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Case and Sumitomo’s Nordic feedback aids new excavator plans

A team of engineers from Case Construction Equipment and Japanese excavator partner Sumitomo Construction Machinery has been meeting Nordic region customers to listen to operator feedback and assess changing customer demands. The majority of excavators in Nordic countries operate with a rotor tilt attachment, adding to the versatility and utilisation of these machines. This precision operation is of particular interest to the Case Sumitomo engineering team, as the Case Intelligent Hydraulic System (CIHS
April 2, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
A team of engineers from 176 Case Construction Equipment and Japanese excavator partner 2714 SUMITOMO Construction Machinery has been meeting Nordic region customers to listen to operator feedback and assess changing customer demands.

The majority of excavators in Nordic countries operate with a rotor tilt attachment, adding to the versatility and utilisation of these machines. This precision operation is of particular interest to the Case SUMITOMO engineering team, as the Case Intelligent Hydraulic System (CIHS) that was introduced with the C Series excavators is said by Case SUMITOMO to continue to lead the field in precise control and operator feedback. Talking with experienced operators who use these machines on a daily basis will further enhance this control system on the next generation of Case machines.

Customers are said to have welcomed the chance to voice their opinions and appreciations of machines, not just of hydraulic performance, but of the engine output, fuel economy, machine design, operator comfort and overall productivity of the Case excavator range. They were said to be particularly impressed with the latest operator cab, which provides a comfortable, spacious working environment for the driver. Fuel consumption and engine performance were also high on the list for customers, and the engineers were keen to discuss the implementation of industry-leading technologies.

“I thought that the visit from Case and SUMITOMO was a very positive one,” said Janne Hirsikangas, CEO of Swedish company Hirsikangas Grav och Schakt. “To my knowledge we have never had any other machine or engine manufacturers send out engineers to gather valuable feedback from customers in Sweden. I was able to voice my suggestions for improvements and it really felt like they were listening to them.”

Strong hydraulic performance and fine hydraulic control were noted as important factors for customers, along with ease of regular maintenance and greasing. Overall the Nordic companies that were visited were said to be very pleased with the machine design and construction.

Case SUMITOMO say this essential customer feedback will have a direct influence on the next generation of machines, with field tests and research and development equipment already at work in the field.

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