Cat launches E series backhoe loaders: three models offer improved hydraulics, more breakout...

Caterpillar Inc. has launched the next generation of its backhoe loaders, the E series. The new range encompasses three models with a cadre of new features targeted toward operator productivity. Included in the lineup are the 416E, 420E and 430E backhoe

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The 416E is Cat's entry-level machine targeted toward rental fleets with a dig depth of 14.3 ft. The 420E and 430E models are offered in integrated tool-carrier configurations, giving them application in jobs requiring quick tool changeout or a paralleling loading linkage. Dig depth across these machines is 14.3 and 15.42 ft., respectively.

Redesigning the line, according to Joe Carman, backhoe loader product manager at Cat, focused "on bringing value to our customers," as well as "saving time, which is money to our customers." To hit this target, Cat focused on increasing hydraulic performance and productivity on the loaders, as well as improving operator comfort, adding its AccuGrade leveling system (a first for the Cat backhoe loaders) and offering a factory-installed thumb on all three models.

Cat's 4.4 L four-cylinder inline Tier 2 3054C diesel is installed across the range at ratings of 74, 89 and 97 net hp. A direct-injection, naturally aspirated engine is used on the 416E machine and a direct-injection turbo-charged (DIT) version is standard in the 420E and 430E backhoe loaders. The 3054C DIT engine is also available on the 416E loader, boosting the output to 89 net hp as an option. The engines are also teamed with a dry-type axial seal air cleaner and a Denso Marsten cooling package.

A Cat power shuttle transmission, designed and built at Turner Powertrain Systems, provides four forward and four reverse speeds. The drive is paired with Cat axles engineered to spec by Carraro, which together are designed to give the E series 25% higher travel speed at 25 mph. The axle package incorporates outboard planetary gears in the rear and has a 4 in. larger wheelbase than the D series machines. An autoshift version of the transmission is available on the 420E and 430E models, Caterpillar said.

The E series' hydraulic circuit now incorporates a flow-sharing valve from Sauer-Danfoss in the 416E and Bosch Rexroth in the larger two machines. This valve ensures flow to all implements for multifunction operation, which Ken Hershberger, backhoe loader senior project consultant at Cat said, will occur "even when you're asking for demand on every function."

Specifics on the closed-center, load-sensing hydraulic circuit include a Sauer-Danfoss variable displacement piston pump that is direct driven off the engine in the 416E backhoe loader, while a Bosch Rexroth variable displacement load sensing piston pump is configured on the 420E and 430E.

With the hydraulic upgrades, the 420E features 14% more backhoe stick breakout force, which Cat said makes it 10% more efficient than its predecessor. The 430E also saw improvements in its lifting, breakout and swing forces, Cat said. Breakout force across the series is 7151, 9962, 9940 lb. at the stick and 11,655, 13,875, 15,892 lb. at the bucket.

As an optional factory- or dealer-installed option, the hydraulic circuit can handle both one- and two-way work tools through combined function auxiliary hydraulic lines. This system uses a ball valve to select flow setting for operation of two-way flow work tools like hammers, compactors, augers and tilting couplers.

An additional option on the E series is the extendible stick, which increases digging depth to 17.92, 17.92 and 19.5 ft. The stick uses an external slider to protect the inner slider from damage and debris. Wear pads on the stick have also been reconfigured for better wear and service.

With the E series, Cat will also begin offering thumbs as a factory-installed option. Available in both hydraulic and stiff-link, the thumbs are designed to be compatible with all bucket and coupler combinations. The backhoe loaders can also be used with attachments like Cat's new PC404 cold planer.

New cab features for the E series backhoe loaders include a curved glass windshield and new contoured fenders as well as a low-sloping hood construction for greater sight lines. All cab controls and pedals have been removed from the floor of the cab, with a pilot-operated joystick for operation of the machines with thumb rollers for the extendible stick or hammer attachments. The air conditioning has also been reconfigured on these machines providing what Cat said is 20% more airflow through a relocated air intake system.

These machines will be Cat's first backhoe loader models to be offered with its AccuGrade grade and depth check system. This allows the backhoe loaders to be platform ready for other technologies such as GPS systems.

Cat has also launched its 416D industrial loader targeted at grading, landscape finishing, asphalt paving, site cleanup and back-dozing applications. Cat's 3054C diesel engine rated 74 hp powers the 416D loader, working through a Cat/Carraro designed transmission. Cat also provided a glimpse of its C series mini excavators including the new 303.5C CR excavator, which sits in the 3 to 4 ton class at 8200 lb. Engine power on this new machine is 39 hp.