Dozing On the Job

Melanie A. Lasoff

Dozers, scrapers and loaders are typical landfill equipment, but each manufacturer offers distinctive products. Here is a sampling of their latest offerings.

Case Corp., Racine, Wis., manufactures four wheel loaders ranging from 130 net horsepower (hp) to 248 net hp, with bucket capacity from 2.75 cubic yards to 5 cubic yards. Two extra tool-carriers, the 621C XT and the 721C XT, also are available. Each C series machine includes a choice of hydraulic couplers and large-capacity buckets, material-handling buckets, pallet forks, augers, brooms and jib brooms. Features on the loaders include return-to-travel and return-to-dig height controls, and enhanced transmission downshift.

Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Ill., introduces the 924G wheel loader, which replaces the company's IT24F Integrated Toolcarrier and 924F wheel loader. Among the uses for the 924G are general material handling, waste hauling and recycling. The one-piece, fabricated box-section design of the new VersaLink Loader Linkage replaces both the eight-bar parallel lift linkage and the Z-Bar linkage. The 924G features a pilot-controlled loader hydraulic system with a joystick control designed to work with the VersaLink Loader, a new three-plate tower design on the front frame, new steering cylinders placement and a Caterpillar 3056T turbocharged, six-cylinder diesel engine with 114 hp. The G-series cab features improved access and egress, 30 percent more glass than the F-series cab, more interior room and lower interior sound levels.

Caterpillar manufactures the 963C Track-Type Loader, which replaces Model 963B and adds electronic hydrostatic control, variable hydraulic track motors, a speed mode switch and a computerized monitoring system.

Gehl, West Bend, Wis., manufactures the 35-Series skid steer loaders with "hands-only" controls. Optional hand/foot and dual hand controls also are available. Four models have operating capacities from 1,425 pounds to 2,600 pounds. Auxillary hydraulics and a wide range of attachments are standard. The tilt-back cab provides access for servicing.

Hyundai Construction Equipment, Elk Grove Village, Ill., offers 15 models of wheel loaders with sizes ranging from 1.5 cubic yards to 6.5 cubic yards. In addition to its standard Z-bar linkage configuration, most machines are available in a Tool Master version, which is compatible with linkage configurations and Extended High-Lift versions. Hyundai wheel loaders are equipped with emissionized Cummins engines, a third spool valve block, air conditioning, suspension seat and AM/FM radio.

Komatsu America International Co., Vernon Hills, Ill., introduces the D61EX-12 and D61PX-12 dozers in standard (EX) and low ground pressure (PX) versions. The machines are powered by a 150-hp Komatsu S6D114E-1 direct injection turbocharged diesel engine while the hydrostatic steering system (HSS) enables the dozer to maintain power on both tracks. Proportional pressure joystick controls (PPC) are included in the steering control system. The 34,850-pound EX model is available with a 4.4-cubic-yard power angle tilt blade or a 5.6-cubic-yard semi-U tilt blade. The 38,580-pound PX model is available with a 5-cubic-yard power angle tilt blade or a 5-cubic-yard straight tilt blade.

New Holland Construction, Carol Stream, Ill., manufactures wheel loaders in standard and specialty configurations with oversized transmissions. New Holland DC70 and DC80 dozers are pilot-controlled hydrostatic transmission machines. Tracks on the units counter-rotate for versatility and maneuverability. Low ground pressure (LGP) versions also are available.

Melroe Co., Fargo, N.D., introduces the Bobcat 773 G-Series skid-steer loader, which is heavier than the previous 773 F-Series, has more breakout force and has an operating capacity of 1,750 pounds. It features a 46-hp Kubota diesel engine, a 23-gallon fuel tank and 11 percent more hydraulic flow than the previous series. A new high-flow option provides 27 gallons per minute and 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi) to power attachments such as snowblowers, planers, chippers and wheel saws. Bobcat's low-profile, vertical-path lift arms and new cab are designed to increase visibility to the sides, rear and front of the loader, according to the company. Other features include a rear-pivot seat bar, recessed headlights, optional top and also rear removable windows and a high-efficiency heating system. Right- or left-hand instrument panels are standard features. An optional Deluxe Instrument Panel for the right side also is available. The company states that more than 45 attachments are approved for use on the new unit.