28 minute read
World of Concrete Preview
Last September, show organizers announced they had made the proactive decision to reschedule World of Concrete 2021 from January to June due to concerns related to the pandemic. Following approval from the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, the in-person edition of World of Concrete will move forward as planned, taking place from June 8 to 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. It will be the first large-scale trade show to return to the U.S. market since the pandemic brought in-person meetings to a halt. You can learn more at www. ForConstructionPros.com/21331021. To help you get into the spirit of the event, here’s a collection of products from just a few of the scheduled exhibiting companies. We’ll be featuring more information on new product launches and other happenings at the show in our exclusive industry coverage at www.ForConstructionPros.com/concrete.
E-Z Drill Model 210B SRA Slab Rider
The 210B SRA slab rider is designed for concrete drilling projects needing greater accuracy and no disturbance to the subgrade.
•Users can stitch or drill horizontally, vertically or at an angle •Diameters from 5/8 to 2 1/2 in. and a depth of 18 in. •Auto-alignment feature tracks hole placement for quick and easy repositioning •Suited for airport projects, lane additions and full-depth road repair www.forconstructionpros.com/10078298
2021 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 includes a Heads-up Display, digital rearview mirror option, Trailer Reverse Steering Control, power fold trailer mirrors, Trailer Light Check and Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring.
•Available Uconnect 4C 12-in. touchscreen •Advanced Safety Group includes Pedestrian Detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, Lane Keep Assist, automatic high beams, 360˚ Surround View camera and Parallel/ Perpendicular Park Assist •Features up to 12,750 lbs. of towing capability and 2,300 lbs. of payload •eTorque mild hybrid system delivers improved fuel efficiency in both V6 (standard) and V8 configurations www.forconstructionpros.com/21244741
Power Curbers 5700-D Slipform Curb Machine
The 5700-D features the SlipSmart Control System, simple and accurate controls that come ready to interface with Topcon, Leica and Trimble 3D stringless systems.
•“All up” jog switch raises or lowers all crawler posts simultaneously •Vibrator master scaling knob allows operator to increase or decrease vibration across all vibrators while individual vibrator adjustments remain relative to each other •Features improved cross-slope control, auto-calibration for the radius steer sensor, fine scaling of speed pots, an easypivot conveyor and more www.forconstructionpros.com/21096387
Allen HDX600 Hydra-Drive Extreme Riding Trowel
The HDX600 Hydra-Drive Extreme hydraulically-controlled, 8-ft. class rideon power trowel features twin 46-in. rotors with five-bladed spiders.
•Rotor speeds up to 165 rpm •Dedicated panning/finishing modes •Electric (joystick mounted) single or dual blade pitch controls •50-hp Hatz 3H50TIC turbocharged, liquid-cooled, Tier 4 Final diesel engine and Bosch-Rexroth hydraulic system •Intelli-drive system allows the engine and the hydraulics to communicate www.forconstructionpros.com/21113036
GOMACO Xtreme GT-3600 Curb and Gutter Machine
The Xtreme GT-3600 with the Xtreme package means tight radius paving is even easier and more efficient.
•Each track includes rotary-sensored slew drives, sensored All-Track Steering and All-Track Positioning and smart hydraulic cylinders •Smart cylinders allow the G+ control system to know the exact track position to make steering adjustments as needed •Xtreme Radius program allows for tight radii on stringline •G+ control system easily interfaces with any of the major 3D guidance systems •Smart hydraulic cylinder utilized for intelligent offset when telescoping and side shifting the mold mounting system www.forconstructionpros.com/21035943
Magni RTH Rotating Telescopic Handlers
The RTH rotating telehandlers include 14 models with lift heights from 57 to 150 ft., forward reach from 47 to 110 ft. and lifting capacities from 11,000 to 17,600 lbs.
