parallel-lift Z-bar loader linkage and high-visibility operator's station. Optional features—including high-flow hydraulics, ride control and speeder transmission—further enhance the 907H's performance and versatility in a diversity of landscaping, industrial and general-construction applications.

The hydraulically actuated skid-steer-loader-type coupler, which the 907H shares with the 906H and 908H, allows use of many of the hydro-mechanical work tools that customers presently own for Cat Skid Steer, Multi-Terrain and Compact Track Loaders. This capability expands the 907H's versatility and allows the machine to be easily integrated into existing small-equipment fleets.

Source: Caterpillar

Monday, October 26, 2009

The New Case 650L Crawler Dozer

Photo Credit: Case Construction Equipment

Case Construction Equipment today has announced the addition of the 650L to its crawler dozer line. The new Case 650L crawler dozer delivers more performance, a lower overall operating height and weight, and superior maintenance features that boost productivity. The machine is ideal for residential job sites and confined commercial work areas.

The 650L retains the superior features of the Case crawler dozer line, such as hydrostatic drive, a comfortable operator compartment, two undercarriage options and superior maintainability.

The 650L delivers 74 net horsepower (55 kW) through a Tier 3-certified, four-cylinder, 4.5-liter turbocharged Case Family IV engine with electronic fuel injection for maximum fuel efficiency and easier starts in cold weather. A high-pressure common-rail injection system delivers excellent combustion. A charge air cooler reduces emissions and provides a cleaner and more efficient fuel burn.

The lower operating height allows the 650L to work around low overhangs, while its lighter weight is ideal for work in soft soil conditions. The shorter track means easier turning, making the machine extremely maneuverable on the job site. The compact size also makes the crawler dozer easy to transport from job to job.

Source: Case Construction Equipment

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Hay Bales Communicate Data Through New Holland CropID Technology

New Holland Agriculture recently launched CropID, an individual bale identification system for large square balers.


Photo Credit: New Holland

According to New Holland, using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, the CropIDTM system gathers detailed information about each separate bale and stores it in a microchip that attaches to the twine. This innovation enables commercial growers to uniquely tag and sort bales based on a wide range of criteria, so that shipments or storage can be arranged according to the hay types that best meet the clients' needs.

Identifying quality, moisture content, or other characteristics of specific bales is now a simple process, allowing growers to easily decide which bales are the best match for specific customers, or need to be set aside for further curing.


Photo Credit: New Holland

"The wealth of data provided by the CropIDTM system offers a vast array of benefits that have a great value to both the farmer selling the bale and the customer purchasing it," said Michael Cornman, New Holland Dairy & Livestock Marketing Segment Leader. "The system provides accurate documentation of bales for resale, the exact weight of bales for loading and shipping purposes, the ability to monitor and manage inventory via computer, and it provides customized records for customers."

Source: New Holland

Friday, October 16, 2009

John Deere Launches New D-Series Skid Steers and CTLs With Customer-Inspired Features

Photo Credit: John Deere

The introduction of John Deere's new D-Series skid steer loaders and compact track loaders (CTLs) is the culmination of years of careful research and a partnership with skid steer owners and operators from around the world – all to ensure D-Series operators have the comfort, features and performance needed to do their best work.

Photo Credit: John Deere

"We've listened to what customers told us they wanted in skid steer and compact track loaders, and we've responded with nine new models that incorporate their suggestions," said Gregg Zupancic, Deere's product marketing manager for skid steers and compact track loaders.

One of the most dramatic differences in the D-Series is the cab. "Customers have been asking us for more comfortable cabs similar to those found on larger pieces of Deere equipment, so we've introduced an all-new operating environment," Zupancic said.

Photo Credit: John Deere

As a result of further customer suggestions, Deere's D-Series contains several industry firsts. "Operators asked us why they can't get more 'big machine' features in skid steers and CTLs, in addition to the bigger, more comfortable cab," Zupancic explained. "We think they're right and that's why we've responded with items like the auto idle, an optional reversing hydraulic fan, and an innovative V-Plenum cooling system that provides significantly more cooling capacity and performance."

Source: John Deere

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Bobcat Introduces Two Soil-Preparation Implements For Tractors and Toolcat 5610

Bobcat Company has introduced a new soil conditioner and disc harrow Category 1 three-point hitch implements for owners of compact tractors or the Toolcat 5610 utility work machine.

Photo Credit: Bobcat

According to Bobcat, the two three-point soil conditioners are available in working widths of 60 and 72 inches. The soil conditioner is a useful tool for producing a perfect bed for seed or sod, windrowing and separating rocks or other ground debris, grading and leveling topsoil, removing old sod, or pulverizing clumps of dirt.

The drum of the soil conditioner is powered by the rear PTO on the compact tractor or Toolcat 5610. Drum rotation is set for proper operation of the soil conditioner when the machine is traveling in the forward direction. Carbide-tipped teeth cultivate the ground to produce a smooth finish. Various cutting depths are available by adjusting the rear bolster wheels.

New Bobcat three-point disc harrows can easily break up the soil surface to prepare it for new seedbeds and plantings. Four sets, or “gangs,” of five 18-inch discs cultivate the soil and chop unwanted debris, such as weeds or old crops. These gangs are adjustable to provide different cutting depths and aggressions. The discs on the two front gangs are notched to assist in better ground penetration.

Source: Bobcat

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Komatsu America Corp. Introduces D375A-6 Dozer

Komatsu America Corp. recently introduced its new D375A-6 crawler dozer for use in mining and heavy construction applications. Following an extensive amount of customer input and feedback, the new dozer includes technological enhancements for even greater productivity.

Photo Credit: Komatsu

The new D375A-6 is powered by a highly efficient Komatsu SAA6D170E-5 engine with an operating weight of 157,940 lbs. The dozer delivers 636 Gross HP at 1800 RPM while maintaining high fuel efficiency and meeting all EPA Tier 3 and EU stage 3A emissions requirements. Combined with new features and upgrades, the D375A-6 is an outstanding crawler dozer.

The D375A-6 increases net engine output by 85 HP to 610 HP at 1800 RPM. As with the previous -5EO model, a reduction in fuel consumption is realized because of the automatic transmission with lockup torque converter. The use of Komatsu's electronic powertrain control system results in an efficient drawbar pull.

An updated Full-U 28.8 cubic yard blade allows for increased production without increasing blade width or reducing digging force. The shape of the blade is similar to the next-size-class-larger Komatsu dozer, the D475A-5EO. The overall-dozing capability is increased compared to the prior model without compromising visibility and balance.

Increased engine output and the optimized blade profile provide outstanding production and performance.

To assist in environmentally aware and energy saving operation of the machine, an easy-to-read "eco gauge" is displayed on the right side of the multi-monitor screen. For energy saving operation, the operator simply operates the machine with the eco gauge in the green range.

There are sixteen new, standard mining specifications including but not limited to: high mounted head lights; battery and starter isolator box; centralized grease points; and manual engine stop switches.

Source: Komatsu