Tracked Loaders

Tracked Loaders
Big bi-Comparison Test
Te
Power Pack ages on Tr ack s
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Special print with the kind
permission of bi-GaLaBau
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Construction machinery test
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Big bi-Comparison test
Power Packages
on Tracks
Five compact tracked loaders participated in the comprehensive bi-GaLaBau*
comparison test near Westerstede in the German Ammerland region.
(*) Construction industry publication.
By Erwin Bauer, Oldendorf
Compact tracked loaders – also known as
crawler loaders – are (still) a niche product
when measured by number of units sold in
this country. Last year, just 150 new machines
were sold in Germany. When compared
to the classic compact loader on wheels,
however, their numbers are increasing. This
is not surprising, for the versatile tracked
loaders offer a number of notable advantages
as was demonstrated during the bi-test.
The terrain of the sandpit at the Thalen
company in the Friesian town of NeuenburgMoorwinkelsdamm offered excellent
conditions for the test. By the end of February,
the snow had long since disappeared up here
in the North, in contrast to many other regions
in Germany.
On the other hand, the weather was awful on
both test days, with drizzle driven by gusts of
Pra
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The operators and their machines standing in front of the test course
hill, where they delivered a splendid performance in the competition.
Photos: E. Bauer.
wind from the nearby North Sea. Following a
dry morning on the second day, with even a
short appearance of the sun behind dark rain
clouds, the test drew to a close in incessant
rainfall. The good thing about all of this was
that the course remained moist during the
test phase. This allowed the compact tracked
loaders to fully demonstrate their advantages
on the wet, soft ground.
When considering the results, the range of the machines
in the test must be taken into account: the Cat 289C,
Bobcat T300 and Case 445CT are directly comparable to
each other while the TL250 by Takeuchi is the largest in
terms of weight and performance and the Terex PT-80 is
the smallest machine in the field.
The five test machines
Five different brands of compact tracked
loader underwent the test in the 4.5 to 5.5
ton class: the Bobcat T300, Case 445CT, Cat
289C, Takeuchi TL250 and the somewhat
lighter Terex PT-80 model. The Bobcat, Case
and Caterpillar machines have vertical lift
arms, whilst the Takeuchi and Terex models
are equipped with radial lift arms. The
vertical lift arm design results in greater reach
capabilities. Therefore, these compact tracked
loader models can get closer to high-sided
trucks for unloading. The models equipped
with radial lift arms, on the other hand, have
a physical advantage owing to the ability to
develop more power, which was shown when
lifting and pulling capacity was tested as part
of the overall test.
This comprehensive test was expertly conceived and
supported hands-on by Deula Westerstede.
Operating weight and hydraulics
Prior to starting the test course, all the
compact tracked loaders were initially
weighed on a calibrated truck scale. The
measured operating weight is the sum of
the machine weight with full fuel tank and
standard bucket as well as a driver with a
body weight of 75 kg. Measurements deviated
upwards from manufacturer specifications
(see table) for all the models except the Case
445CT, which had been supplied as a trimmed
down ‘Italian’ version without enclosed
operator cab. The machine that had been
originally intended for the test, which had a
cab, was sold just before the test started. It is
therefore necessary for the reader to take this
Meenke Pollmann, a trainer at Deula Westerstede,
prepared the course the day before the competition with
his Komatsu bulldozer.
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Construction machinery test
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09
into account when evaluating the test results.
The different lift arm kinematics are another
factor that needs to be taken into consideration.
After the weights were recorded, readings for
rates of hydraulic oil flow and pressure were
taken for all test machines. Service technician
Hans-Georg Schulte from the nearby Zeppelin
branch at Moorburg-Westerstede determined
these values with the assistance of a special
turbine flow rate measuring device. This allowed
for precise determination of maximum flow
rate at the respective pressure reading for each
machine, for standard as well as for high flow
hydraulics.
Prior to the test, the operating weight of the compact tracked loaders was determined with the assistance of a truck
scale, with some significant deviations from the manufacturers’ specifications.
Service technician HansGeorg Schulte (on the
right) recorded maximum
flow rates of the hydraulic
systems of the test machines
with a turbine flow meter
and digital measuring
device.
