by Nick Drew | Mon 25 Apr 2016
A Case for Bauma
It’s incredible to think that we wait 3 years for a Bauma show then almost in the blink of an eye it’s all over again. Well for this week’s blog posts I am going to continue looking back at what is without doubt the greatest show on earth, starting today with a look at some highlights on the Case stand.
Case chose Bauma to introduce more new D Series excavators into its range. These excellent and well received excavators use well proven Sumitomo technology and are highly regarded by end users. Three new medium range machines have been added the CX130D, CX160D and the CX180D. The groundworker’s favourite 13 tonne class CX130D actually tips the scales at 14,000kgs and is powered by an Isuzu 4-cylinder turbo-charged diesel Tier 4 Final/EU stage IV engine with a power rating of 78.5 (105hp). The example on display at Bauma was fitted with a 3m dipper arm and a Rototilt R4 tilt-rotator which are continuing to gain interest in the UK market.
At the other end of the scale Case displayed the heavy duty range replacement for the outgoing CX470C. The new CX490D adds approximately 1.5 tonne compared to its predecessor in the C Series, bringing its weight very close to 50 tonnes.
At the top of the range, the CX500D in Mass Excavation version, according to Case, delivers a massive performance with an operating weight above 50 tonnes. All the new models feature Case’s exceptionally fuel-efficient Tier 4 Final (Euro IV) maintenance-free engine technology with no DPF. They offer the high productivity, comfort and safety levels and low running costs that the previously launched D Series models have become known for.
Other machines of interest on the stand were the 1650M XLT dozer, this mid-range tractor which tips the scales at 17.8 tonnes, features a Stage 3B/Tier 4i engine with a power output rating of 122kw (164hp). The example on display was fitted with a PAT blade and rear ripper assembly.
Motor graders are not such a common sight in the UK anymore but they can still be found at work on a number of major projects around the country. Case displayed its largest model at Bauma, the 16.6 tonne 856 AWD (All Wheel Drive) machine. This machine once again features a Tier 4F engine with a top end power rating of 142kw (190hp).
An example from the company’s range of wheeled excavators the WX168 was used in an all dancing all singing display routine at the heart of the stand.
The big news during Bauma was the announcement that Case is now manufacturing excavators for the European market at its Italian factory in San Mauro.The localisation project, which represents a significant investment, has reached an advanced stage and full production of the first CX models has started at the San Mauro plant. By June, eight models ranging from 13 to 30 tons will be manufactured in San Mauro. A spokesman said “European customers will benefit in several ways from being served by a manufacturing plant close to them. When the localisation project is completed, delivery lead times will be shorter. Also, Case will be able to operate with greater flexibility to respond to customers’ needs. In addition, it will be possible to better customise the products to fit specific European requirements”.
In addition to this wheeled machines are also to be produced at the company’s plant in Lecce. The factory is focused on four product families: wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, telehandlers and compact wheel loaders, and is in the process of integrating a fifth line, graders.