Caterpillar launches 5 radial, 4 vertical lift skid steers

The Caterpillar 216B, 226B, 236B, 246B and 248B radial lift skid steer loaders feature increased engine power and breakout force as well as improvements in operator comfort and machine reliability and serviceability.

The 248B uses the new Cat XPS hydraulic system, a load sensing, pressure compensating system that can deliver maximum power regardless of engine speed. For customers requiring a smaller machine to operate hydraulically powered work tools, a high-flow option is now available on the 226B.

Four of the five B-Series radial lift machines have new Cat engines, and all five have engine power increases ranging from 2% to more than 18%. All are US EPA tier 2 compliant.

The new B-series line also features four models with vertical lift linkage in addition to the all-new 268B. They are the 232B, 242B, 252B and 262B.

Two of the vertical lift linkage machines offer increased capacity and significantly more power than the previous models. The 252B has 1134kg of capacity, 11% more capacity, and 52kW—an increase of 18.5%. The 262B offers capacity of 1225kg, 8% more than the previous model, and net power is up more than 5% to 58kW.

Radial lift detail

The 248B is the most versatile of the radial lift machines with a rated operating capacity of 907kg and net engine power of 57kW. The 248B joins the all-new 268B in its use of the high performance high flow XPS (Extra Pressure System) hydraulic system. A variable displacement piston pump provides hydraulic flow and pressure up to 125lpm and 28,000kPa. The load sensing system can provide high hydraulic power whether the engine is at low or high idle. The standard auxiliary hydraulic circuit powers work tools such as cold planers, wheel saws, hammers, compactors and brooms.

The 246B offers a rated operating capacity of 907 kg and net engine power of 58 kW, but without high flow hydraulics. The 236B has a rated operating capacity of 793 kg and net engine power of 52 kW—up more than 18 percent from the previous model. Both loaders can deliver 22 gpm 81 L/min hydraulic flow and maximum pressure of 23 000 kPa.

The 248B, 246B and 236B are powered by the Cat 3044C DIT diesel engine. It features 3.3 litres displacement, direct injection and turbocharging for responsive and fuel-efficient operation. Each of the three new models also offers a two-speed option that boosts maximum travel speed from 12.2km/h to 18.6km/h for the 236B and from 12.5km/h to 19.1km/h for the 246B and 248B. The two-speed option can boost productivity in applications requiring frequent moves on the job site.

The 226B now employs a turbocharged 3024C T engine, which boosts net power more than 5% to 42kW. Rated operating capacity is 680kg. The high flow option boosts hydraulic capabilities to 100 L/min and maximum pressure of 23,000 kPa and enables the machine to handle high demands from work tools. The 216B, the smallest in the line, retains the 3024C engine, which produces 37kW. Rated operating capacity is 635kg.

Vertical lift machines

Both the 252B and the 262B vertical lift linkage machines, also feature the 3044C DIT. The 242B employs a turbocharged Cat 3024C T engine, and the 232B uses the 3024C engine. The electronically controlled engines are US EPA tier 2 compliant.

In addition to engine improvements, the 242B is now available with optional high flow hydraulics for powerful operation of work tools driven by the auxiliary hydraulic circuit. Two fixed displacement gear pumps provide flow and pressure of 100 L/min at a maximum pressure of 23,000 kPa. The high flow hydraulics option expands the versatility and capabilities of the 242B.

The hydraulic system also provides power to drive the wheels. The 252B and 262B each offer a two-speed option. It boosts maximum travel speed to 17.8 km/h for both machines. Maximum travel speed for the standard 252B is 11.2 km/h, and for the 262B it is 11. 6 km/h.

B-series improvements

The improved B-series hydraulic system design reduces the number of potential leak points and improves reliability and cleanliness. A 5-micron spin-on filter keeps hydraulic oil clean, and a high-efficiency hydraulic oil cooler allows the machines to work smoothly in high ambient temperatures.

The B-series machines employ the proven anti-stall system and pilot hydraulic joystick controls that make Caterpillar skid steer loaders easy to operate. B-series improvements include a deluxe joystick design that incorporates positive-action buttons to control work tool hydraulic or electrical functions. An ergonomically designed arm bar is rounded and sculpted to provide superior operator comfort, and the redesigned gauge panels are easy to read. The B-series cab offers a new door option with 25% more glass. It also incorporates a new loader lock-out function that prevents loader arm movement when the door is open. A standard convex rear view mirror gives the operator a wider view behind the machine, and the lights are now adjustable 10 0 up and down as well as side-to-side to suit the task and the operator's preference.

Ease of service is designed into each machine. The rear service door opens 90 0 for easy access to both sides of the in-line-mounted engine. The loader is configured for straightforward access to the oil filter and air cleaner as well as fluid level check points. The cooling fan and air conditioning compressor are hydraulically driven to eliminate the maintenance required by belt drives. A higher alternator rating and battery rating improve reliability, as does a simplified wiring harness. For access to hydraulic pumps, motors and valves, an individual can tilt the cab rearward by using a single tool. A self-latching mechanism holds the cab in place.

Further information: Local Caterpillar dealer or Marketing Services, Caterpillar of Australia p/l, PMB 4, Tullamarine 3043.