Barring a revolutionary change, when they give out the award for the most versatile construction machine of this century, the backhoe loader will win first place, hands down.
By Daniel C. Brown
Backhoe loaders are limited only by the selection of attachments for either the loader or the backhoe. Accordingly, a wide variety of manufacturers market backhoe loaders in North America. The list includes Caterpillar, Case Construction Equipment, John Deere, JCB, Komatsu, Kubota Tractor, New Holland Construction, Terex, and Volvo.
In recent years the backhoe loader marketplace has been buzzing with activity, and we’ll touch upon the highlights here.
For example:
- At World of Concrete this year, Caterpillar introduced its E-Series—three new and improved machines that include the factory option of a computer screen and system for providing exact bucket position feedback to the operator.
- Case Construction Equipment recently introduced its M Series 2 loader backhoes, which are available with pilot controls for five models on the backhoe only. Pilot controls, like those in most excavators, offer low effort and short lever travel for improved ergonomics and reduced operator fatigue.
- Last year Terex introduced pilot controls for the backhoe end of its TX970B backhoe loader. In April 2004, Terex brought out its new B Series of backhoe loaders, which added a number of new features including a center driveline with increased clearance under the front axle, a larger torque converter, and a larger, 22-gallon hydraulic tank.
Caterpillar’s New Machines
We asked several manufacturers to tell us what differentiates their backhoe loaders from others in the industry. “Caterpillar has led the backhoe industry by providing load-sensing hydraulic systems on our entire product line for superior performance and fuel efficiency,” says Kevin Hershberger of the company’s Building Construction Products Division.
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Photo: Caterpillar |
| Caterpillar's new 430E standard single-tilt loaders feature pilot-operated backhoe controls with mechanical loader controls. |
Hershberger says new E-Series features include factory-installed hydraulic thumbs on the backhoe and the option of a Caterpillar AccuGrade system. The AccuGrade system is an integrated grade monitor that tells the operator the exact bucket location. Major system components include in-cylinder position sensors for all backhoe cylinders, a swing position sensor, a machine position inclinometer, and an in-cab computer screen. An onboard processor allows the operator to set elevation and slope targets and then shows a live bucket position relative to the target line.
“Customer feedback indicates that they foresee savings through improved trench depth accuracy, reduced cost in surveying and checking grade, and cost avoidance through better control of expenses for materials such as bedding stone and concrete,” Hershberger says.
“Caterpillar established pilot controls as the industry standard for backhoe controls when we launched them on our D-Series machines in 2000,” Hershberger says. On the new E-Series, the 420E IT model and the 430E IT have pilot-operated backhoe and loader controls, while the 420E and 430E with standard single-tilt loaders have pilot-operated backhoe controls with mechanical loader controls. The new 416E—the low-cost model—has mechanical controls on all loader and backhoe functions.
Plus, the E-Series features a new cab with curved glass and contoured fenders. The low hood enhances sight lines to the loader, and the hood tilts forward for easy access. Other new features on the E-Series include a narrowed front dash, foot-operated tilt steering, and in-cab control pattern changer for the 420E and 430E. A new air conditioning system produces 20% more airflow.
Case’s Entries
“One of the key features of our pilot controls is that they can be infinitely positioned fore and aft, as well as side to side, to readily adapt to the comfort of individual operators,” says Jim Hughes, marketing manager with Case Construction Equipment. “Wrist rests are also height adjustable.”
Case says that an exclusive thumb-proportional control for the Extendahoe provides easy and relaxed fingertip operation of the stick extension. And with the in-cab pattern change switch, an operator can easily switch between backhoe and excavator control preference for increased productivity. An optional auto-up stabilizer control allows the operator to raise the stabilizers while swiveling the seat to the loader position for faster turnaround.
The entire M Series 2 line now features new Case Family 3 engines. The series includes the 580M, 580M Turbo, 580 Super M, 590 Super M, and 580 Super M+ models. They range in horsepower from 76 to 98. Case says the Tier 2–certified engines are quieter than their predecessors and have larger displacement for greater lugging capacity and increased torque rise. That means faster loader and backhoe cycle times.
