Caterpillar Equipment

While reporters in the field seek to give TV viewers at home a clearer picture of the events that lead to victory or defeat in a wartime setting., those reporters seldom cover the path taken by military construction equipment. Sometimes, though, the enemy forces do make note of that path. Sometimes the enemy forces do use their weapons against military construction or convoy equipment. Sometimes that enemy force proves to be a deadly force. Then the enemy forces remind the TV viewers about the “behind-the-scenes” acts of courage that can play an important part in any planned military operation.



The makers of military construction equipment have joined forces with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Together, those two groups plan to discover and evaluate new fluids, fluids that can expand the number of conditions in which military construction equipment functions efficiently.



At the present time, the joint investigation has chosen to focus on bio-based hydraulic fluids. Such fluids are made from vegetable oils. Farmers who grow rapeseeds, sunflowers, corn, soybeans, canola plants, or coconuts applaud any acceptance of bio-based hydraulic fluids. Meanwhile, the makers of military construction equipment evaluate the lubrication abilities possessed by those same fluids.

The makers of military construction equipment appreciate the range of conditions in which their equipment needs to perform. By the same token, members of the military demand optimal performance from all manner of purchased construction equipment. The success of one military operation could well depend on the efficient operation of bulldozers, scapers, graders, loaders and cranes.



Each of those various pieces of equipment must be tested in a field setting. Evaluation of the test results should aid assessment of the important characteristics displayed by bio-based hydraulic fluids. Evaluation of the tested military construction equipment should yield measurements for three top-priority features, three of the features most-desired by users of construction equipment.

What are those features? One is coating thickness, the amount of lubricant that sticks to the moving parts on the construction equipment. A second feature is viscosity, the degree to which the lubricant resists changes to its form. The third feature is specific gravity, a measurement that is really a comparison. The specific density of a hydraulic fluid indicates how its density compares to the density of water.

Why does the military need to carry-out field tests when measuring the coating thickness, viscosity or specific gravity of bio-based hydraulic fluids? Can’t the appropriate personnel evaluate the performance of military construction equipment in a laboratory setting?

No, the combination of conditions in the laboratory can not duplicate properly the combination of conditions that a fighting force might find in the field. There, the temperatures might rise or fall precipitously. There, moisture of other elements in the air might act to diminish the performance of a less-than-perfect hydraulic fluid.



That is why the military needs to schedule field tests on any military construction equipment, when the lubrication of that equipment depends, for the first time, on bio-based hydraulic fluids. The military can not deny the apparent economic benefits associated with bio-based hydraulic fluids. Yet military leaders in the U.S. want some assurance that unforeseen problems will not eat-up any money saved by a switch from petroleum-based to bio-based hydraulic fluids.

Many American farmers hope that leaders in the U.S. military will gain that assurance by examining the results from planned field tests.

Cat Forest Products has announced the launch of a new forwarder line with the introduction of two models with 18-metric-ton and 20-metric-ton capacities. The new Cat 584 and Cat 584HD are designed to withstand the requirements of transporting large payloads for long distances over difficult terrain, while providing operator comfort, controllability and serviceability.



In designing the new forwarder line, Caterpillar engineers conducted in-depth interviews of forwarder owners to learn what features they wanted in a new generation of forwarders. Prototype operators and logging contractors who previewed the forwarders said they especially liked the structure’s sturdiness, the strength of the center oscillation joint and the styling, features and roominess of the cab.

The 18 metric ton Cat 584 is available in a 6-wheel drive or 8-wheel drive configuration. The 20 metric ton Cat 584HD is available as an 8-wheel drive. A field-proven hydrostatic propel system provides maximum power on grade through a wide engine rpm and ground speed range, resulting in infinitely variable speeds at peak power and dynamic braking on steep terrain.

The operator’s environment is a totally new design and provides the operator a very comfortable, spacious environment featuring automatic temperature controls on the heater/AC, low effort ergonomic joystick controls, easy entry and egress, storage compartments and superb visibility. Side windows extend below seat level, which allows excellent ground visibility close to the cab and around all wheels. The front entry door is positioned to allow easy entrance off hydraulic lift stairs.

The forwarders feature the Cat® C7 Tier III-compliant engine with ACERT™ Technology that delivers an outstanding 204 kW of gross power at 1800 rpm. The lug curve of the engine provides excellent torque in the 1400 and 1600 rpm range, providing increased fuel efficiency.



