Case Compact Excavators — 2014 Spec Guide
Case Construction Equipment has been offering compact excavators since 2002. The product line includes five models in the Case B Series and two C Series mid-sized excavators that provide the power and performance of a full-sized excavator in a size suited for working in close quarters.
The B Series compact excavators are notable for increased productivity and performance with the independent, center-swing boom that allows operators to dig around stationary objects and alongside obstacles. Four Tier 4 Interim models, and the Tier 4 Final CX55B, deliver hydraulics and breakout forces ranging from 3,417 to 11,028 lbs and digging depths up to nearly 13 ft.
These models have large excavator features, such as an undercarriage with travel motors that provide speed and traction and heavy plate guards that prevent damage to the hydraulic motor piping. With a center-swing boom, these compact excavators can dig around stationary objects or beside obstacles. The B Series compact excavators have a hydraulically controlled backfill blade for stability and light dozing work and a swing-out access panel for quick access and best-in-class serviceability. A few points of interest: For extremely tight working conditions, the CX17B features retractable tracks that go from 52 in. wide down to 38 in. wide, helping operators get through tight gates, doorways or other confined spaces.
The zero tail swing CX36B boasts an enhanced hydraulic system with pressures and hydraulic flows that combine to deliver more power and speed. The compact excavator is also built with a three-post ROPS allowing for easy access and better visibility in its compact design. The CX55B minimum tail swing model (recently certified Tier 4 Final) provides lift capacity, digging force and operator comfort. With a 37.4-hp engine and an operating weight of 11,312 lbs, the CX55B offers enough size and power to tackle a variety of construction applications. The machine’s large boom and arm offers greater reach, 11,128 ft-lbs of bucket digging force and a digging depth of 12 ft, 10 in. Plus, its compact size and cab height of 8 ft, 4 in. makes it easy to transport between jobsites.
Case says its CX75C minimum swing radius (MSR) excavator offers contractors a safer, more productive and comfortable machine with visibility. The CX75C offers a Tier 4 Final engine solution featuring a diesel oxidation catalyst-only cooled exhaust gas recirculation system. Key advancements over the previous Case designs in this size class include a 5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, a 7 percent faster cycle time, 20 percent larger fuel tank for extended runtimes and a 7 percent wider cab for increased productivity. The new models also offer 9 percent more hydraulic power than previous models for greater digging power and responsiveness.
Advice to Buyers
“In relation to compacts, be mindful of turning radius and overhang — understand the difference between zero tail swing models and near-zero tail swing designs,” says Katie Pullen, brand marketing manager with Case Construction Equipment. “Also be mindful of lifting capacities and hydraulics. Compact excavators can be extremely powerful tools for residential construction applications and commercial construction applications where you may need an excavator that can fit indoors or in other tight spaces — and they offer a lot in the way of lifting and placing, as well as attachment versatility.”