As with most manufacturers, all Case models are available with four-wheel drive, and about 75% of the machines are built that way, says Hughes. Four-wheel drive has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to improve traction and productivity while loading.
Hughes says Case introduced the 580 Super M+ to reach those customers who are looking for a wider stance but don’t necessarily need all of the features of the 590 Super M. “The 580 Super M+ gives you better flotation and stability, which is important for utility customers, as well as those working in soft conditions or rough terrain,” says Hughes. “The wider stabilizer pads make it possible to level the tractor loader/backhoe on steeper terrain, and they provide better stability when the backhoe is swinging.”
Case’s Pro Control system allows the operator to swing back to digging position more accurately and trench more productively. Pro Control permits novice operators to become productive more quickly; seasoned professionals experience less fatigue.
The over-center backhoe design (when folded up) transfers some of the weight of the backhoe to the front axles, which makes it ride more smoothly when roading or when using the loader. The optional hydraulic quick change coupler is integrated into the backhoe loader arm and allows the operator to change buckets without getting out of the seat.
Terex’s New Backhoe
Last year Terex introduced its TX970B loader backhoe to the North American market. The unit features all-wheel steering. “Because both the front and rear axle steer on this machine, it delivers the maneuverability and efficiency of a wheel loader,” says Lowell Stout, Terex product manager.
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Photo: Terex |
| The 970B backhoe loader from Terex, featuring all-wheel-steering for maneuverability, has a maximum digging depth of 15 feet, 11 inches. |
Weighing in at 17,633 pounds, the TX970B has a maximum digging depth of 15 feet, 11 inches, and a standard lift capacity of 8,783 pounds. The 94-horsepower Perkins turbo engine and powershift transmission provides ultimate power and easy, clutchless operation.
“Piloted controls make this machine operate like an excavator,” says Stout. “Its closed-center, sharing control valve gives operators a smooth, multi-function performance while ensuring fine control for accurate trenching and grading operations.” Controls are set to either side of the seat to give the operator an unobstructed view of the work area.
Another visibility-enhancing feature is the joystick override, which allows operators to stand while operating the backhoe. “That gives them a clear view inside the trench,” says Stout. With a control pattern change valve, the operator can change the joystick controls from an SAE pattern to an ISO pattern and back—without leaving the cab.
Terex offers seven models of backhoe loaders ranging from 86 to 100 horsepower. Digging depths range from 14 feet, 5 inches, to 15 feet, 11 inches.
New features on Terex’s B Series, introduced in 2004, include:
- transmission-mounted hydraulic pumps for greater efficiency;
- loader and backhoe control valves for excellent controllability;
- power-boosted brakes with lower pedal effort;
- front axles with power-integrated track rods for increased ground clearance and equal steering turns lock to lock;
- a larger-capacity fuel tank, at 34.2 gallons, for longer work periods; and
- with the switch to the new Tier 2 Perkins engine, service intervals increased to 500 hours.
John Deere Workhorse
In January 2003, John Deere introduced its new 710G backhoe loader, the largest such machine from Deere. “The 710G provides the kind of digging force and lift capacity that customers typically find only in a 12-metric-ton excavator, and on the front end it rivals most 2-yard loaders,” says Steve Wilson, product marketing manager.
Enhanced components on the 710G include the boom, loader arms, cab, and tilted hood, all of which feature numerous design improvements to add strength and make servicing the machine as easy as possible.
Deere says the 710G is powered by a six-cylinder, 118-net-horsepower diesel engine that is Tier 2 compliant. The pressure-compensating, load-sensing hydraulics are the same as are used by Deere’s 410G backhoe. A 70-gallon fuel tank permits longer work periods between fueling.
Longer, box-constructed stabilizers on the 710G backhoe provide a stance that is 18 inches wider than the preceding model, yet transport width has decreased. Stabilizer downforce has increased by 74%, swing torque grew by 72%, and a bucket dig force jumped by 4,000 pounds. “Those improvements enable the 710G to use more power for the job,” says Wilson.
Loader arms on the 710G are stiffer and heavier than the previous model. Both the arm and mainframe are box-constructed of high-strength steel and robot-welded for durability. The high-knee loader design allows for the use of larger tires, as well as provides better front tire clearance.
