June 2013, Vol. 240, No. 6

TechNotes

CASE Models Offer Better Fuel Economy, Productivity

CASE Construction Equipment last month introduced the new Tier 4 interim CX130C and CX160C excavators to its C Series product line, offering customers fuel economy increases of up to 8% and 5%, respectively, vs. previous B Series models. This results in increased productivity, along with lower overall owning and operating costs facilitated through easier maintenance.

“The power and efficiency of the new C Series excavators, due in part from the optimization of their hydraulics system, makes them ideally suited for utility projects and road projects,” said Rob Marringa, brand manager, CASE Construction Equipment. “In addition, the CX130C and CX160C have been designed for easier transport at the end of the day for secure storage.”

The CX130C and CX160C excavators achieve 100/124 net hp (75/92 kW) using Tier 4 interim-certified cooled exhaust gas recirculation (CEGR) technology that burns cleaner while delivering superior horsepower.

“On top of the power of these new CASE excavators, both stretch fuel dollars while delivering the higher productivity that contractors expect,” said Marringa. He cited for the CX130C a 4% lift capacity increase among crucial product improvements. For the CX160C, CASE engineered a 3% cycle time reduction and a 2% lift capacity increase.

“Advancements made in the CASE Intelligent Hydraulic System technology reduce total fuel consumption and improves performance,” Marringa said.

Boom Economy Control lowers engine RPMs during the boom down and swing operation while the Auto Economy Control lowers RPMs when the joysticks are inactive. Swing Relief Control technology manages hydraulic power allotted at the start of the swing operation and Spool Stroke Control creates an automatic pressure adjustment during digging operations. Blended hydraulic functions provide faster transition for lift/dump movements to dig/curl, improving truck-loading time and jobsite efficiency.

Marringa added, “Because excavators run with little change to engine speed, CEGR technology was the best choice for efficiency and convenience.”

With 3% faster cycle times than previous models, the new CASE CX160C excavator can load more trucks or trench further during every work shift than its predecessor model. The new CASE excavators offer operators smoother and easier control and maneuverability. The CX130C/CX160C provide 4%/2% more lift capacity and boast a 440 lb. (199.6 kg) increase in operating weight to tackle bigger jobs.

The new excavator offers three power modes – SP (speed priority), H (heavy duty) and A (automatic) – to allow operators to choose the best mix of power and fuel efficiency. The throttle settings adjust the hydraulic settings for further tailoring to specific tasks.

For the new machines, more comfort results in greater operator productivity. Compared to previous B Series models, the CASE CX130C/CX160C excavators give operators a more spacious, comfortable and quiet cab. The excavators’ very low profile that CASE designs into all C Series models contributes to the cab’s 19% better visibility from the operator’s seat (including a new roof skylight) as compared to previous models.

“The high definition, non-glare monitor in the CASE C Series excavators is large and clear,” Marringa said. The operator can easily switch between rear and optional side camera views. The cameras have simultaneous visibility to key operating data, including a new function, which provides fuel consumption per hour. Operators can use this information to refine fuel efficiency for their particular operation. The CX130C/CX160C excavators also include an in-cab auxiliary hydraulic setting system with a new option for 10 memory-recall settings to make tool changes quick and easy for operators.

Noise reduction improvements, including vibration refinement on the cab’s reinforced tubular structures, create an extra-quiet cab environment, with automotive-like noise levels as low as 69.9 dBa.

The deluxe air-ride seat and the cab on the new CASE excavators enable total operator comfort to maximize productivity throughout the shift. The cab offers 7% more overall space and 25% more airflow. Air conditioning performance also has increased by 20%, controlled by automatic climate control, to keep operators cooler and more productive in a wider range of locales. The seat has adjustable armrests and five primary adjustments.

New with the C Series is a rearview camera that feeds video to a 7-inch LED monitor in the cab, enhancing operator confidence and jobsite safety during machine operation. A Level 1 ROPS/FOPS (rollover/falling-object protection systems) cab structure provides helps enhance operator safety.

“Extended service intervals for the CASE C Series excavators help reduce operating costs,” Marringa said, “keeping these machines on the job longer.”

CASE designed the new machines with 500-hour engine oil change intervals, 5,000-hour hydraulic oil change intervals and 1,000-hour greasing intervals with Easy Maintenance System bushings. The cab includes new access points to easily reach the air filter and fuse box. All these improvements added up to the CASE CX130C/CX160C achieving a 1.4% improvement score over previous models on the SAE maintainability index.

“The new CASE C Series excavators efficiently package the redesigned engine, cooling and exhaust systems while maintaining excellent serviceability and operator visibility,” Marringa said. “The machines feature wide-open panels for easy access to service points and ground-level access to grouped lubrication points.”

CASE offers attachments for the CX130C/CX160C and other C Series excavators, including CASE Smart Digging Systems components such as pin-on buckets, coupler buckets, the CASE Multi-Fit Coupler and the SmartFit™ bucket tooth system.

CASE pin-on buckets are designed for heavy-duty, high-capacity applications such as digging in dense soil, clay, loose rock and gravel. The CASE Multi-Fit Coupler offers complete hydraulic latching, enabling excavator operators to quickly attach and detach buckets and other components without leaving the cab. Designed for the Multi-Fit Coupler, CASE coupler buckets feature integrated bucket pins to prevent any loss of breakout force that might otherwise occur when using a coupler device.

The SmartFit system provides stronger, more durable teeth and adapters, and hammerless, reusable locking pins. The SmartFit lineup includes general purpose, rock chisel, heavy penetrator, tiger, twin tiger and flare teeth.

The CX130C model has an operating weight of 28,600 lb. (13,000 kg), a bucket digging force of 20,200 lb. (90 kN) to 21,400 lb. (95 kN), arm digging force of 12,600 lb. (56 kN) to 16,600 lb. (74.0 kN) and a maximum dig depth of 16 ft 9 in (5.15 m) to 19 ft 9 in (6.05 m). Standard bucket sizes range from .32 yd3 (0.25 m3) to 1.12 yd3 to (0.86 m3).

The CX160C model has an operating weight of 38,001 lb. (17,237 kg), a bucket digging force of 25,200 lb. (112 kN) to 26,500 lb. (118 kN), arm digging force of 16,200 lb. (72 kN) to 18,800 lb. (84 kN) and a maximum dig depth of 19 ft 9 in (6.06 m) to 21 ft 3 in (6.49 m). Standard bucket sizes range from .36 yd3 (.28 m3) to 1.28 yd3 (0.98 m3).