•Standard RFID-based attachment recognition enables machines to select correct load chart for attachments •Multiple sensors around machine enable load charts from 0% to 100% •Two-wheel, four-wheel and crab steering •Cab design eliminates a dashboard, allowing for floor to ceiling glass at the front of the cab •Combi-Touch System provides a choice of full-color, intuitive touch display panel interface or control dial www.forconstructionpros.com/21046991
Kubota Next-generation R540 and R640 Wheel Loaders
The updated R540 and R640 models are available in canopy and cab models and feature redesigned arms offering better visibility for connecting attachments without leaving the cab.
•R640 boasts an 11,563-lb. operating weight, 64-hp Tier 4 Final engine, a maximum breakout force of 9,869 lbs. and 8,161 lbs. of lifting capacity •R540 has a 10,285-lb. operating weight, 54-hp Tier 4 Final engine, maximum breakout force of 8,183 lbs. and 6,767 lbs. of lifting capacity •High-visibility cabin with 360° panoramic view •Standard multi-function control lever •Standard LED working lights www.forconstructionpros.com/21283915
Vacuworx SL 2 Subcompact Vacuum Lifting System
The next-generation SL 2 Subcompact Vacuum Lifting System is available with a standard 24” x 24” pad or 12” x 36” pad for handling more narrow trench cuts, with other sizes upon request.
•Base unit and pad weigh approximately 100 lbs. •Can be used on carriers with or without a case drain •Maintains a lifting capacity up to 2,700 lbs. •Features quick-connect hydraulic hoses and a factory preset flow control valve •Requires a minimum 10 gpm with a maximum of 3,000 psi •Manual or wireless remote control www.forconstructionpros.com/12217057
CalAmp iOn Suite of Telematics Services
The iOn Suite of Telematics Services is a web-based fleet and asset management application that lets you track driver behavior and vehicle usage and manage associated portable assets through a single easy to use platform.
•Powered by the CalAmp Telematics Cloud enterprise platform •Connects remote devices and assets to a diverse set of vertical applications •iOn Tag smart sensor can be affixed to any asset and paired with the LMU telematics device installed on a vehicle •Real-time alert notifies driver and/or fleet manager when sensor-enabled equipment breaks the connection with the LMU, indicating the asset has been left behind www.forconstructionpros.com/21064881
Somero S-22EZ Laser Screed Machine
The S-22EZ features 360° machine rotation, a 20-ft. telescopic boom and a choice of pivoting screed heads.
•Offers zero-turn drive capability with a 360° steering angle •Customized OASIS laser control system •Comes with a full-color LCD display with integrated diagnostics, Quick GradeSet System, automatic throttle and Programmable Quick Pass •Redesigned, EZ Clean Head reduces cleanup time and improves long-term maintenance •Options include a 12- or 14-ft. head width, roller plow, onboard pressure washer with hose reel, operator heat, spray bar and Floor Levelness System www.forconstructionpros.com/21136302
Doosan XP185WDO Small Air Compressor
The XP185WDO high-pressure small air compressor produces 185 cfm and 125 psi and can simultaneously power both air and electrical tools with the optional 4-kW generator.
•Two 120-volt duplex outlets •Onboard toolbox for storage •74-hp Doosan D24 Tier 4 Final engine with diesel oxidation catalyst •10-hour runtime at 100% load •Limited ambient temperature of 125° F www.forconstructionpros.com/21069788
Briggs & Stratton Vanguard Commercial Lithium Ion Battery Pack
The customized Vanguard Lithium Ion Battery, Battery Management System and battery charger work seamlessly together to deliver efficient power and performance.
•Easy installation with integrated mounting points that make it easy to stack multiple batteries for required power based on application needs •Outer metal shell provides maximum protection for enhanced durability •Modular internal components can be configured for multiple capacities and voltages www.forconstructionpros.com/21091071
Honda GX50 Mini-Four Stroke Engine
With a maximum output of 1.97 hp and a weight of just 10.4 lbs., the GX50 general-purpose mini-four stroke engine offers high output and a lightweight, compact design, plus is quieter and features reduced vibration.
