Product News
Backhoe loaders meet demands of today’s customers

Dec. 3, 2018 – Caterpillar’s newest backhoe loaders provide top lifting performance, high breakout forces and improved operating comfort and ergonomics. The Cat 440 and 450 centre pivot models have recently been added to the company’s backhoe loader lineup.

The 440 boasts a 25 per cent backhoe lifting improvement over the 430F2 and redesigned single tilt loader arms providing parallel lift and versatility in a multitude of applications. The new 450 offers 15 per cent higher backhoe lifting capacity than the 450F and introduces an all new cab for increased operator comfort.

Lift and tilt breakout forces have also significantly increased on both the 440 and 450 to improve machine productivity. A more balanced weight design and longer backhoe stabilizer legs improve operating stability. The new stabilizer systems can be equipped with available guards to prevent damage to the cylinder rod, and optional leg plate guards prevent material buildup on the underside of the stabilizer leg.

The powertrains for both models are anchored by the Cat C4.4 ACERT™ engine that meets stringent Tier 4 Final emissions standards using a service-free SCR solution for improved operating efficiency. The new 440 and 450 optimizes engine speed and pump displacement for excellent performance. The standard Autoshift transmission features a sixth gear for improved roading performance, and optional Lock Up Torque converter for improved torque and efficiency on grades. New spring-applied hydraulically released (SAHR) brakes provide simplified operation of the parking brake.

Improved operating efficiency

A completely re-engineered hydraulic infrastructure for the operator station features seat-mounted controls to deliver a more comfortable operating position, reducing operator fatigue over extended shifts. Electronic sensors embedded in the new design automatically detect the seat position. The controls stay with the operator regardless of forward or reverse operation and eliminate the pilot control pods for backhoe operation, significantly increasing legroom at the rear of the cab. Control design allows the operator to sit at 45 degrees to the rear of the cab for increased operating comfort when truck loading and ditch clearing.   

The backhoe loaders’ redesigned digital display centre with soft keys affords fast and efficient setting of critical machine functions plus offers clearer visibility of the fuel and water temperature gauges and tachometer. Full text diagnostic descriptions and instruction pop-ups aid in efficient machine operation and trouble-shooting. Up to 25 different user codes can be stored in the new models for operating security and quick pattern changes.

Improved load control

Both the 440 and 450 backhoe loaders are built with common single-tilt loader arms. Electrical sensors positioned at the tilt and lift arm enable parallel arm movement for increased material retention when lifting the loader bucket and safe handling of palletized loads. In-cab easy-to-set programmable kickout allows the operator to quickly establish upper and lower arm positioning for repetitive work like loading trucks. Additionally, return-to-dig limits can be set for efficient loader material excavation.

The 440 and 450 models can be ordered from the factory or easily field retrofitted with the optional loader quick coupler that delivers quick work tool changes and increased machine versatility using the Cat Integrated Tool Carrier (IT) system. Twist-to-connect quick disconnects for both the loader and backhoe arm attachments deliver fast connectivity under pressure. These new backhoe loaders feature adjustable auxiliary hydraulic flow to the work tool to efficiently operate powered attachments.

The new 440 and 450 backhoe loaders come standard with Product Link™ systems that transmit critical machine operating data via VisionLink^® back to the office. Key company personnel can be notified of machine fault codes, service reminders, fuel levels, and machine utilization, hours and location to improve fleet management.

For more information, visit https://www.cat.com/en_US.html.