KATO Launches New Tracked Carrier at ConExpo-Con/Agg

Although the Japanese brand KATO’s foray into the UK market didn’t last very long, in other territories they continue to have good success and they continue to roll out new products. It’s no surprise really, as the product is very good, but in our market, it appeared that the pricing just wasn’t right at the time.

However, on the manufacturer’s booth at ConExpo-Con/Agg, there were numerous examples from the KATO range that we had become familiar with in the UK, most notably compact mini excavators like the 3-tonne class HD30, which was displayed in its canopy variant.

The 14/15-tonne class HD514 MR hydraulic excavator is an excellent piece of kit, that I had the chance to try out previously. This compact radius example was sporting a dozer blade and was equipped with rubber track pads for urban street works.

Our North American cousins do love a compact tracked loader, and there were examples to be found all over the ConExpo-Con/Agg showground. KATO have one model in their compact equipment range, the CL35, which has an operating weight of 7,804.4 lbs with canopy and 7,936.6 lbs with a fully enclosed cabin. Power comes from a well-proven Kubota V2403 diesel engine producing a power output rating of 62hp @2700rpm.

The big surprise at ConExpo-Con/Agg was the launch of the manufacturers largest tracked carrier the iC 100-5. With a payload of 25,895lbs the machine is capable of a top speed of 6.8mph, with power coming from a Stage V emissions compliant Cummins QSB6.7 diesel engine offering 268hp.

Take a look at this short video clip of the machine from our friends over at the Construction Equipment Guide.