AGRISHOW SPECIAL: Case launches national compact loader

The Case Construction Equipment backhoe loader, which has been in Brazil for 50 years and one of the leaders throughout this period, has gained a compact loader version: the first national one, manufactured at the Contagem (MG) unit, and which will be shown for the first time at Agrishow 2017 , in Ribeirão Preto (SP).

The novelty meets the demand for small construction machines with the advantages of the national product, such as price independent of exchange rate fluctuations, greater possibility of financing, Finame, in addition to the benefits of increasing local industrial activity. The new model will serve the national market and other countries in Latin America.

The 580N loader version comes with yet another advantage: it was developed from a national product that has the sales record (30 thousand units) among all construction machine models: the 580 backhoe loader.

“The market for mini and compact machines grew a lot until three years ago, but declined with the appreciation of the dollar and the economic crisis. In periods of little investment, the entrepreneur ends up purchasing medium-sized equipment, with greater versatility, although not always the most suitable for certain applications”, comments CASE vice-president for Latin America, Roque Reis.

With the 580N loader version, CASE brings a solution to the mini and compact segment, as the brand's launch is the only national one. “The compact market has a future and nationalization will increase sales”, he states.

Why a loader version – The backhoe was the first construction machine created in the world, by CASE 55 years ago, and is the most versatile. It has two work fronts: a bucket at the front and a set of arm and shovel for digging at the rear.

In the compact loader version, the efficiency of working as a loader is greater, as there is a counterweight in place of the rear assembly. “It moves with more stability and speed, and is easier to maneuver because its length is shorter. In other words, when used as a compact loader there is a gain in productivity and investment”, guarantees Marketing Manager Carlos França.

The main applications of the model are in civil construction (loading materials, pallets), industry and agribusiness (in livestock confinement and transport of inputs and other materials).

Settings - A 580N compact loader has an FPT MAR-I / Tier 3 engine with 79 hp of net power and an operating weight of 7.553 kg. When comparing the brand's models, the compact loader is an intermediate model between the smallest CASE loader, the W20E, with an engine with 152 hp of net power and an operating weight of 10.089 kg, and the largest skid steer loader, the SV300, with power net of 84 hp and operating weight of 3.765 kg, explains França.

Just like the 580 Series N, the compact loader version was designed to offer results such as high production capacity, comfort, low consumption and ease of maintenance. The standard bucket has a lifting capacity of 3.086 kgf and a volume of 1 m³.

The operation of the implement controls is concentrated in a single lever. There is also the option of a 4-in-1 bucket, which ensures operational ease and allows you to roll, load, grab, level, excavate and spread material. The 4-in-1 bucket has a volume of 0,8 m³ and a lifting capacity of 2.930 kgf. It is equipped with two cylinders that move the front part, activated by a proportional button integrated into the loader control lever, which gives the operator total control over the opening/closing speed of the implement.

The model also has a Powershift S-Type transmission, with which the operator selects the gear by turning a lever on the steering column, eliminating manual gear changing. It also has a kick-down function, which allows a gear reduction from second to first by pressing a button on the same lever that selects gear or on the loader control lever, at the operator's choice.

“When handling stacked material, for example, this function is widely used and brings much more comfortable operation”, he explains. According to França, another important function of the transmission is adjusting the sensitivity of the F/N/R modulation (forward/neutral/reverse), making it smoother or faster. Selection is also easily carried out with two buttons and a digital display on the instrument panel. The model, which has closed or open cabin options, is also equipped with an air filtration system with Venturi in the exhaust line, which guarantees an increase in the filter change interval. The new spring-applied and hydraulically released parking brake (SAHR) can be activated by button, ensuring more comfortable and safe operation.