Skip to main content

Cat’s upgraded backhoes

The new Cat 434F backhoe loader is solely mechanically controlled, while its fellow new backhoe model, the Cat 444F, is equipped with pilot joystick controls and can be fitted with either a 4.27m or a 4.87m backhoe. The upgraded machines are part of Caterpillar’s development of its equal sized tyre (EST) machine range in line with the rest of the F Series product family.
January 31, 2013 Read time: 3 mins
Caterpillar’s new 444F backhoe loader
The new 178 Caterpillar 434F backhoe loader is solely mechanically controlled, while its fellow new backhoe model, the Cat 444F, is equipped with pilot joystick controls and can be fitted with either a 4.27m or a 4.87m backhoe.

The upgraded machines are part of Caterpillar’s development of its equal sized tyre (EST) machine range in line with the rest of the F Series product family.

In the European Union (EU), the Cat F Series backhoe loaders feature the EU Stage IIIA emission standard Cat 4.4 engine. These are said by Cat to provide customers with the most efficient, cost effective solution to meet their operating needs. An EU Stage IIIB solution will be phased in by Cat during the second half of 2013.

For markets with less stringent emission standards than the EU, the F Series backhoe loaders will use the Cat 3054C engine, which has emission levels equivalent to EU Stage II. Engines that meet EU Stage IIIA emission standards are available in non-EU markets that require highly regulated emission levels, such as Turkey.

A full Autoshift transmission is now fitted on the Cat 434F, while the Cat 444F is equipped with a stiffer torque converter, said to provide more power in hard bank and faster acceleration when roading.
Both the Cat 434F and 444F machines are fitted with auto-align steering, said to allow a quick and easy switch of steering modes that allows the operator to continue his work without manually realigning the steering.

The new F Series backhoe models feature a new loader arm design, said to increase lift capacity at greatest height by as much as 36%. In addition, loader improvements with true parallelism when raising the bucket are said to result in better material retention. Cat says operators can also load trucks more easily without losing any material, thus improving productivity.

A new sloping engine hood design combined with improved hose routings is said to enhance operator visibility to the work tool, both over the hood and either side of the loader arms. This is said by Cat to help with work tool precision required applications such as grading or grabbing.

A new footstep, mounted on the front fender of the Cat 434F and Cat 444F models allows for a comfortable and safe stance when performing daily checks of regular service points. The engine side panels on both machines require no tools to remove, allowing technicians to access the engine with ease. A hinged cooling pack is said to further improve access for cleaning and servicing and helps reduce onsite downtime.

A non-metallic 160litre fuel tank reduces condensation and eliminates corrosion, improving Cat 434F and 444F model reliability. With the batteries located in the nose of the machines, there is a new battery isolator providing increased security. A remote engine jump-start in the event of low battery power is also available.

%$Linker: 2 Asset <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 2 12692 0 oLinkExternal www.cat.com www.cat.com false /EasySiteWeb/GatewayLink.aspx?alId=12692 false false%>

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • New generation wheeled loaders from Komatsu
    January 6, 2017
    Komatsu is introducing it Dash 7 generation of wheeled loaders with a range of models including the WA320-7 and WA380-7. The new WA380-7 weighs in at 18tonnes and features improved efficiency, lower fuel consumption, improved operator comfort, and better serviceability. Power comes from an SAA6D107E-2 Komatsu diesel rated at 143kW and which meets Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission requirements. Power output and toque have been increased over the previous generation engine used in the WA380-6, while fuel con
  • New generation wheeled loaders from Komatsu
    February 12, 2013
    Komatsu is introducing it Dash 7 generation of wheeled loaders with a range of models including the WA320-7 and WA380-7. The new WA380-7 weighs in at 18tonnes and features improved efficiency, lower fuel consumption, improved operator comfort, and better serviceability. Power comes from an SAA6D107E-2 Komatsu diesel rated at 143kW and which meets Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission requirements. Power output and toque have been increased over the previous generation engine used in the WA380-6, while fuel con
  • HCME’s new customer-led ZW250-5 wheeled loader unveiled at bauma
    January 6, 2017
    Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) (HCME) says its new ZW250-5 wheeled loader being unveiled at bauma is the result of feedback from European customers. The model’s cab is said to be more spacious than models from the previous range, because the heated air-suspension seat can slide further back, providing more leg room. The tilting telescopic pop-up steering column has also been repositioned to create additional space. An air conditioning system has been installed that regulates the temperature inside
  • HCME’s new customer-led ZW250-5 wheeled loader unveiled at bauma
    February 8, 2013
    Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) (HCME) says its new ZW250-5 wheeled loader being unveiled at bauma is the result of feedback from European customers. The model’s cab is said to be more spacious than models from the previous range, because the heated air-suspension seat can slide further back, providing more leg room. The tilting telescopic pop-up steering column has also been repositioned to create additional space. An air conditioning system has been installed that regulates the temperature inside