•Easy to start recoil reduces pulling force required for starting •Can be inclined 360° during operation and storage •Valvetrain parts installed inside the oil chamber •Bridge Guard Design provides stability and helps protect engine cowling in upside down positions during maintenance intervals www.forconstructionpros.com/21094770
Doosan DX42-5K and DX50-5K Compact Excavators
The 10,114-lb. DX42-5K and 11,486-lb. DX50-5K offer maximum dig depths of 10 ft. 5 in. and 11 ft. 5 in. and are powered by fuel-efficient 42.6- and 49.7hp Doosan three-cylinder diesel engines.
•Dual-flange track roller system works with an enhanced counterweight for better over the side digging and lifting capabilities •Include an integrated lift eye •Dozer blade top edge has a more durable design and a blade and frame designed with angled top and rounded edges •Easy to reach auxiliary hydraulic couplers •Standard enclosed, air conditioned cab with wider seats, responsive joystick controls and joystick buttons and 5-in. display panel www.forconstructionpros.com/21159585
2021 Ford F-150
The 2021 F-150 full-size pickup comes with standard over-the-air update technology to constantly keep software on the leading edge.
•3.5-liter PowerBoost full hybrid V6 powertrain available on every trim level from F-150 XL to Limited •PowerBoost system adds instant electric torque to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, delivering at least 12,000 lbs. of available maximum towing •Pro Power Onboard offers a 2.0-kW output on optional gas engines, and the PowerBoost-equipped version comes with 2.4 kW of output or optional 7.2 kW •12-in. center screen standard on XLT high series and above www.forconstructionpros.com/21244727
PUTTING EVERYTHING WITHIN REACH
15,000lbscapacity 70ftliftheight 134hp
D414 DIAMOND LOT JUNE8-10, 2021
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
With a maximum lift height of 70 ft. and a forward reach of 53 ft. 10 in., the Xtreme XR1570-C will help you reach new heights. Designed with safety, reliability and serviceability in mind, Xtreme proudly manufactures in the U.S.A.
Pettibone Traverse T944X Telehandler
The Traverse T944X with extendable, traversing boom moves loads by traveling horizontally up to 70 in. for precise and safe load placement at full lift height.
•Specified lift height of 44 ft. 6 in. with a 44-ft. landing height •Traversing boom allows for maximum forward reach of 35 ft. 10 in. •Maximum lift capacity of 9,000 lbs. •74-hp Cummins QSF 3.8 Tier 4 Final diesel engine features a DOC muffler and requires no diesel exhaust fluid •Side pod engine offers easy service access and optimal curbside visibility www.forconstructionpros.com/20980959
Hilti SDS-Max Combination Hammer Drill
The 22-lb. TE 70-ATC/AVR, SDS-Max combination hammer drill includes Active Torque Control (ATC) technology, which stops the tool body from spinning uncontrollably if the drill bit jams.
•10.7 ft.-lbs. of single impact energy and full hammering frequency of 2,830 impacts per minute •TE-YX bits and TE-YPX flat and pointed chisels designed specifically to handle the power of this tool •Optimum hammer drilling range of 25/32 to 2 5/32 in. •Includes Active Vibration Reduction, Detachable Power Cord Chiseling and Power Reduction www.forconstructionpros.com/21205487
Brokk 70 Demolition Robot
The Brokk 70 incorporates the SmartPower signature intelligent power management system, and boasts 9.8 kW of power with a hydraulic output of 5.5 kW.
•Measures 35 in. tall and 23.5 in. wide with a base weight of just 1,235 lbs. •Three-part arm extends to 10.5 ft. vertically and 8.8 ft. horizontally •Outfitted with a BHB 105 hydraulic breaker •Ergonomic SmartRemote remote control with almost 1,000 ft. of wireless working range www.forconstructionpros.com/21085705
At Mi-T-M, we pride ourselves on building mighty, damn good equipment and, we’ve been doing it for 50 years. When you purchase equipment with the Mi-T-M name on it, you are buying dependable equipment that is designed, built, and tested by good people. In 1971 the fi rst Mi-T-M pressure washer was built by owner and founder, AJ Spiegel in Peosta, Iowa which is still home to Mi-T-M today.
