THE release of the new CX series hydraulic excavators has been a major leap forward for Case in Australia. This is not the first range of excavators made available under Case's cooperative arrangement with Sumitomo, but the CX series is a major leap forward, further differentiates the two brands, and includes significant input from Case engineers.

The four new models, the CX130, CX160, CX210 and CX240 (the model designation denotes the approximate operating weight in tonnes) replace the 9010B, 9020B, 9030B and 9040B respectively.

The product that reaches the market in Australia is a premium specification - a position consistent with Case's positioning in other market segments. A long undercarriage is standard, as is a heavy-duty boom and stick, and plumbing (double-acting) for auxiliary hydraulics. A centre bearing guard and under-engine guards are standard.

The CX machines can walk out of the dealer's yard straight into the toughest applications. The X-frame carbody chassis is built for strength, while the tapered frame with large cutouts sheds dirt easily. Track guides, flanged rollers, strutted links and a sealed track chain all make for reduced track maintenance.

Premium specifications continue into the cab, with what are claimed to be the largest cabins in their class, climate control with large vents and a defrost feature, and a suspended seat with considerable adjustment of the seat and control position possible to find the most comfortable operating position. The seat incorporates a headrest and lumbar support. The entire cockpit can slide forward to provide a better view into a trench. A single foot pedal can be used for travel.

The cab has increased glass area, particularly at the front, to provide clean lines of sight to the bucket or attachment. A skylight, roof hatch and sliding windows are also provided. A lower right window provides a clear view of the track for precise positioning and ease of loading onto a trailer.

The cab is positioned on six viscous-filled mounts to isolate it from vibration, noise and shocks.

A large backlit LCD instrument panel provides readouts on all systems and modes, as well as a range of warnings and service reminders.

Some clever innovation has entered the hydraulics. Research has found that while the mode selection available on the previous generation of excavators was a great idea in theory, machines were often operated in an inappropriate mode, wasting fuel. An automatic operation mode that balances power and speed (the Pro Control System) has been introduced to the CX series, whereby there is an automatic power boost if the machine operates at relief pressure for more than a second (this feature is on the CX210 and CX240: the smaller machines have a power boost button). Three manual modes (heavy, standard and light) are also available.

Other features of the Pro Control System are a Swing Priority System for faster cycle time in trenching and excavating, and a High-Speed Assistance System that regenerates hydraulic oil from the return circuit to speed up boom and arm functions.

Cushion control brings operations to a smooth stop, reducing spillage and improving operator comfort, while a controlled free swing allows the machine to settle smoothly and quickly during slewing - a major benefit in pipeline work.

These features allow the operator to concentrate on positioning the bucket, boom and arm with minimum other distractions. The end result is improved fuel economy, ease of operation and faster operating cycles.

An additional feature of the Case machines is the micro-filtration system for the hydraulic oil, allowing change intervals to be extended to 5,000 hours.

The CX130 and CX160 use the proven turbocharged, aftercooled 82kW Case 4TA-390 engine, while the CX210 and CX240 use a new 24-valve six cylinder 6TAA-590 engine with charge-air cooling, sophisticated electronic engine controls, high pressure fuel injection. This engine produces 114kW on the CX210 and 122kW on the CX240.

With high strength components and 40 percent fewer components, the new engine is designed last up to 15 percent longer, with more reliability and lower maintenance costs.

The new engine has an electronic governor for precise control, allowing the engine to be fine-tuned and reducing noise and fuel consumption. There are also auto-warmup and auto-idle features.

To discourage theft and vandalism the CX series has lexan windows and vandal covers installed on the roof. The engine can be started with a key, but will not proceed beyond idle without entry of a code into an electronic keypad.

The system also sounds an alarm, fixes the swing lock and restricts pump torque to prevent the machine from being loaded on a trailer.

All filters can be reached readily from the ground, and there are also conveniently located sight gauges to check water and oil levels. All greasing can be done from the ground: if the greasing location can't be reached from the ground a hose is run to that location.

Two arm lengths are available on each model, while there are also long-reach variants of the CX210 and CX240.

A wide range of buckets is available, as well as an optional Case/JRB hydraulic Slide-Loc(r) coupler that allows changing of attachments from the cab.

Maximum digging depth, and maximum (boosted) bucket breakout force (for the standard models) are:

CX130 6.1m, 101.6kN

CX160 6.45m, 116.3kN

CX210 6.71m, 137.9kN

CX240 6.97m, 170.4kN.

The Case CX series excavators are the product of a lot of thought, and are a worthy challenger in the Australian excavator market.

FOOTNOTE: The Case CX series excavator was launched to Australian dealers in late August, along with articulated dump trucks, single drum compactors, some lower end XT skidsteers to replace 1800 series models and the 521D wheel loader. The 921C loader, the new top end model, was scheduled to appear but was delayed on the water. Next year these machines will be joined by motor graders and larger dozers in the 140-250hp class, and a range of directional drills.

Case New Holland is well positioned in its transition from traditional leadership in the light equipment market to a full line manufacturer under the Case brand, with differentiated New Holland brand equipment offered in the light equipment market. The emerging product line does much to back Case's claims to offer ‘One Smart Solution'. It is already clear on new product that common design standards are being adopted, regardless of the country of manufacture of equipment, and there are elements of originality that back Case's desire to be seen as an innovative supplier.

Case and New Holland dealers and customers have a lot to look forward to in the next few years.

Source: www.infolink.com.au

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