Bobcat unveils M2-Series skid-steer, compact track loaders
Bobcat is replacing its current lineup of M-Series compact loaders with the new M2 Series, a 24-model lineup of skid steers, compact track loaders and all-wheel steer loaders boasting several improvements for increased operator comfort.
The M2-Seres lineup includes 400-, 500-, 600-, 700- and 800-frame-size loaders powered by a Bobcat diesel engine. The engine design eliminates the need for a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and offers simpler operation, panoramic serviceability, better fuel efficiency and less engine noise.
Speaking of engines, Bobcat has upgraded the standard powertrain inside the S850 skid steer to include a 100-horsepower engine. It represents a 9-percent power increase from the previous generation S850 and provides increased attachment performance and higher ground speeds during more demanding applications including operating high-flow auxiliary hydraulic attachments such as forestry cutters, planers and snowblowers.
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John Deere intros 524, 544 and 624K-II wheel loaders
Saying development of the new machines was focused around providing enhanced agility on the jobsite, John Deere has introduced three new utility-class wheel loaders.
The new 524K-II, 544K-II and 624K-II are powered by Tier 4 Final Deere PowerTech engines paired with new five-speed transmissions. Deere says these new gearboxes feature optimized gear ratio changes.
The engine delivers 130 horsepower, 163 hp and 186 hp on the new 524, 544 and 624, respectively. Deere says the engine also provides “impressive torque” and features reduced rpm capabilities during high fuel usage applications.
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Cat Truck Spotting unbundles autonomous features
First there was the fully autonomous Cat 793F hauling truck, which has been working in Australian mine since 2012. Now there’s what Cat calls “an unbundling” of autonomous features to put slices of autonomy in other machines.
One of the first of these features will be truck spotting, expected to be in production next year for both Cat and competitive machines.
“With our autonomous trucks, the loading machine operator sets the load or stop point, and the trucks back straight back into it,” says Jag Samaraweera, subject matter expert, Cat Command. “The location and orientation have to be accurate.” (Command is what Cat calls its overall technological platform for fully integrated operation of autonomous, semi-autonomous and remotely-controlled mining systems.)
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LiuGong upgrades E-Series excavators with Cummins T4F engines
With the addition of Cummins Tier 4 Final engines, LiuGong has launched an update to its E-Series excavators. The new emissions-compliant machines include the 915E, 922E, 925E, 930E and 936E. At 30 metric tons, the 930E represents a new size class for LiuGong.
The new excavators also feature quick couplers and auxiliary hydraulics with one or two pump flows. “Excavators are no longer just for digging dirt,” says Michael Watt, excavator product manager. “Customers want to be able to do demolition and put grapples and hammers on them.”
The booms on the new models were beefed up to reduce flexing and increase longevity. Extra steel was also added under the slew bearing to improve durability and reduce the need for extra counterweight bulk, says Watt. The LiuGong excavators also have some of the longest roller frames in the industry, says Watt, which helps with stability.
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Ditch Witch launches updated JT100, JT100 All Terrain models
Ditch Witch has launched updates to its two largest directional drills anchored by a Tier 4 engine but also including operator comfort and stability improvements.
The new JT100 and JT100 All Terrain are powered by a 260-horsepower Cummins engine providing enough power for drilling through the toughest of conditions, including solid rock. Both drills feature 100,000 pounds of pullback and 12,000 lbs.-ft. of torque. Ditch Witch says these machines are ideal for long bores such as river crossings and the installation of large-diameter pipe.
Both drills feature a large-capacity, 230-gallon-per-minute fluid pump and larger hoses and fittings which help move fluid downhole faster.
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