The loader bucket dump angle is increased by 45 degrees for a better bucket cleanout and 25% more bucket corner prying force. The bucket joints are positioned higher to keep them out of the dirt.
John Deere also offers four other backhoes: the 310G, the 310SG, the 315SG, and the 410G. The 410G tips the scales at 15,000 pounds and has a 98-horsepower engine and a digging depth of 15 feet, 8 inches.
Deere says the G series has the same digging features as the former E-Series, so with the G models, the company focused on operator comfort and convenience. On the G Series the Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) posts and reshaped cab doors are repositioned to eliminate the windshield door mullion found on previous Deere backhoes. The G series features an expansive curved windshield with 29% more tinted glass. The air cleaner is positioned under the hood to improve visibility. Swing-open side windows and a three-piece stacking rear window provide optimum exposure to the back.
Differential lock, brake, and accelerator pedals are placed out of the way yet are within comfortable reach when needed. The optional tilt steering wheel angles high and away for unobstructed access to either door or for swiveling the seat. The fully adjustable armchair seat sports a pedestal design, taking less space. The additional foot and leg room is noticeable when changing from loader to backhoe operating positions, Deere says.
JCB offers nine models of backhoe loaders, starting with the Mini CX, a compact machine with 20.3 horsepower and a 2.5-meter digging depth. From there, JCB’s lineup goes to the 14-foot, 4-inch dig depth 214e machine and on up to the 217S, with 92 horsepower and 17-foot, 3-inch digging depth.
Komatsu’s Models
Differentiating features on Komatsu backhoes include the HydrauMind hydraulics system, which is the same design the company uses on its excavators. “This backhoe is powerful, fast, and gives the operator precise control,” says Jeff Aubrey, product manager of backhoe loaders with Komatsu America Corp. “The backhoe can be operated in two modes—power mode or economy mode. The latter reduces fuel usage, which at today’s diesel prices increases in importance.”
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Photo: Komatsu |
| The WB140, with 87 flywheel horsepower, is Komatsu's smallest backhoe. |
Aubrey says the second distinguishing feature is the ergonomic operator station, which includes an offset exhaust system to improve visibility during loader operation. Leg room is plentiful. The seat and many of the controls are adjustable to fit the machine to the operator.
Komatsu offers six models of backhoes ranging up to the WB150AWS-2N, an all-wheel-steer model that can dig 18 feet deep. The smallest model is the WB140-2N, which has 87 flywheel horsepower and can dig 14 feet, 7 inches deep.
Aubrey says after-sale support—from 250 distributor locations in North America—is among the best in the industry. If not the best, he says, Komatsu support is a very close second.
Four-wheel drive is an option on all Komatsu models. Current models offer pilot controls for the backhoe only, Aubrey says.
Volvo Hydraulics
Volvo Construction Equipment only recently introduced a backhoe to the North American market, and the company’s two models have been well received in the marketplace, says Marcello Bargellini, product specialist–backhoes. Sales have increased every year since introduction, albeit in modest numbers.
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Photo: Volvo |
| Flow-sharing hydraulics are a stand-out feature of Volvo backhoes. |
A differentiating factor for Volvo backhoes is their flow-sharing hydraulics, Bargellini says. The hydraulic system allows the operator to perform multiple functions at one time without getting any cavitation, (premature wear) in the system. Some hydraulic systems do not have flow-sharing capability, Bargellini says. “You could cavitate some pumps when multifunctioning, because there’s not enough oil in the system to do all those functions,” he says.
Volvo’s latest loader joystick controls the four loader functions—raise and lower arms; the bucket; return-to-dig; and floating, as when back-dragging the grade with a bucket. Also mounted on the joystick are a proportional roller switch to operate the optional multipurpose bucket; a secondary control for forward, reverse, and neutral; a declutch button for breaking out material from a pile; and a kick-down button to shift from second to first gear on machines with the powershift option.
Volvo has 39 dealers with 193 locations that offer compact machines in North America.
The choices in backhoes are many, and they all require service and maintenance. You’re well advised to check out the availability and quality of service when buying a backhoe loader.
Daniel C. Brown is the owner of TechniComm, a communications business based in Des Plaines, IL.
GEC
- May/June 2006
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