Made in USA
with Globally Sourced Components
Mi-T-M Corporation
Years of Customer Dedication
www.mitm.com 800-553-9053
1971 2021
Air Compressor/Generator Combinations | Air Compressors | Water Treatment Systems Air Compressor/Generator/Welder Combinations | Cold and Hot Water Pressure Washers Portable Generators | Water Pumps | Wet/Dry Vacuums | Jobsite Boxes | Portable Heaters
Makinex SKU: GEN-23-US-480 Three-phase Generator
The SKU: GEN-23-US-480 23-kW 480V three-phase generator features permanent magnet brushless alternator technology with completely independent circuits for 120V and 480V.
•Can run single-phase and three-phase equipment simultaneously •Weighs 410 lbs., fits through doorways and can safely be taken in internal/ external elevators •50A, 30A and 20A outlets standard •Provides 10 hours of run time at 50% www.forconstructionpros.com/21114611
Kaeser Mobilair M118 Portable Compressor
The Mobilair M118 portable compressor delivers up to 405 cfm at 100 psig.
•Standard power-saving Sigma Profile rotary screw airend •Heavy-duty Deutz Tier 4 Final fourcylinder diesel engine •Onboard Sigma Control Mobil controller enables variable pressure ranges between 87 and 145 psig •Fully weatherproofed polyethylene canopy protects internal components •Includes wide-opening gullwing doors, a steel chassis, torsion bar suspension and oversized tires www.forconstructionpros.com/21138339
Kohler KDI 3404TCR Diesel Engine
The 74-hp KDI 3404TCR is a four-stroke, inline diesel engine with high-pressure injection (29,000 psi), a turbocharger and up to 280.2 ft.-lbs. of torque.
•205cc displacement •Includes a cast iron block, high-pressure common rail and wastegate turbocharger •Optimized combustion system helps achieve Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V emissions standards with no DPF required •Heavy-duty construction for demanding applications •Low noise and low vibration www.forconstructionpros.com/21259535
Mack Granite with Bendix Wingman Fusion
The Granite model is now available with the next generation of Bendix Wingman Fusion, offering Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) upgrades as well as enhanced lane departure warnings.
•Includes improved following distance alerts with up to 3.5 seconds of warning before impact •Features three levels of driver notification before the technology automatically applies the brakes using AEB •Detection feature upgrades enable vehicle speed to be reduced by up to 50 mph to help mitigate collisions •Windshield-mounted cameras warn driver should a truck begin drifting outside the lane or off the road •Driver-facing camera also available www.forconstructionpros.com/21114002
Case E Series Compact Vibratory Rollers
Seven compact vibratory rollers range from 33.5 to 43.9 hp and from 4,920 to 9,520 lbs. and come in double-drum and combination configurations with drum widths from 39 to 54 in.
•Redesigned operator interface includes an electronic travel lever and rpm settings, drive settings, sprinkler system controls and more at the operator’s fingertips •Operation mode selector allows choice of loading, working and transport modes •Soft drive setting provides a smooth ride during asphalt compaction, while optional hard drive setting enables swift turns •Deliver high centrifugal forces and frequencies at lower rpms with selectable dual vibration frequencies www.forconstructionpros.com/21120047
Xtreme C-class Rough-terrain Telehandlers
All C-class electric-over-hydraulic models have a lift capacity up to 15,000 lbs. and feature 360° visibility from the cab and frame leveling up to 11°.
•120-hp Cummins 3.8L Tier 4 Final engine •Modular cab design can switch from open to enclosed with an optional kit •Available with open, enclosed or enclosed cab with heat and air conditioning •XR1347-C and XR 1547-C offer a 12-ft. turning radius and feature a 47-ft. maximum lift height and 31-ft. 6-in. maximum forward reach •XR1555-C has a 55-ft. maximum lift height and 38-ft. 5-in. maximum reach, and includes a 100-gal. fuel tank www.forconstructionpros.com/21113854
International Truck Next-gen HX Series Severe Service Trucks
The set-forward axle HX520 and setback axle HX620 feature a redesigned, extreme-duty cab with a durable, threepiece hood engineered to offer frontforward visibility.