Actual values for standard hydraulics as well as for highflow circuits (connections above) were measured at the
respective pressure.
Not all hydraulic systems of the loaders tested are
equipped with a push-button pressure release; in the
case of the Cat 289C this important feature for changing
attachments is standard.
Construction machinery test
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09
High lifting and pulling capacity
In the second part of the test, lifting and pulling
capacities of the test machines were determined.
Günther Peper, who is a teacher at the Deula
Westerstede, had configured the test station
together with his students. To determine the
lifting capacity, it was initially necessary to bury
a large concrete block in the sand in order to
obtain a fixed lifting point for the hydraulic
pulling capacity measuring device. The compact
tracked loaders were driven onto a flat bed trailer
and the pulling capacity measuring device was
suspended from the pallet forks mounted on
the loaders. With the assistance of the digital
display on the measuring device, the maximum
lifting capacity was the reading taken at the
point where the undercarriage at the back of
the loaders began to rise. Notwithstanding their
compact design, the test machines have high
lifting capabilities. In this test, as mentioned
above, the radial arm models had an advantage
and this was confirmed by the readings (see “Test
Measurements“).
The next morning, the maximum pulling
capacities of the machines were measured. The
spring balance was anchored to the concrete
base and hooked onto a steel cable, which in
turn was passed underneath the machines
and attached to pallet forks on the front of
the machines. Measurements were taken
at the point the tracks began to spin. Once
again, surprisingly high pulling capacities
were measured for all the machines, which are
naturally most noticeable due to the pushing
forces offered by the loaders. Meenke Pollmann,
who until now had only had experience with
standard bulldozers, was impressed with the high
lifting and pulling capacities of the test machines
and their pushing forces on this terrain.
Low ground pressure
The compact tracked loaders all offer low ground
pressures (See comparison table). Thanks to the
distribution of pressure over the entire contact
area of the soil-friendly rubber tracks, the ground
pressure of a compact tracked loader is less than
that of a human being. The surface is therefore
subjected to less stress and soil compaction is
also reduced – an important feature especially
for applications in landscaping and horticulture.
Further, the width of the tracks means that the
compact tracked loaders offer better traction on
wet and soft ground than any machine on wheels.
Even when working on slopes, they maintain
their stability. In addition, operation when using
attachments such as trenchers and asphalt cutters
which develop dynamic loads is jerkfree.
With the assistance of the digital display on a hydraulic
measuring device anchored to the ground, lifting
capacities were determined even after darkness had
fallen.
The highest pulling capacity was measured for the
Takeuchi TL250. In relation to operating weight, this
machine was only exceeded by the smallest model.
Test course simulating actual jobsite
conditions
was measured.
The operators initially had to load as much
soil as possible in equal sized buckets, then
drive up a steep slope and, at a marked point,
let go of the joysticks for three seconds.
This manoeuvre was intended to test the
hydrostatic brake. All the machines were able
to handle this task without any problem or
significantly rolling backwards. Following
a steep descent from the top of the hill and
a subsequent full turn half way down, the
drivers had to continue backwards down
The test course was designed to simulate
the typical daily jobsite work performed by
compact tracked loaders. The objective was
to assess productivity levels for the machines
in specific construction site applications.
Meenke Pollmann, a long-time trainer of
construction machinery operators at the
Deula in Westerstede, had prepared the
challenging circular course the day before
with his Komatsu
bulldozer. The hill
of heavy soil at the
edge of the sandy
area had a steep 35
degree slope. Next to
the starting point on
two loading ramps,
a mobile fuel station
was arranged to fill
all machines prior to
the start. After four
circuits of the course,
diesel consumption
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Construction machinery test
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The five compact tracked loaders during a joint show interlude on the test course area.
the hill through a narrow space between
two poles. The objective was to lose as
little material as possible from the bucket.
Following a 180 degree turn and a final run to
the finish, the remaining material carried by
the loader was emptied into the bucket of a
large wheeled loader at a height of precisely
2.5 m. With the assistance of a weigh log on
the wheeled loader, the total weight of the
transported material was calculated and
printed out on a weigh slip. After four rounds,
the time taken was recorded, the total weight
of material transported was noted and the
machines were refuelled to determine fuel
consumption.
