Excavation Equipment Changes

What's Changed In Excavation Equipment?

Also referred to as a loader backhoe, the backhoe loader is an engineering and excavation vehicle that consists of a tractor, front shovel and bucket backhoe used for excavationand a small backhoe in the rear end. Due to the small size and versatility, backhoe loaders are common with small construction projects and excavation type work.

How The Equipment Has Changed

There are many different opinions as to what machines should actually be classified as earth

moving equipment. There are many different types of equipment that fall in this category, such as excavators, backhoe loaders, dump trucks, and even loaders.

Other machinery that falls in between are articulated trucks, wheel and track tractors, and even

scrapers. The thin line is normally drawn at motor grades, which are more than capable or light

duty excavation, although they are mainly used to level lots and grade roads.

If you take a glance at any equipment literature from leading companies such as CAT, Komatsu, or Case, you'll see right away that they believe the biggest and most important change over the last several years is increased productivity. This is normally followed by greater comfort and safety.

The increase in productivity is the result of many different advancements. CAT (Caterpillar) cites that more powerful engines with a faster

rise in torque which allows machines to respond faster to increased power demands. Even though this new generation is far more powerful, it

has a reduced impact on the environment as well.

Electronics

Most of the newer machines have electronic control systems that will optimize both engine and transmission performance, as well as fuel

consumption and hydraulic system performance.

Take for example the CAT mid sized G series wheel loaders that feature electronically controlled

powershift transmissions. Each and every transmission offers autoshift capabilities that ease the pressure on the operator, and an

electronic clutch pressure control that smooth shifts the gears for longer life.

Comfort

In the industry, good operators are getting harder and harder to find. Manufacturers find themselves stressing that operator comfort and convenience need to be taken into account not only to make the job easier, but also more efficient and productive as well.

The new cab designs offer better visibility, reduced noise and vibration, and improved comfort as well. The new control systems will require low operator effort while also improving the control of the machine for both the experienced as well as the in-experienced operator.

Easier maintenance

Almost all new machinery offers electronic monitoring systems that will provide constant information on the health of the machine for the

operator. These types of systems provide information to technicians, including service modes that will help them to diagnose conditions quickly.

Now days, machines are designed to make routine maintenance easier. With CAT's wheel loaders, regular service points are easy to access from

ground level, with site gauges making it easier to check the fluid of the radiator, hydraulic oil, and transmission - without having to use dipsticks.

Changes for the better

If you compare the excavation equipment of today with the machines of the past, you'll notice that the changes are better. The machines of the past relied more on operator skill and technique, as very few of them had electronic features.

Today, almost all types of heavy machinery offer electronic features. Electronics are a great thing, as they can make the life of an operator easier than ever. You don't need to get out and check the fluids anymore, as all you need to do is take a look at your instrument panel, which can help to save you a lot of time.

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