CASE SUPPORTS INCLUSIVITY WITH ACCESSIBLE BACKHOE

Page 68 • August 3, 2022 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Backhoes & Attachments Section • Construction Equipment Guide Case Highlights, Support Workforce Inclusivity With Accessible Backhoe

Case Construction Equipment’s accessible backhoe loader is designed to support workforce inclusivity and provide operators of all mobility levels with an opportunity to work in construction equipment operation.

The machine features a purposebuilt elevator and accessories that allow the operator to be elevated into the cab and workstation.

The operator positions the elevator chair near the ground via a pair of external joysticks in a manner that allows them to easily transfer into the seat. Those same joysticks then raise the operator into the cab where they transition into the backhoe seat.

The chair is then tucked away into a position that does not obstruct machine operation.

Once in the cab, the operator can run the backhoe in a traditional control configuration, or hand controls can be added for operators who require that functionality.

“Our goal was to build a configuration that allows operators of all abilities to be completely self-reliant,” said Ed Brenton, product marketing manager, Case.

“We believe in the power of work and the community that is built around construction sites and crews — and everyone who wants to operate a Case backhoe loader should be able to. This accomplishes that and brings a larger community of operators into the fold.”

For more information, visit www.CaseCE.com. 

The machine features a purposebuilt elevator and accessories that allow the operator to be elevated into the cab and workstation.

Backhoe Loaders Work for Wide Range of Applications

BACKHOE from page 64

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In 1957, Elton Long, an engineer at Case Construction Equipment, was given the task to develop an integrated loader/backhoe following the company’s acquisition of American Tractor Corporation. By early spring, Case introduced the first machine made and warranted by one company.

Also in 1957, JCB launched the first dedicated backhoe loader, with both the loader and the backhoe permanently attached to the chassis. This makes the machine more stable, rather than simply being attachments for tractors. This model, known as the Hydra-Digga, also provided a comfortable cab for the operator.

Case improved upon its design by introducing the first diesel-powered loader/backhoe in 1959, and in 1963, the 530 Construction King was available with power loader linkage and two-cylinder, double-acting swing system with hydraulic cushion.

An American company — Hy-Dynamic — brought the Dynahoe Model A to market in 1959. This machine was the second purpose-built backhoe loader and was intended for heavy excavation jobs. It offered a 14,000 lb. (6,350 kg) operating weight; 14 ft. (4.3 m) dig depth; and was powered by a 65 hp Continental flat-head “Red Seal” 6cylinder gas engine. In 1961, the Dynahoe was available with a Diesel 353 engine and by 1964 the gasoline engine was phased out entirely.

In the 1960s, the first JCB unit was introduced to the American market. The JCB 4C was a powerful machine with the capability of digging through rock. In 1966, the company launched the larger, heavier 3D backhoe loader. This piece was able to rotate 360 degrees.

Case also made continuing improvements, including buckets up to 38 in. (96.5 cm); self-leveling buckets; and an improved swing mechanism. In 1967, the company introduced the first extendible boom, allowing the backhoe to have greater reach.

In the ensuing decades, various companies have used the latest technology to upgrade backhoe loaders. Today’s machines are built for efficiency and incorporate a wide selection of standard and optional features including more efficient engines; power steering; heated/air conditioned cabs with noise control; vibration control; computerized controls; and ergonomic seating.

Backhoe loaders come in many different sizes, including compact models for jobs requiring work in a tighter space.

Attachments add to the productivity of the machine and are easily mounted using a quick coupler (quick-attach) mounting system. The variety of attachments include different size buckets; rakes; pallet forks; hydraulic hammers; shovels, snow plows; stump grinders; and grapples.  CEG

Sources for this article include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backhoe_load er; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backhoe; h t t p : / / w w w. m a d e h o w. c o m / Vo l u m e 6/Backhoe.html; https://everythingbackhoes.wordpress.com/history-of-backhoes/; http://jcbna.com/; and http://www.colemanequip.com/CaseBackhoeHistory.asp.