•Bendix integrated driver assist technology •Available with dual steering gears and advanced anti-lock braking systems for enhanced turning, traction and control •HX620 comes with the International A26 engine delivering up to 500 hp in a lightweight package •Both models available with the Cummins X15 engine in ratings up to 605 hp and 2,050 lbs.-ft. of torque •Available manual, automated manual and automatic transmissions www.forconstructionpros.com/21203231
Antraquip Rockwheel Attachments
Carbide rockwheels and diamond saw attachments are available for excavators of all sizes and various applications.
•Carbide rockwheels offer a cutting solution for soft to medium hard rock and concrete cutting applications with a minimum width of roughly 2 in. •Diamond saw rock wheels (AQD Series) cut the hardest rock including granite, basalt, etc., as well as reinforced concrete www.forconstructionpros.com/21045623
Avant 860i Compact Wheel Loader
The 5,600-lb. 860i with standard telescopic boom offers a lift height of up to 137.8 in., a maximum tipping load of 4,190 lbs. and up to 4,850 lbs. of breakout force.
•57-hp Kohler KDI 1903 TCR diesel engine •21.1-gpm high-flow auxiliary hydraulics can run all of the company’s attachments •Optidrive drive circuit improves performance by as much as 10% •Hydrostatic drive transmission with a maximum 18.6-mph travel speed •53.9-in. inside turning radius •Enclosed cab with A/C available www.forconstructionpros.com/21123120
Ligchine SCREEDSAVER ELITE
The all-wheel-drive SCREEDSAVER ELITE includes a 12-ft. head that allows for more finished square footage per pass, plus its side-shift ability makes it easier to screed around stick-ups in the slab with precise accuracy.
•Heavy-duty boom sections reach out to 18 ft. •Narrower chassis fits through smaller doors or onto smaller trailers •Improved radio provides more intuitive layout and diagnostics at the operator’s fingertips •Includes 65-gal. onboard fluid tanks and an onboard pressure washer for cleanup •Optional dual trackers to match surfaces without extra cabling or software www.forconstructionpros.com/21195235
Husqvarna FS 7000 D Concrete Saw
The FS 7000 D diesel walk-behind flat saw comes with a lowemissions, Tier 4-compliant engine.
•Designed for concrete and asphalt cutting up to 17 1/2 in. deep •High output, compact size and good maneuverability provide versatility for mid-sized road work, service work and smaller jobs that require high production rates •Intuitive and ergonomic digital control panel www.forconstructionpros.com/21134492
Merlo P27.6PLUS Telehandler
The P27.6PLUS has a width of 6 ft. and a height of 6 ft. 4 in., yet offers a large cab and can handle a maximum load capacity of 6,000 lbs. with a lifting height of 19 ft. 4 in.
•Lower center of gravity ensures increased machine stability, traction and nimbleness and allows it to be approved for towing trailers •Frame-mounted, vibration-dampening silent blocks provide comfortable seating, and controls are ergonomically placed within the 3-ft. 3-in. cab •Standard hydrostatic transmission enables a 25-mph maximum speed and four-wheel drive with three steering modes •75-hp Kohler or Kubota four-cylinder engine mounted on the frame side for maintenance accessibility www.forconstructionpros.com/21175024
In-Cab Touchscreen Display
Feed Control Feature
Cabide Cutting Feature
160cc Variable Motor, ECU Torque Control Direct Drive, 2,500rpm Drum, 60” Cutting Width
Patents Pending
Chip Storage Feature
Phone: (405) 542-3520 www.mastodon.com
Mastodon Feed Control Cutting Tooth
Dougherty Forestry Mfg. Hinton, Oklahoma
Bluetooth Shift Ajustment
Bluetooth tuning with a smartphone. Built in GPM tester. Track Operating Hours Track Total Mulcher Hours Track Overtemp Events
Compact Track Loaders Push Size Boundaries
Large CTLs experience rapid growth as contractors demand greater performance.
