Caterpillar introduced two new products, a Hand & Foot control for its Cat D Series loaders and two new mulching heads, at GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 22.
The Cat Hand & Foot Controls option will be available for the 226D, 232D, 236D, 242D, 246D and 262D skid steer loaders; for the 257D, 277D and 287D multi terrain loaders; and for the 239D, 249D, 259D, 279D and 289D compact track loaders.
A single-axis joystick design provides the fore/aft movement, resistance and feel operators are used to, according to Caterpillar. With the control’s shorter joystick travel, operators can fully use the armrest, designed to increase comfort and reducing fatigue.
Caterpillar’s two new mulching heads, the Standard and High Flow C Series Mulching Heads, are designed for the cutting and mulching of vegetation, saplings and undergrowth from overgrown agricultural areas and forested terrain.
The Standard Flow Mulching head features a new adjustable multi-tooth push bar and the intergraded max pro gauge, featuring a color range notifying the operator how effectively the tool is running. If the gauge is in the yellow range, for example, the machine can do more. If it’s in red, the machine is pushing the tool too hard and will likely stall. The hydraulically operated front door is standard with all Cat mulchers.
The High Flow series provides many of the same features as the Standard series but is 72 in. wide, larger than the machine track width. Three additional tooth offerings bring the number of options to five. The new single bolt tooth retention also allows for a quicker replacement time, according to Cat.
