Anything new in the compact equipment world?

jmfox · Aug 8, 2007

It seems new equipment coalesces suddenly without warning. With so many manufacturers it is hard to check them all for new developments. Has anyone noticed any new concepts that are becoming available? I believe the future of compact equipment are tracks and articulated tired machines. Has anyone noticed anything of interest on the new product radar screen?

jmf

Kendall69 · Aug 8, 2007

I think we are a few moths too early for info. ASV was supposed to have a big meeting with info, still waiting.

Cat came out with more HP, all will follow I’m sure.

BarryinMN · Aug 8, 2007

Saw the Cat 297C at FarmFest MN yesterday. No more ASV tracks, air ride seat and it lifts 8,000 lbs! $79K.

jmfox · Aug 8, 2007

If you like TLB's take a look as this video (just click on "Play" to the right of JCB GT):

JCB Americas - Videos

Digdeep · Aug 8, 2007

I'm pretty positive (almost 100%) that ASV still makes the undercarriage for CAT.

Maka · Aug 8, 2007

Yeah, it is ASV. It is thier ISR-4 undercarriage that ASV designed for the SR-80. I am sure the Cat guys don't offer that up. The rated operating capacity is located here Caterpillar: Products>Compact Equipment>Multi Terrain Loaders and says 4233lbs.

Maka

Terra Firma Scott · Aug 8, 2007

Yeah Ive been in the new 297c!!!!!!! SWEET.....

But they are proud of it..

$$$$$ and yes-ASV tracks...

The turbo is INTERCOOLED...Technology catching the construction world..Anyone know if any other manufactures of tracked machines utilizing an intercooler on their turbo engine arrangements?

scott-

Kendall69 · Aug 8, 2007

Cat own’s a piece of ASV - The one million shares provides Caterpillar an 8.8 percent ownership in ASV, assuming the exercise of all outstanding options and warrants. ASV shareholders approved the agreement by a 99-to-1 margin.

Plus they signed a five year agreement in 2005

ASV - Press Release ASV Signs Five-Year Supply Agreement with Caterpillar

ASV - Press Release CAT and ASV Finalize Ownership Agreement

Gamma · Aug 8, 2007

Maka said:
Yeah, it is ASV. It is thier ISR-4 undercarriage that ASV designed for the SR-80. I am sure the Cat guys don't offer that up. The rated operating capacity is located here Caterpillar: Products>Compact Equipment>Multi Terrain Loaders and says 4233lbs.

Maka

I was just going to mention that the ASV track system that CAT uses was originally designed for use on the light weight SR-80.

jmfox · Aug 8, 2007

Risking a hijack of my own thread, while comparing the tracks with the SR80, I noticed the CAT backhoe attachment is operated from the cab of the 297c. I wonder if this attachment would work with other compact track machines like the SR80.

jmf

tlbuser · Aug 9, 2007

I noticed that in one of their print ads too and was wondering why Cat wasn't making more of a big deal out of it. But, can you run the a/c while operating too? The ad I saw had an open cab.

Digdeep · Aug 9, 2007

I would guess that you have to run the backhoe with the cab open and it probably won't fit any other machines because it was made to fit their loader frame. ASV sells a backhoe for my RC50 that goes back into the cab, but the new RC50s can't use it because of the newer loader design that is just like the RC60s.

jmfox · Aug 9, 2007

Operating from the cab is just smart. To duplicate levers, a seat, etc. and to stop short of the amenities that a cab offers is, well "what are they thinking."

jmf

Gamma · Aug 9, 2007

When you operate from the cab, can you even see the bottom of a hole that you are digging at max depth?

jmfox · Aug 9, 2007

Digdeep said:
ASV sells a backhoe for my RC50 that goes back into the cab, but the new RC50s can't use it because of the newer loader design that is just like the RC60s.

I wonder if the CAT or ASV (limited compatibility) use the existing levers. I guess it would need to be smart enough to convert the drive lever (left and right position) unto a boom lever when the backhoe is connected. Too much to ask?

jmf

Digdeep · Aug 11, 2007

I know that the ASV, and I'm pretty sure that the CAT use a different set of levers on the backhoe attachment. I'd almost prefer to sit out on a seat since sitting back in the cab would limit your visibility. Of course, being able to operate the backhoe from inside the cab would keep you out of the sun and rain.

CAT owns more than 8.8% of ASV. I think its around 23%, and it will be interesting to see what ASV brings out this year. I went to a demo for their new Scout and it was pretty darn impressive, 4,000lb payload, 5,000lb towing capacity, and almost 12mph. The video that showed it pushing snow and hauling a large load of 12-24" logs was really cool.

Kendall69 · Aug 13, 2007

Somethings in the works at ASV, I just got a call from a dealer who wants to "blow out" his 2007 models.

I asked about new models, he was too afraid to say, so he could sell me a 2007 - said he didn't have his books yet?

But did say yep, new models on the way - no kidding.

radman1 · Aug 13, 2007

jmfox said:
Operating from the cab is just smart. To duplicate levers, a seat, etc. and to stop short of the amenities that a cab offers is, well "what are they thinking."

jmf

I have sat in the Cat's that have a back hoe. You can't see down in the hole from the cab. That is a problem, especially if you are digging next to something important and close to the skid steer. That is why most companies don't do it. It would be nice if the cab had a/c.
On my bobcat, I lean back from backhoe seat and move the skid steer levers to move the hoe backwards for the next dig. (Don't get the safety police on me.)