Capital Equipment News December 2015

CONSTRUCTION

125 l/min to 160 l/min; and the 432F2 and 444F2 from 156 l/min to 163 l/min. (The Cat 416F2’s pump capacity remains unchanged at 132 l/min). All machines fea- ture Caterpillar’s proprietary load sensing hydraulics (where the variable flow system senses the work demand and adjusts the flow and pressure to match it). “Essentially, what this means is that high bucket breakout forces can be achieved, whatever the engine speed. This provides excellent control whilst reducing fuel con- sumption,” explains Barloworld Equipment product marketing manager for Cat Build- ing Construction Products, Desigen Naick- er. (Barloworld Equipment is Caterpillar’s Southern African dealer.) Pilot controls (where specified) provide low effort oper- ation, with the ability to switch between excavator or backhoe control patterns by a press of a button.

‘twist to disconnect’ couplings are fitted for all work tools. The previous F Series features ‘push to connect’ quick release couplings. F2 models feature a restyled cab for a more modern look, designed throughout with the operator in mind, including enhanced visi- bility when the loader attachment is at full height. The front windscreen and all other areas use flat glass which enables a quick, low-cost replacement whenever necessary. Sound levels in the cab are now best in class at 74 dB. As an option, F2-Series units can be fitted with a radio featuring blue-tooth connectiv- ity, facilitating communication with job-site personnel. A new keypad security system (with up to 25 unique codes) provides added protection for the machine, and a choice of cellular or satellite technology is available for use with the ProductLink™ telematics system. ProductLink enables machine owners to view near real-time

machine positioning, utilisation and me- chanical health data via the VisonLink™ online portal. This capability forms part of Barloworld’s Equipment Management Solu- tions (EMS) suite. “Helping to build the world’s infrastructure for the past three decades, Caterpillar’s backhoe loaders keep on working and are certain to continue playing their part in building the future for many subsequent generations,” adds Naicker. Today, Cat backhoe loaders command a global footprint, with 11 models manufac- tured across three plants, namely Desford; Thiruvallur, India; and Campo Largo, Brazil. F2 machines destined for the Southern Af- rican regional will continue to be sourced from the UK.

A hydraulic quick coupler for the backhoe is available direct from the factory, whilst

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS DECEMBER 2015 17