Skip to main content

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.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Advanced, low emission, fuel efficient earthmoving
    February 23, 2012
    Manufacturers are rolling out sophisticated machines for the European, North American and Japanese markets - Mike Woof reports. This year has been a pivotal period for the development of advanced, low emission earthmoving machines. During 2011 an array of manufacturers have introduced new models designed to comply with the latest Stage IIIB/Tier 4 Interim emissions regulations introduced for
  • Komatsu Europe introduces new WA700-8 wheeled loader with enhanced safety, cost-per-tonne, and emissions levels
    April 11, 2025

    Komatsu has unveiled the all-new WA700-8 wheeled loader, which the manufacturer says delivers increased productivity, exceptional durability, and impeccable environmental credentials.

    Before commencing development, Komatsu engineers actively collected customers’ input, identifying that safety, cost-per-tonne produced, CO2 emission, maximising uptime, and operator well-being were the key concerns of customers.  

  • Skid steer loader - more versatile than a jack of all trades
    February 17, 2012
    The skid steer loader has for many years been known as a jack-of-all-trades. Indeed the term loader can be a bit misleading, as a skid steer is far more than simply a digging or lifting machine. Skid steers, and their more recent compact tracked loader stablemates, are the original powered tool carriers. They are designed to work with a host of attachments, not just a bucket or pallet forks. However while this concept of one base machine and a multitude of attachments has been a big success in North America
  • New JCB mini excavators designed to reduce cost of ownership
    April 12, 2016
    A new line of JCB mini excavators has been designed to provide the expected productivity while lowering operating costs. “Really it’s all about the cost of ownership, and keeping that as low as we possibly can,” said Mick Sanders, product manager with JCB. The new mini excavators are the 48Z-I, 51R-I, 55Z-I and 57C-I. Weights range from 4792 kg to 5483 kg. In addition to low cost, the machines are designed to provide greater height and lift. Bucket and dipper tear-out have been improved as well.