Contractors buy compact track loaders because they are flexible machines – adapting to a wide range of applications with the use of specialized attachments – while still being loaders first and foremost.
This emphasis on loading capabilities has prompted, for example, John Deere to up the ante on its G Series CTLs. Deere has increased the breakout force of its two largest models, the 331G and 333G, by 40 percent. Hinge pin height has gone from 127 inches to 132 inches to provide more clearance over 10-foot truck sides. A boom performance package (available in November) features self-levelling of the bucket during both raising and lowering as well as return-to-dig and return-to-carry at the push of a button.
G Series machines feature customizable controls to maximize performance for other tasks. Boom and bucket speeds can be set to three levels and there’s a creep mode. By decoupling engine speed from travel speed, full power can be delivered to a power-hungry attachment while maintaining very low ground speed. The joystick performance package offers ISO and H-pattern controls plus foot pedal controls. The foot throttle in joystick-equipped machines can deliver a “burst” of power and can be switched between accelerator and decelerator modes.
Electronics opened the door to endless performance improvements. In a few short years, many have become commonplace, such as work modes and rearview cameras. Caterpillar offers all the usual electronic features plus some that are more custom. The Work Tool Positioner adds a dimension to the “return-to-dig/return-to-carry” mode. The work angle (tilt position) of an attachment can be stored and then accessed by the touch of a button on the joystick. “This provides better control and finish quality in applications where a repetitive tool angle is desired for maximum productivity and consistency,” says Kevin Coleman, Cat compact track loader product expert. “Examples include fork operation, trenching, wheel saw cutting/trenching, bucket back drag angle and cold planer/milling. The feature can also help provide increased working life for work tool wear items. For example, a preset optimum broom angle that delivers the appropriate down pressure, which could lower owning and operating costs by minimizing bristle wear.”
The Throttle Smoothing feature on a Cat CTL minimizes lurching and bucking when using the foot throttle while traveling over rough terrain. The feature monitors speed change demands from the foot pedal, and when extremes in speed commanded from the throttle are detected, Throttle Smoothing steps in to modulate the response and deliver steady, even travel speeds.
Caterpillar’s ride control system is speed sensitive. It activates above a set speed to improve operator comfort and enhance load retention. Drop below that speed and it disengages to maximize digging and load placement performance.
