machine matters | continued pattern, so most OEMs provide choices. Deere offers three: joystick controls with switchable ISO or H patterns and foot controls. Joysticks on Volvo machines can be switched between ISO and H pattern; Volvo does not offer foot controls. Case also offers ISO and H patterns via a rocker switch and operators can further adjust machine performance with up to nine presets through the EZ-EH (electrohydraulic) controls. Because a high percentage of CTLs go to owner-operators, comfort and convenience features are often spec’ed on these machines, says Chaney. Examples include enclosed cabs, HVAC, heated and adjustable seats, two-speed travel, a power quick hitch, and JCB’s Smooth Ride System (SRS), which provides boom cushioning to help maintain full bucket loads and improve operator comfort on rough terrain. The company’s pro-
tection package includes Level II FOPS, front and side screens, and other beefed-up safety items and is popular in forestry and land clearing applications. Some OEMs offer only one size of tracks with their CTLs. Bobcat offers two, a standard and a wide. Volvo offers two widths – 12 and 18 inches – for their mid-range MCT110C and MCT125C models. JCB’s track options include turf and all-purpose. Terex offers three tracks: general purpose; smooth/ turf; and extreme terrain, with 10 percent more width and aggressive track treads. With other crawler machines, such as dozers, underfoot conditions often dictate track width. Soft conditions require wider tracks, as on low-ground-pressure (LGP) machines, to provide additional flotation. Rocky conditions will twist wide tracks, accelerating wear on them and other undercarriage com-
ponents, so narrow tracks are best there. Fitzgerald says track width is determined by ground conditions, required flotation, and maximum acceptable machine width. Caterpillar offers two distinct types of compact track loaders. In addition to a line of product named compact track loaders, they also offer Multi Terrain Loaders, which are designed to have even lower ground pressure. The MTLs come with wide tracks as standard equipment, and the use of different materials in the tracks and undercarriage sheds some weight. For example, their 289D CTL has an operating weight of 10,533 pounds, an ROC of 2,660 pounds (at 35 percent of tipping load), and ground pressure of 4.6 psi. Their 287D MTL has an operating weight of 9,929 pounds, an ROC of 2,800 pounds (at 35 percent), and ground pressure of 3.9 psi. Continued on pg. 48
Easily mountable and transferable portable engine driven air compressor
80 CFM engine driven air compressor Automatic variable throttle control reduces fuel consumption Powerful enough to operate piercing tools and 90 lb. jack hammers Compact, self contained and easily transferable Auto engine off and restart based upon air demand LED control panel can be remote mounted 888.907.8050 | vanair.com 46 April 2014 | EquipmentWorld.com