The large-frame, 90-hp TV450 offers contractors an operating capacity of 4,500 lbs. at 50% tipping load to easily manage full pallets of pavers, forestry work, high-powered attachments or any demanding loader work that’s looking for the low ground pressure and stability of a CTL.
Several manufacturers offer skid steers and compact track loaders (CTLs) with over 3,500-lb. rated operating capacities (ROC) and operating weights exceeding 10,000 lbs. These units cross the boundary from utility to production machine, yet they offer a relatively compact package.
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers recently changed its size classifications to address the growing popularity of larger units.
“We used to have 2,600-lb. & Over ROC,” says Tyler Zima, product specialist for loaders, Bobcat. “Now, we have added 3,000 to 3,500-lb. ROC and 3,500-lb. & Over. We are starting to see more machines in the industry that are getting above 3,500-lb. capacity and definitely well north of 10,000-lb. weight. Some machines are upwards of 12,500 to 13,000 lbs.”
While both skid steers and CTLs have trended larger, CTLs dominate the upper end of the market. “The industry in general is migrating to CTLs,” says Zima. “There were a little over 75,000 CTLs sold last year compared to 27,000 to 28,000 skid steers. If you look at 2020 numbers, at 3,000-lb. and over ROC, the industry was just about 25,000 units for CTLs. For 3,150-lb. and over skid steers, it was just 3,000 units.”
George MacIntyre, product manager, compact track loaders/skid-steer loaders, Case Construction Equipment, believes skid steers have likely plateaued in size. “The largest size class in skid steers accounts for a relatively small portion of overall industry sales. However, the CTL market still seems to have more momentum left for growth in the largest size class,” he comments.
“It wasn’t long ago that there were very few who envisioned skid-steer and compact track loaders with the size and horsepower that are available today,” says Kevin Coleman, senior product specialist, Caterpillar. “I’m not sure if we’ll ever approach, say, the 200-hp level. But customers are always looking for larger models with greater capabilities like higher operating capacities, higher horsepower and higher auxiliary flows for increased attachment performance.”
This segment continues to grow on a year over year basis. “More contractors are demanding the added productivity that these larger machines bring to jobsites,” says Luke Gribble, solutions marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “Even though the machines are larger, they still have excellent maneuverability and transportability when comparing them to other pieces of common construction machinery. The overall affordability of the machines is another factor that continues to draw in customers from many applications when comparing to other common earthmoving machines.”
REGULATIONS AND PERFORMANCE CREATE DEMAND
The recent Tier 4 emissions regulations helped shape the current product offerings. There is a definite cutoff point at 74 hp for the required emissions technologies.
The solution for the smaller
machines is simplified and less costly. “Nobody is offering those mid-size machines like you used to see in the early 2000s that offered 80 to 85 hp,” notes Zima. “Everything is 74 hp or lower, or 92 hp and above.” This is due to the cost of the required emissions technologies. “It’s going to cost the same amount of money to go from 74 to 75 hp as it would to go to 100 hp. Environmental regulations are pushing people to go small or go big.”
The performance of the large loaders must offset the increased cost of the emissions technologies. “Manufacturers want to give people enough horsepower, enough lifting capacity, enough pushing power to make it worthwhile,” explains Zima. For example, an extra 10 hp may not be worth the added cost, but 20 to 25 hp could justify the purchase.
“The larger track loaders with high-flow hydraulics may come at a higher price initially, but they are often worth that higher price if your job applications require the enhanced hydraulic performance,” says MacIntyre. “The operating costs of larger CTLs or skid steers are higher. Machines above 74 hp require DEF fluid. Heavier units burn more fuel and have a tendency to wear down tracks and tires faster.”
