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July 01, 2011 |

Not on the Skids

Although the spotlight has been on heavier skid steers, manufacturers are not ignoring their littlest radial-lift diggers

By Mike Anderson

With much of the new product focus on larger vertical-lift models, don’t think skid steer manufacturers have forgotten about the most compact radial-lift machines, which are at the core of skid steer heritage.

The new electronic control module on the Caterpillar 226B3 skid steer allows automatic activation of the optional high-flow auxiliary-hydraulic system when a high-flow attachment is connected.

Skid steers with rated operating loads of 1,600 pounds or less – a class of machines predominately built on the digging-friendly, curve-accentuated, radial lift path – have been included in updated full-line product families introduced most recently by Case, Caterpillar, New Holland and (an entirely new family) Terex, on the heels of John Deere’s 2009 launch of the 300 Series. Gehl and sister brand Mustang have rolled out their smallest model each, rated at 850 pounds. Other players say they will follow suit in the compact space.

As part of the seven-model 200 Series rolled out at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2011, New Holland Construction offers the 1,300-pound rated L213 and 1,500-pound-rated L215 (rated at 50 percent of registered tipping load). “These come with full-size cabs and all the premium features including air ride seats, heat, air conditioning, Glide Ride, a self-leveling bucket and more,” says Dave December, marketing manager. “These wide, comfortable cabs provide more head and foot room, and offer superior visibility in critical zones.” The L213 and L215 represent rated capacities different from the predecessor 100 Series, still available. Along with super compact L120 and L125 models rated at 600 and 700 pounds, the 100 Series has the L150 and L160 rated at 1,350 and 1,600 pounds.

The SR130 and SR150 are included in Case’s new Alpha Series, rated at 1,300 and 1,500 pounds. With their 25-percent-larger cabs, the models of the Alpha Series will replace those of the 400 Series 3, which in this range included only the 1,500-pound-rated 410 Series 3. “A comfortable environment helps the operator be more productive, which ultimately improves the bottom line,” says Curtis Goettel, Case marketing manager, noting the inclusion of larger-machine creature comforts such as a new heating and air conditioning system and the reduced noise and dust of a sealed cab. Able to lift and haul more material, the new Power Stance chassis has a longer wheelbase and a 30/70 front/rear weight distribution, keeping the center of gravity from moving when the loader arms are raised. “Productivity improves when operators feel stable using their machines,” says Goettel.

Two of five Caterpillar skid steer models upgraded from Series 2 within the past year, the 216B and 226B Series 3 are rated at 1,400 and 1,500 pounds as standard, each increasing by 100 pounds with optional counterweight added. Each compact takes on additional features of models at the larger end of the skid-steer offering, including a redesigned dead-engine lower valve that allows an easier means of lowering the lift arms – and providing safe operator exit – should the machine stall with the arms raised.

By matching engine torque with the needs of the hydrostatic drive and implement systems, a load-sensing feature keeps the engine from stalling even during part-throttle operation, says Caterpillar. The new, single electronic control module for the Series 3 includes, for the 226B3 model, automatic activation of the optional high-flow auxiliary hydraulic system when a high-flow tool is connected.

Optional high-flow hydraulics – which expands attachment use from buckets and grapples to augers, breakers and trenchers – is standard for larger skid steers. And now a few smaller models, including the Caterpillar 226B3, John Deere 315, Volvo MC70B, JCB 170 and Bobcat S160, also have high-flow hydraulics. The current Komatsu SK815-5 is also high-flow capable, but the company has halted its production in North America, along with its skid steers, compact track loaders and backhoe loaders. The company says it remains committed to supporting machines currently in the field.

Add the likes of Bobcat, JCB and Volvo to the aforementioned active players, though, and the variety and options within the most compact skid steer classes is best summed up with three words: More to come.

NEW HOLLAND

Already with an established range of compact models as part of a full skid-steer product family, New Holland rolled out two sub-1,600-pound-rated units in the new 200 Series launched this year at CONEXPO-CON/AGG. A radial-lift design provides the L213 and L215 with digging performance in a smaller package, says New Holland, but the compactness doesn’t prevent a full-size cab with the premium features of larger units, including air ride seats, air conditioning and Glide Ride. A longer wheelbase and lower center of gravity allow more material to be lifted and hauled, the company says.