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

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

Navistar and Caterpillar Announce Global Truck Joint Venture NC2

Navistar International Corporation and Caterpillar Inc. closed a joint venture transaction resulting in a new company, NC2 GlobalLLC, to serve the global commercial truck market.

Navistar and Caterpillar first announced plans to form a joint venture in June 2008 and have identified the leadership team of the new entity that will establish its headquarters in the Chicago area.

“Together, Navistar and Caterpillar have moved this project from concept to reality in little more than one year,” says Al Saltiel, president of NC2. “We now have a dedicated and experienced leadership team that will hit the ground running.”

“NC2 will produce and market a full line of commercial on-highway trucks for markets outside of North America,” says Saltiel. “Customers will benefit from the unparalleled depth and scope of support provided by Navistar and Caterpillar’s global dealers.”

Source: Navistar

John Deere Unveils New 225- To 345-HP 8R Series Tractor Lineup

Photo Credit: John Deere

John Deere bolsters its lineup of high-powered row-crop tractors with the introduction of its 8R Series Tractors.

As producers take on more acres and grow their farm operations, they and their employees are spending more time in the tractor cabs working. New 8R Series Tractors help operators work more comfortably and productively. The lineup includes six wheeled models that range from 225 to 345 engine horsepower and three track models that range from 295 to 345 engine horsepower.

Photo Credit: John Deere

"We've taken the most fuel-efficient row-crop tractor ever produced, at a time when its reliability is better than ever, and refined it by increasing horsepower output, adding our most spacious, most comfortable, and most productive cab ever. We've also dramatically upgraded the ride comfort and capabilities of our track models. These tractors offer customers low operating costs and maximum uptime with ultimate comfort and productivity," says Chad Hogan, John Deere product line marketing manager.

One of the hallmarks of an 8R Series Tractor is its next-generation John Deere CommandView II Cab. Inside, operators will discover a roomy work environment that's equipped with integrated, easy-to-use monitors and controls. Visibility is enhanced in all directions.

Photo Credit: John Deere

"Available best-in-class lighting, plus best-in-class cab and controls, help this tractor stand out from the competition," says Hogan.

The 8RT Series Track Tractors are new from the ground up. Each 8RT Tractor is equipped with John Deere's AirCushion™ Suspension System that was first made available on the company's larger 9030T Series Track Tractors.
"Our exclusive AirCushion suspension provides unsurpassed operator comfort and improved vehicle traction that puts more power to the ground. The power, performance, and comfort of our new 8RT Tractors are second to none," explains Hogan.


And for the first time ever, John Deere makes its Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) available on 8RT Series Track Tractors. It's standard on the 8345RT and optional on all other models. With an IVT, operators can use a single lever to smoothly shift from 0 to 24 mph, or any speed in between.

"With our IVT, customers first dial in a specific ground speed. Then, the engine and transmission work together to keep the tractor operating at that speed — instantly responding to changes in load conditions. This also decreases fuel consumption and keeps operating costs low," says Hogan.

Photo Credit: John Deere

Maximum transport speed has been increased up to 24 mph on the track models. In addition, fuel capacity on the 8RT Series has been expanded to 200 gallons — a 54 percent increase compared to its predecessor. An available Category 4N/3 rear hitch provides these track tractors with up to 18,300 pounds of hitch-lift capacity. Hydraulic flow is now rated at 60 gpm.

"Our track tractor customers can now select any track spacing between 72 and 160 inches wide by using the field-installed kit and can make adjustments without de-tensioning the tracks," says Hogan.

All 8R and 8RT models are powered with the proven 9.0L John Deere PowerTech™ Plus engine that meets current Tier III Emission Standards.

Source: John Deere

Caterpillar Inc. Named to Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for Ninth Consecutive Year

Caterpillar Inc. has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) for the ninth straight year and has retained its Sustainable Asset Management (SAM) Gold Class position in the Industrial Engineering sector.

Launched in 1999, the annual DJSI process involves a thorough analysis of corporate economic, environmental and social performance, assessing issues such as corporate governance and citizenship, risk management, climate strategy, standards for suppliers, product stewardship and occupational health and safety.

“As Caterpillar continues on its sustainability journey, our ongoing inclusion on the DJSI exemplifies our progress in aligning our sustainability efforts with our business strategy,” said Doug Oberhelman, Caterpillar group president.

A key focus for Caterpillar over the past year has been progress toward 2020 goals for products, services and solutions, as well as operations. Caterpillar continues to look for opportunities to improve efficiencies in operations and products and services offerings, increase recycling and remanufacturing, as well as increasing life cycle value throughout its product line.

“Our employees, dealers and suppliers continue to work together to help our customers achieve improvements in material and energy efficiency, emissions reductions and job site safety,” said Oberhelman. “At the same time, energy efficiency continues to be a key focus in our facilities; and we continually challenge ourselves to find innovative ways that will increase efficiency while reducing emissions."

Source: Caterpillar