Industrial loader tractor features joystick, pilot controls

Caterpillar has added an industrial loader tractor, the 416D IL, to its lineup. The new machine is based on the 416D backhoe loader, but, instead of an excavator bucket and boom, comes with a three-point hitch with down pressure and a box blade with pilot operated controls. The operator’s seat rotates 22.5 degrees from straight ahead for better visibility and ergonomics when using the box blade and other rear attachments. The box blade has five functions: raise, lower (with pressure), float, tilt and pitch. Instead of the traditional four control levers it uses three pilot controllers and a joystick. The 416D IL comes with a 74-horsepower engine or an optional turbocharged 81-horsepower engine, load-sensing hydraulics and a power-shuttle transmission that shifts on the go in all gears, up or down. Additional rear work tools can include landscape rakes, tillers, mowers, augers, blades and rippers.