It’s the operator who counts!
The construction machinery industry
knows from experience that the operator
plays a decisive role when it comes to the
performance of a machine on a jobsite. This
was duly confirmed on our test course. The
earthmoving productivity and lift and carry
results depend to a large extent on the
experience and skill of the operator. From the
start, the companies involved in the test were
given the opportunity to use their professional
demonstrators to get the maximum
performance out of their machines.
Yet, even among professionals, there are small
but noticeable differences. After all, a compact
tracked loader is not a standard machine when
compared, for example, to a wheeled loader
or a mini-excavator. Without a doubt, the
manufacturers with specialist loader operators
had an advantage.
But the fact that independent operators
could quickly get to grips with the compact
tracked loaders was proved by Sascha Jeske,
a staff member of the Thalen Sand company.
Sascha, who is more used to large wheeled
loaders used for lift and carry work in the
1
Immediately before the start, each of the compact
tracked loaders was completely fuelled up at the set-off
position – a level surface provided by loading ramps.
The start of the test course, where it was mainly a matter of moving as much material as possible across a hilly
landscape. At the end of each round, the material was dumped into a weighing unit, and after four rounds, the time was
recorded.
Construction machinery test
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09
A CUT ABOVE THE REST
w w w . b o b c a t . e u
Always strive for perfection and attain it...
In 50 years of leadership, Bobcat has redefined compact equipment
and made it the industry it is today.
Wherever you are, at the controls of a Bobcat compact loader, miniexcavator or telehandler, you can do much more
and go much further.
7
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Construction machinery test
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09
sand pit, acted as a substitute for the Terex
operator who had fallen ill. After some initial
difficulties, Sascha handled the course tasks
splendidly. This goes to show that talented
construction machinery operators are able
to quickly adjust to the handling and mode
of operation of compact tracked loaders and
to work with them productively. To illustrate
this, during the steep downhill travel in the
first run, Sascha’s machine stopped because
the seat contact switch was activated. When
driving downhill, the operator encountered
problems with the seat belt. The seat bar,
which normally provides extra protection
to the operator when driving downhill, was
missing in the Terex compact tracked loader.
In the other models, this sensible safety device
must first be lowered when the engine is
running before even beginning to work.
2
To create equal conditions for all the
participants, the soil on the course was
levelled and reshaped after every run.
At the first stop, loose material was loaded into the bucket.
3
Then the loader proceeded up a steep incline, to the
mark…
4
...for a brief stop when the control levers were released...
6
5
...for three seconds before continuing the journey....
Although it was the experienced Bobcat
demonstrator Robby Bosch who, at 5.2
tonnes in four laps, moved the most material
across the course, he was beaten in terms of
productivity per unit time by the Takeuchi
operator, Bernd Schulze. A decisive factor
in this had to be the lower maximum speed
of the Bobcat T300, which was the only test
machine to be equipped with a single speed
range.
7
...and manoeuvring the loader through the narrow space between the orientation poles...
...downhill, if possible, without losing any of the load.
Construction machinery test
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09
Manufacturer specifications
Manufacturer/Model
Bobcat / T300
Case / 445CT
Caterpillar / Cat289C
Takeuchi / TL250
Terex / PT-80
4 421 kg
4 627 kg
4 747 kg
5 225 kg
4 070 kg
Engine performance
Operating weight
79 HP
82 HP
82 HP
98 HP
80 HP
Engine manufacturer
Kubota
Iveco
Caterpillar
Kubota
Perkins
1.461 kg
1.496 kg
1.860 kg
1.092 kg
984 kg
4 177 kg
2 994 kg
3 502 kg
3 200 kg
2 812 kg
290 g/cm²
310 g/cm²
285 g/cm²
331 g/cm²
235 g/cm²
Rated operating capacity
(at 35% tipping load)
Tipping load
Ground pressure
Bucket volume
0.70 m³
0.54 m³
0.60 m³
0.60 m³
0.50 m³
Hydraulic flow
151 l/min
(High-Flow)
125.8 l/min
(High-Flow)
125 l/min
(High-Flow)
88.7 l/min
(Standard)
113.6 l/min
(High-Flow)
Lift arm-kinematics
Vertical
Vertical
Vertical
Radial
Radial
Dimensions (l x w x h –
3.63 x 1.98
x 2.055 m
3.44 x 2.065–2.112
x 2.113 m
3.679 x 1.981
x 2.117 m
4.038 x 1.86
x 2.32 m
3.632 x 1.778
x 2.184 m
Volume (l x w x h)
14.77 m³
15.01 – 15.35 m³
15.43 m³
17.42 m³
14.1 m³
Maximum travel speed
10.6 km/h
13.8 km/h
13.6 km/h
12.0 km/h
17.7 km/h
33
30
40 Branches
103
20 Dealers
65 000,- €
64 000,- €
72 100,- €
76 000,- €
55 000,- €
www.bobcat.eu
www.cnh.com
www.zeppelin.com
www.wschaefer.de
www.terex.de
l with bucket)
Number of service outlets
in Germany
Listed price incl. bucket, cab enclosure, heating (exclusive of V.A.T.)