Your application is really going to define the correct size. “There’s always going to be a need for the smaller machines in the industry,” says Zima. “When you look at our smaller machines, some of those have gotten a little bigger where you might need a CDL or maybe need to upgrade your truck and trailer. If you are going to do that, some contractors may choose a larger machine because they don’t have a size constraint.”
PUSHING THE DEFINITION OF COMPACT
Even the largest skid-steer loaders and CTLs offer maneuverability advantages over other machines, such as compact wheel loaders, since they have the ability to turn within the size of the machine. “You’re just more nimble with a CTL, even when you are getting into that size of machine,” says Zima.
“A skid steer or track loader has a bit more maneuverability than a compact wheel loader. For example, a skid steer can easily counter-rotate in place to reposition when needed,” says MacIntyre. “But most operators try to avoid counter-rotating a skid steer since it wears down the tires more quickly.”
Another difference is the overall dimensions of a skid steer or CTL in comparison to the compact wheel loader. “A large track loader typically has less height to the top of the cab and has a shorter length than even the smaller compact wheel loaders,” says MacIntyre. “So, if the operations are taking place in tight spaces, a skid steer or track loader is probably the right choice.”
Larger buckets equate to faster production. With larger skid steers and CTLs, you can work with a 1-yd. bucket as compared to, say, a .5-yd. bucket for loading dirt, excavating or loading trucks. As a result, your productivity and the amount of work completed per hour is just that much greater.
LIFT CAPACITIES REACH NEW HEIGHTS
Most of the large-frame skid-steer loaders and compact track loaders utilize a vertical lift configuration.
“At John Deere, all our large-frame skid steers and compact track loaders come standard with a vertical lift configuration,” says Gribble. “One of the biggest advantages... is the ability to provide better overall stability when lifting a load off the ground, especially at maximum reach. Also, the fact that the height to hinge pin will be greater on a vertical lift machine than a comparable model with radial lift gives this an additional advantage. When comparing the lift capabilities of a skid steer or CTL vs. a compact wheel loader, there can be circumstances — depending upon which model you are comparing to — where the skid steer/CTL does indeed have a greater or similar height to hinge pin.”
There are many advantages to the vertical lift configuration. “You get an increase in the ROC because the lift path is tighter to the machine all the way through the lift cycle until you get to max height,” says Zima. You also get the clearance for loading into standard trucks. “If you look at our S850 and our T870, those are our largest skid steer and largest track loader that we offer today. We have a hinge pin height of 12 ft., which is very comparable to a compact wheel loader.”
“Large vertical lift skid steers and track loaders often achieve similar lift heights as compact wheel loaders,” says MacIntyre. But there are drawbacks. “Compact wheel loaders have INCREASED HYDRAULIC HORSEPOWER
Engine power approaching 100 hp or more equates to improved hydraulic performance. “When you couple that with 37 gpm, 3,500 psi, you’re starting to generate quite a bit of hydraulic horsepower,” says Zima. Higher horsepower engines have the capability to deliver more hydraulic horsepower to the couplers for increased attachment performance. “As long as you have more horsepower, you’re going to be able to sustain higher flows and pressures, delivering more hydraulic horsepower.”
MacIntyre agrees, noting, “Large skid steers and track loaders are engineered to have optimal hydraulic horsepower. The manufacturers gear the auxiliary hydraulic systems to have enough power to operate high-capacity attachments. On our 90-hp models, Case offers enhanced high-flow auxilia-
ry hydraulics with pressures up to 4,000 psi for running highcapacity attachments like cold planers and mulchers.”
Many customers look to the larger, high-horsepower machines “The larger track loaders with high-flow hydraulics may come at a higher price initially, but they are often worth that higher price if your job applications require the enhanced hydraulic performance.”
— George MacIntyre
better visibility in certain areas since the loader arms are positioned in front and not on each side of the cab. This difference in design, along with center articulation, can provide visibility advantages for tasks that require pallet forks.”
