New livery and models from Case

Case Construction Equipment, which is celebrating its 175^th anniversary, is launching its new C Series mini excavator line this spring with six models ranging from 1.5 to 5.5 tonnes, and has introduced a new livery for its machines.

The company said the new styling was part of Case’s strategy to strengthen the brand and consolidate its position in all markets.

It added that key steps in this strategy included new agreements with Sumitomo and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and the redevelopment and rebranding of the San Mauro and Lecce plants in Italy to create the Case European excavator and wheeled equipment hubs.

With the new styling and livery, which were developed in collaboration with CNH Industrial’s Design Centre, the 2D Case lettering uses the same font as the brand logo for consistency, while the reflective white colour is designed to make the brand name and model number easier to read from a distance.

A new metallic badge is displayed on every machine, celebrating the Case brand’s rich heritage and looking forward to the future. The new dark grey colour of the lower part of the machines aims to give a greater sense of solidity and strength, said Case.

Common design

The machines’ interiors have been renewed to create a styling specific to Case that is shared by all models – from the common seat design to the dashboard and interior colours.

David Wilkie, director of the CNH Industrial Design Centre, said, “Our aim with this project was, on the exterior, to create a design language that reflects solidity and precision, while giving a look specific to the Case brand that reflects its history and its values and that is common to all models.

“On the interior design, our aim was to use our experience to improve the comfort and quality of life on board by the use of specially developed seat trim and materials. While the interior trim colours have been modernised to give a contemporary feel, we wanted to create a strong family feeling across the product line up.”

The mini excavators which have just been launched are the first products of a new range, which will be extended with additional models during 2017. They will be available in Europe shortly, and will be introduced to the US market at the Conexpo show in Las Vegas in March.

Gaston Le Chevalier de la Sauzaye, product marketing manager for mini excavators, said, “With the new C Series range, we deliver what our customers tell us they need most from this product line for their business – outstanding productivity, comfort and safety.”

The C Series mini excavators are the first products resulting from the brand’s strategic alliance with HHI. The 5.2 and 5.5 tonne models are produced at one of the partner’s facilities, while the Case Excavator Hub in San Mauro assembles the four new models below 4.5 tonnes for markets worldwide.

Five of the six new models comply with Tier 4 Final emission standards.

The new machines have a new digital cluster in the cab that provides information and warning lights about the standard engine start limitation (ESL) anti-theft system; the hydraulic quick coupler for fast attachment changes; the electric refuel pump among other things.

Safety features include ROPS, TOPS and FOPS compliance, emergency stop switch, travel alarm and object handling kit. The safety valves prevent loads from slipping in case of hose failure.

Confined spaces

The CX17C and CX18C are said to be for customers looking for machines to work in confined spaces. The machines feature hydraulically-retractable tracks with inner routing of hydraulic hoses. When the tracks are retracted, the machines are less than 1m wide. The CX17C features a Zero Tail Swing design.

The CX26C and CX37C are 2.4 and 3.4 tonne models and are available with a choice of long and short arms. These deliver a maximum dig depth of 2,645 and 2,420mm for the CX26C, and 3,440 and 3,135mm for the CX37C.

These two models are also available with additional counterweights and rubber tracks. Steel tracks are also available on the CX37C.

The CX57C and CX60C models at the top of the new range claim a spacious cab with ample legroom, together with the ergonomic seating and control layout, a fully adjustable, heated seat, multiple storage compartments and sunshades.

They are said to feature quiet operation and low vibrations resulting from the cab being mounted on silent blocks. The standard auto-idle further reduces the noise when the machine is not working.

Backhoe loaders

Case has also upgraded its T Series backhoe loaders, with new models achieving emissions standards through the company’s selective catalytic reduction (SCR)-only solution, with no need for diesel particulate filter (DPF) or regeneration.

This reduction in the number of components has enabled Case to rationalise the engine layout. The aftertreatment system has been repositioned externally providing better access to the engine, the electronic module and fuses, it said.

In addition, the exhaust pipe has been moved to the right-hand pillar, improving visibility.