Internet
Neutral operator assessment
The independent test operator Meenke
Pollmann of Deula Westerstede, as well as
horticulture and landscaping entrepreneurs
Bernhard and Karsten Korpis of Brake at the
Unterweser, were given the opportunity
to drive the machines and to test them
thoroughly.
All the machines tested are equipped with
grab handles on the side and steps with
NEW
BOBCAT
PRODUC TS TO
discover
anti-slip surfaces on the lifting frames and
lift arms. Models with roomier cabs, like the
Takeuchi TL250, offer definite advantages for
entering and exiting the loader. The majority
of operators prefer the safety glass doors
which can be opened and stowed overhead
to the hinged doors which open to the side.
On all the test machines, the controls are
arranged to provide a clear overview. The
eye-level displays for oil pressure, hydraulic
oil temperature, diagnostic functions, etc.,
were judged to be positive features. All
models are equipped with fully adjustable,
spring-mounted comfort seats. On the Cat
289C, the seat can even be adjusted to the
weight of the operator. The view to the rear is
restricted for all models because of the design
of the machine. The test team concluded that
additional mirrors are of limited help when
travelling backwards. This means that robust
cab rears with collision protection guards
are all the more important. It is doubtful
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Construction machinery test
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Test measurements
Manufacturer/Model
Bobcat / T300
Case / 445CT
Caterpillar / Cat289C
Takeuchi / TL250
Terex / PT-80
4 635 kg
4 615 kg
5 055 kg
5 495 kg
4 295 kg
1.70
1.77
1.62
1.78
1.86
Reading
80 l/min
164 bar
83 l/min
192 bar
70 l/min
200 bar
83 l/min
180 bar
73 l/min
170 bar
Flow x pressure:
600
21.87 kW
26.56 kW
23.33 kW
24.9 kW
20.68 kW
Reading
110 l/min
188 bar
103 l/min
195 bar
102 l/min
195 bar
not part of the
test, optional
84 l/min
181 bar
Flow x pressure:
600
34.47 kW
33.48 kW
39.10 kW
not part of the
test, optional
25.34 kW
Course
5.20 t
4.45 t
4.35 t
4.50 t
4.35 t
Course
5:51 min
5:16 min
5:51 min
4:49 min
5:21 min
Course
889 kg/min
845 kg/min
744 kg/min
934 kg/min
813 kg/min
Course
1.80 litre
1.50 litre
1.46 litre
1.62 litre
1.50 litre
Course
2.89 t/litre
2.97 t/litre
2.98 t/litre
2.78 t/litre
2.90 t/litre
Lifting capacity...
Reading
2.81 t
2.41 t
2.56 t
3.84 t
2.71 t
...in relation to own weight
In percent
61%
52%
51%
70%
63%
Pulling capacity ...
Reading
2.74 t
2.74 t
3.05 t
3.46 t
2.74 t
...in relation to own weight
In percent
59%
59%
60%
63%
64%
Operating weight
Fuel tank full with operator (75 kg)
and standard bucket
Power to weight ratio
Engine power in proportion to
operating weight
Hydraulic oil flow
standard (At oil pressure of ...)