The Bobcat T870 has a 145-in. hinge pin height and can handle heavier loads than ever before, providing access to bigger jobs and increased productivity with every lift cycle.
to deliver high performance and productivity when paired with high-performance hydromechanical attachments. “The larger, more powerful compact track loaders deliver a machine and attachment combination designed to bring unparalleled speed and quality when they are paired with tools such as mulching heads or cold planers/milling heads,” says Coleman.
He adds, “The larger models have grown in popularity due to customers finding new ways and applications to use the larger machines with the higher load handling and hydraulic horsepower capabilities. As an example, the largest Cat compact track loader, the 299D3 XE, delivers outstanding performance when powering high-production hydromechanical attachments like mulching heads. This machine supplies a 110-grosshp engine that combines with a 40-gpm high-flow/high-pressure hydraulic system, delivering a hydraulic horsepower rating of 94 hp.”
COMPETING WITH OTHER MACHINE FORMS
The largest skid steers are approaching compact wheel loader territory. Both machine types have their merits.
“Every piece of compact equipment has its advantages and disadvantages when one is comparing them against each other,” notes Gribble. “But specifically speaking of large-frame skid steers and compact track loaders vs. compact wheel loaders, a couple of examples come to mind. One of the first is ease of transport. Even the largeframe models are much easier to move from jobsite to jobsite compared to compact wheel loaders in terms of their overall dimensions. Height is another advantage in that compact wheel loaders may not be able to fit into barn doorways or buildings if they are too tall. Skid steers and CTLs typically do not run into this issue.”
Versatility is often an advantage of utilizing larger skid steers or CTLs. “A compact wheel loader has some advantages, such as faster travel speed and visibility from a higher seating position,” says Coleman. “However, a compact wheel loader is somewhat limited in versatility vs. a skid steer or compact track loader due to the exceptional maneuverability of these models in tight quarters applications.
“Compact wheel loaders also focus a bit less on high-powered hydromechanical attachments,” he adds, “making the high-flow/ high-pressure auxiliary system available on Cat skid-steer and compact track loader models desirable for attachments like milling heads, mulchers, etc.”
In some applications, skid steer and CTL maneuverability lends an advantage over small crawler dozers.
“Customers looking to get into the business can complete many tasks like general site preparation and grading, which used to require a small dozer,” notes Gribble. “Also, rubber tires and tracks mean that you can operate on finished surfaces while minimizing the risk of damage to the surface that you could not otherwise accomplish with a crawler dozer. With the added versatility that attachments bring to the equation, as well, customers are not limited in the type of work they can do throughout the entire year either.”
The larger models provide higher rated operating capacities for lifting and handling the heaviest loads. “So, they perform very well in grading and in material-handling applications,” notes Coleman.
CTLS CONTINUE FUTURE MOMENTUM
“In general, the market has been trending more and more toward CTLs over skid steers regardless of size class for the last few years,” says Gribble. “If you know you are going to be lifting heavy objects or doing a lot of clearing or demo work, a CTL is a great option to consider as they typically have a higher lifting capacity and more pushing power than skid steers.”
This doesn’t mean skid steers will fall to the wayside. “There is and will continue to be a market for skid steers,” says Coleman. “However, the popularity of the compact track loader market in North America does continue to increase. Customers are continuing to find ways to utilize the improved traction, increased flotation, lower ground disturbance and greater machine stability that a track machine offers vs. a rubber-tire skid steer. A rubber track also allows customers to extend their working season with the additional flotation and lower ground disturbance.”
As the market continues to shift toward CTLs, contractors should consider future demands. “Contractors may not need the added performance of a larger CTL today, but they should consider their future needs when making the initial purchasing decision,” MacIntyre advises. ET
Caterpillar’s largest compact track loader, the 299D3 XE, delivers enhanced performance when powering highproduction hydromechanical attachments like mulching heads. This machine supplies a 110-gross-hp engine that combines with a 40-gpm high-flow/high-pressure hydraulic system, delivering a hydraulic horsepower rating of 94 hp.
