ATHENS, Ga. – Caterpillar has announced a handful of new products for the industry. The new products feature a Tier 4 Final solution and were designed with five customer values in mind: fuel efficiency, productivity, technology, comfort and safety.
In the loader market, Caterpillar has four new small-chassis models: two compact track loaders (the 239D and 249D) and two skid-steer loaders (the 226D and 232D). All are Tier 4 Final and maintenance-free.
The smaller loaders have redesigned chassis and lift arms.
“We're excited about these models because of all that D Series value that we introduced in 2013 that we're able to extend down to these smaller machines,” said Jeff Brown, product specialist.
Caterpillar has improved visibility on the D Series machines with low profile lift arms that allow for more visibility both above and below the arms on the sides of the machine. The loaders feature an optional Advanced Display, available with a rear-view camera, which offers more visibility behind the machine as well.
The D Series loaders feature Creep Control and Continuous Flow, which allow operators to slow the track speed of the equipment while maintaining high RPMs on attachment tools.
“This allows the operator to be very precise and productive in grading and other applications,” Brown said.
A new, optional track tread pattern on the 239 and 249 track loaders is a 15-inch track with a wide bar tread. This different pattern delivers better flotation, lower ground disturbance and better snow traction.
“(It's) ultimately delivering a better finished product for the customer,” Brown said. “Especially for that landscape contractor that's working on a house pad or finished grading a housing development. We're really excited about what this track can do on a small CTL.”
Caterpillar has three new track type tractors: the D3K2, D4K2 and D5K2, which are all Tier 4 Final.