Hydraulic power
Standard
Hydraulic oil flow HighFlow (At oil pressure of ...)
Hydraulic performance
High-Flow
Amount of soil moved (4 laps)
All with the same bucket (0.7 m³)
Travel time
For 4 laps including loading, dumping
Productivity during
earthmoving
Calibrated
according to weight
HP/t x 100
Amount of soil moved per minute
Fuel consumption
For 4 laps (ca. 400 m)
Efficiency in earth moving
Amount of soil moved per litre of diesel
8
Then one had to rotate in place...
9
...and then drive...
...backwards down the hill.
After making a half-turn it was necessary to...
Construction machinery test
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09
Assessment by independent operators, of the measured and test course results
Manufacturer/Model
Bobcat / T300
Case / 445CT
Caterpillar / Cat289C
Takeuchi / TL250
Terex / PT-80
Ease to enter and exit
Points 1-10
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Visibility and arrangement of controls
Points 1-10
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All-round visibility of attachment
Points 1-10
when travelling forwards/backwards
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Access to daily maintenance points
Points 1-10
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Ease of maintenance
Points 1-10
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Driving stability with load
Points 1-10
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Enclosure of running gear, hoses,
cables
Points 1-10
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Productivity (course)
Amount of soil moved (t/min)
Points 1-10
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Efficiency (course)
Amount of soil moved (t/litre Diesel)
Points 1-10
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Lifting capacity in relation to
operating weight
Points 1-10
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Pulling capacity in relation to
operating weight
Points 1-10
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Ground pressure
Points 1-10
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Price / Performance ratio
Points 1-10
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106
109
111
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...dump the material as fast as possible into the bucket of the Volvo wheel-loader. After four rounds, time was taken
and the material weighed.
mmende
co
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Robby Bosch is pleased about the high volume of
material that he managed to move on the course.
11
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Construction machinery test
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09
to be very comfortable by the independent
operators. Steel leaf springs or torsion bar
springs on the track rollers absorb shock and
ensure a smoother ride when driving across
uneven areas. This also reduces the loss of
materials being carried by the loaders. In the
Cat 289C, the running gear is mounted on
both sides of the machine and it can swing out
via a pair of torsion axes to simplify cleaning.
After the full run, the machines were topped off with
fuel using a measuring flask in order to determine the
exact fuel consumption.
Independent test personnel Karsten and Bernhard
Korpis get a presentation from product manager Uwe
Külpmann about the Case 445CT.
how long the plastic lining at the rear of the
Terex compact tracked loader will last in work
conditions. The view to the front is good for
all models. Daily maintenance points such
as air filters, alternators, the battery and
cooling system, the engine oil and fuel filter,
the hydraulic oil fill, engine oil fill and oil level
reader are easily accessible for all machines,
with only marginal differences between the
different models. The hydraulic systems on
some models, the pressure of which can be
relieved at the push of a button, without
oil leakage, were well received. The power
limiting controller on the hydrostatic traction
drive of the Cat 289C which prevents stalling
of the engine in case of overload as well as
the rpm-dependent engine cooling system
also impressed the test team. Furthermore,
the standard version of this machine, like the
Case 445CT – comes with a STVZO-approved
roadworthiness license.
Tracks with roller suspension
The track roller suspension systems used on
the Bobcat, Cat and Terex models were found
While all hydraulic hoses are protected underneath the
lift arm here…
...they protrude above the lift arm on this model and
thus constitute a source of danger, for instance, when
working in undergrowth.
The hydraulic vibration damping has the effect
of adapting the frame of the machine to the
terrain and protects the machine and operator
from vibration and shock. One drawback
of this suspension system is that hoses and
cables in the running gear are relatively
exposed. This is the case with the Cat tracked
loader as well as the Terex PT-80. In the latter,
the test team considered that the open
undercarriage with rubber track rollers, like
those used in snow crawlers, would present
a problem when used on aggressive surfaces
and materials. The running gear on the other
models are all enclosed and equipped with
sloped covers. Since compact tracked loaders
are used on soft ground, for instance for
horticulture and landscaping applications,
as well as on gravel, running gears that are
completely made of steel ought to prove to
be more durable in the long run. The cast
steel track rollers and idlers are sealed and
lubricated for life.
