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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2017
27
for a unit with a high back-heated seat, one-piece sealed and
pressurised cab, for example.
Continued development
The skid steer has also evolved over the years with a number
of changing designs and general feature upgrades to meet the
ever-changing matters of importance for end users.
“Skid steer loaders have certainly evolved in terms of design
changes over the years and the most notable are sealed cabs
with factory-fitted air-conditioners as an option. Locally we have
also flame-proofed skid steer loaders for coal mines, specifically
for underground applications,” says Stansfield.
Meanwhile, Caterpillar’s D-Series skid steer range
incorporates several design innovations. Caterpillar is said to
be the only manufacturer to offer one piece sealed/pressurised
cab that offers advantages from a comfort, health and service
standpoint. It protects from dusty environments and has a lower
in-cab noise. The entire cab lifts up to provide easier access to
the components underneath for servicing. “Hand controls move
along the seats and adjust forward and back to allow operators
to customise for comfortable operation,” says Rengaraju.
Caterpillar also introduced an Advanced Display monitor
where up to 50 different security codes can be set up. This can
store and recall operating preferences for each code, allowing
individual operators to tailor the machine to their experience
level and application, a particularly useful feature for big fleet
owners. With dangerous and hazardous environments in mind,
Caterpillar also now offers a remote operating system. Either
manual operation or remote control can be selected at the flick
of a switch.
Addressing shortcomings
The skid steer loader, despite its popularity, has had a number
of its own downsides, ranging from tyre wear to short loading
heights, to mention a few.
Rengaraju says skid steer loaders have traditionally delivered
a rougher and bouncier ride that can affect operator comfort
and material retention. To get the better of this shortcoming,
Caterpillar’s speed-sensitive ride control system delivers a
smooth ride by cushioning the loader arms, such as during
carry and travel operation, by suspending the load to maximise
material retention. “The speed sensitive ride control system
automatically engages when the machine reaches its activation
speed, which can be adjusted by the operator. It provides
optimal ride performance and material retention during material
transport. The system automatically disengages at speeds
below activation speed to provide maximum digging and load
placement performance. It allows for better material retention,
increased productivity and greater operator comfort while
working at higher operating speeds in rough terrain,” explains
Rengaraju.
“Skid steer loaders have certainly evolved in terms of
design changes over the years and the most notable
are sealed cabs with factory-fitted air-conditioners
as an option. Locally we have also flame-proofed
skid steer loaders for coal mines, specifically for
underground applications.”