Loader Backhoe Birthday

February 2007 will mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the
world’s first factory-integrated tractor loader backhoe from Case. One of many
Case firsts, the Case 320 was the first loader backhoe purpose-built at the
plant for construction applications.

“When Case introduced the first loader backhoe in 1957, it revolutionized the
construction industry,” said Jim Hasler, vice president of Case Construction
Equipment. “Before that, contractors had made due using farm tractors with
loader attachments and sometimes jury-rigged backhoe attachments. With the Case
320, they received the unprecedented versatility of having one machine that
could trench, crane and fill.”

Of course, Case did stop at trench and carry work for its burly backhoe. Jim
Hughes, marketing manager at Case Construction Equipment, notes the brand’s
numerous innovations — return-to-dig and return-to-travel functions, over-center
backhoe for improved balance, the Case Extendahoe extendible dipperstick, power
loader linkage, Ride Control and the patented Pro Control System for superior
backhoe control and faster cycles.

Perhaps the most visible change between the Case 320 and today’s Case M
Series 2 loader backhoes is in the cab and operator’s environment. From the
earliest models, which featured a stark steel-framed chair with a back and
padded seat — already an improvement over most of its agricultural cousins of
the time — the Case loader backhoe evolved to feature a spacious and comfy cab.

“The optional deluxe cab package available on the Case M Series 2 machines
provides the quietest cab in the industry,” claimed Hughes. And it still offers
superior visibility.

More than two years ago, Case passed the half million mark in the production
of loader backhoes. “No other manufacturer comes close,” Hughes said, “and we’re
well on our way to three-quarters of a million.”

Models built in 2007 will feature a 50th anniversary decal on the loader arms
and backhoe. Customers can also purchase a special 50th anniversary edition,
which features bundled options and a special limited-edition decal that is
different from the standard decal. In addition, Case will have on display at
2007 shows a custom black anniversary model that will feature a frosted-window
treatment of the original Case 320 in one window and in the other a futuristic
model.

A book describing the history of the loader backhoe will be available for
purchase at shows, including World of Concrete, along with limited-edition
prints featuring the past, present and future models.