On all the test machines, the rubber tracks
with their embedded steel running gear parts
can be tensioned with grease guns.
Clever: Thanks to a lever (yellow), the air filter on the
Takeuchi TL250 can be opened above the radiator,
allowing it to be removed without obstruction.
Access to daily maintenance points on the Cat 289C is
exemplary, an important consideration for operators in
daily construction work.
Stones can get lodged between the tank and the
cylinder rod of the lift cylinder directly above.
Construction machinery test
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09
Robust: The suspension running gear of the new compact
tracked loader generation from Caterpillar now has tracks
and running gear components embedded in steel…
Following completion of the series of tests, various attachments were shown. W. Schäfer, general importer for
Takeuchi, presented the TL250 tracked loader with laser-controlled grading blade for precise, fast levelling.
...but these cables are completely exposed – a
compromise due to the suspension system...
Summary of the test results
machines on soft ground and even on steep
slopes will surely not want to do without
them anymore. Thanks to their numerous
attachments, they can also be used all year
round.
For all models, hydraulic quick-attach
systems are available as special equipment,
so the operator does not have to climb out
We had already assumed as much, based
on positive feedback from users in the
landscaping market, and can now state for
certain: compact tracked loaders are proven
power packages that can hold their own even
in extreme ground conditions where other
types of construction machines have long
since been forced to throw in the towel. All
five compact tracked loaders were able to
carry out the assigned tasks on the course
and proved to be absolute specialists on the
terrain. Anyone who has come to appreciate
in practice the amazing pushing and lifting
capabilities offered by these compact
Always strive for perfection and
attain it... In 50 years of leadership,
Bobcat has redefined compact
T 110
sm a ll siz e , big p e rf o rm a n c e
equipment and made it the
industry it is today. Wherever you
are, at the controls of a Bobcat
compact loader, mini-excavator
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13
14
Construction machinery test
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09
Bobcat demonstrated its soil conditioner, used, for example, for fast levelling of paths or preparing a seedbed, one of
38 attachments specially designed for the T300.
“Get in, lower the seat bar, start up, release the brake and drill“,
this sums up Erwin Bauer’s experience with the Cat289C.
of the cab when mounting or dismounting
pallet forks, buckets, etc. The Cat and Case
models are delivered as standard with road
homologation.
The differences between models in the test
are to be found in the detailed summary,
based on a cross-section of the subjective
assessments by the independent operators,
the measurements taken and also the
performance on the course, which in turn
results from a combination of machine power
and the skill of the operator. The test winner,
the Bobcat T300, is of a very compact design
owing to its transversely mounted engine
and the absence of counterweights at the
guideline. Depending on the negotiating skills
of the buyer, large discounts are possible.
Of course, as in any decision to purchase a
construction machine, the speed and the
quality of the service also play a decisive role.
rear of the machine. It can be supplied with
or without roller suspension and there are
three different control systems available,
including foot controls. Owing to its well
conceived design and construction, it was
awarded the most points, meaning that,
in the overall evaluation, it was placed just
above the higher-performing TL250 from
Takeuchi, the "flagship" model on the course.
The Japanese company, which brought the
first crawler loader to the market some 25
years ago is considered to be the inventor of
this remarkable type of construction machine
which should still have a great future.
The list prices are intended only as a rough
Buckets up was the order at the end of the test for all
participants: compact tracked loaders are superb!
Internet-Tip
Video clips of the compact tracked loaders’
runs on the test course can be viewed at
www.galabauer4u.com.
Construction machinery test
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09
TOUGH JOB?
TOUGH MACHINES!
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Always strive for perfection and attain it...
In 50 years of leadership, Bobcat has redefined compact
equipment and made it the industry it is today.
Wherever you are, at the controls of a Bobcat compact loader,
mini-excavator or telehandler, you can do much more
and go much further.
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©2009 Bobcat EMEA 0000000 EN (10-09)
Bobcat EMEA - Drève Richelle 167 - B-1410 Waterloo, Belgium
Specifications and design are subject to change without notice. Pictures of Bobcat products may show other than standard equipment.