CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
The B Series 3 line of skid-steer loaders comprises five new models powered by Cat C
Series engines, including the 71 hp 242B3 shown here.
CAT CONTINUES
CONSTRUCTION
CONTRIBUTION
Adds new compact track loader, skid-steer loaders, multi-terrain loaders
and mini hydraulic excavators to the construction equipment family
BY KYLE KOPPLIN
In an effort to stay on top of the demands of an ever-changing construction equipment market,
Caterpillar has added several new
construction machines to its product line. The additions include five
skid-steer loaders (SSLs), four mini
hydraulic excavators (mini-HEXs),
three multi-terrain loaders (MTLs) and
a single compact track loader (CTL)
to round out the group.
Forming the SSL portion of the
new B Series 3 loader line are the
216B3, 226B3, 236B3, 242B3 and
252B3, while the 247B3 and 257B3
are new MTLs. According to Cat, all
of the machines incorporate design
refinements that allow them to be
more capable, more reliable, safer
and easier to operate.
The SSLs and MTLs are all powered by Tier 4 interim compliant Cat
C Series engines in several sizes
and outputs. The 216B3 is powered
by the C2. 2 rated 47 hp at 3000 rpm;
the 226B3 and 247B3 by the C2.2T
engine rated 56 hp at 3000 rpm;
and the 236B3, 242B3, 252B3 and
257B3 by the C3. 4 DIT rated 71 hp at
2500 rpm. Comparing the new 242B3
and 257B3 with the earlier B Series
2 machines, Cat said the new ratings provided a 25% increase in net
power, as well as 28% boost in peak
torque from 141 to 181 lb.ft.
Along with the increase in engine
power is a hydraulic system that sees
an increase in standard flow in some
loaders from 15. 6 to 22 gpm. Defined
by Cat as the hydraulic power avail-
able to do work, calculated hydraulic
horsepower has also been raised
by up to 40% in the 236B3, 242B3,
252B3 and 257B3, the company said.
This increase is intended to improve
the capability and efficiency of the
machines when handling high-flow
work tools.