Fuel efficiency is also achieved by the large diameter cooling fan, which has its own hydraulic pump that includes a speed control modulated by the forwarder control system. Not only is the variable-speed cooling fan beneficial for fuel efficiency, it also performs well in cold climate conditions by allowing system temperatures to increase to the desired operating level quickly. The over-sized cooling fan requires less horsepower and cools more quickly, allowing loggers to go deeper into the woods and haul bigger loads, faster.

The structurally robust carriers decrease overall ownership costs and increase resale value. The rugged front and rear frame structures are manufactured for long life in demanding forest applications. The heavy duty cast articulation and large oscillation bearings are also designed for long service life. The reliable crane is the market leader in its size class, with optional boom reaches available.

All major components and systems are easily accessible for servicing through the forward-tilting engine canopy and hydraulic tilt cab. The boom grease lines can be serviced safely standing on the ground.

Source: http://www.cat.com/

The Heavy equipment FAQ are mostly based on the worth, how the quality of the heavy equipment would be and most probably the best price that could be paid on that heavy equipment. Most of the construction business oriented people try to get clarified on their doubts about the heavy equipments they purchase or most probably they may be clearing out with the problems they face with their equipments. They may need to move their heavy equipments from one country to another, so they may be in need of many questions like say the import and export duty they have to pay on, the maximum shipping charge and so on.



The term heavy equipment refers to large construction equipment such as back hoes, excavators, loaders, bulldozers, graders and much more. The People who have doubts on the usage, or any other clarification about the heavy equipments may be the part of the FAQ to the general experts on heavy equipments. One such FAQ on heavy equipment is as, why there is a need for used heavy equipment appraisals. From this question it could be easily judged that this person must be dealing with the heavy equipments and may be in need of knowing what must appraisal for? As he or she may be facing to sell the heavy equipment or may in the process of buying the heavy equipment. The answer for this question may make him comfortable as it is a direct and explainable question.



And another FAQ on heavy equipment is that on the primary users of the heavy equipment appraisals, the same person or may be another one could have asked for this question. He or she may need to meet that appraisal of the heavy equipment in the near future, but may not know who the heavy equipment appraisal would be. The answer for this question would again be easy by an expert of the used heavy equipment sellers. Some may even not know what the appraisal means so one of the FAQ on heavy equipment was to define the term Appraisal; the answer would be the good apt definition for that question. May be one think at an overlook of these questions that it takes the whole to appraisal and not on heavy equipment. May this right, as the questions are based on the used heavy equipment selling and buying the term appraisal is most important.

Not only these but also a number of other FAQ regarding the appraisal and used heavy equipments may be asked and it can be concluded as said that any topic on which these FAQ s are asked, makes clear that the topic becomes more important but they may lack knowledge on those. It also makes clear that the person needs to be clear in what he is doing and make sure that he is not going to face any loss out of doing something that he is not known in a proper way.



Here are some of those FAQ on Heavy equipments training academy like on the address and the location of the Heavy Equipment Training Academy. The types of courses they offer and so on. There also some of the frequently asked questions on heavy equipments like What if I can't afford to buy the heavy equipment for hardscape projects? This question may because of, the cost of the heavy equipment higher.

The construction equipment auctions got its massive demand and popularity in last several years. It has become one of the place that is more ease of reach and more attractive to buy construction equipment at a very reasonable prices. In today’s hot business of construction equipments, the costs of the new construction equipments are higher, making it a big problem for the contractors. The construction equipment auctions are one of the fastest and profitable methods to clear up construction equipments. Either New or used construction equipments get sold out, at these auctions but the terms and conditions may vary according to the market conditions.



Bargains are the main feature of the construction equipment auctions; in that case the auctions pave way for the lowest price for the equipments. One good pro with these auctions is that the through these auctions the buyers are given with a huge variety of equipments and a large number of producers and manufacturers. The auction takes place with the highest bidder and not the price. The construction equipment auctions are done for both the heavy and light equipments. Bulldozers, scrapers, well drilling machinery, generators, canes, earth moving equipments and much more come under the heavy construction equipments. These are auctioned at just a fraction of the cost when got from the showrooms.

Online construction equipment auction websites are also very popular at the present time of a well grown internet features. So these websites do come up with well detailed and informative auctions with information quoting the equipment description, transaction date, price ranges, location, and model and so on alike.

May be you have decided to get a construction equipment from a construction equipment auction, but never forget to consider the transporting cost of the machinery do also include the cost of the machinery that you need to invest on. There are various reasons behind, why most of the buyers are interested with the auction buying of these equipments? And why these auctions are gaining good recognition among those buyers and sellers of the construction equipment.

One main reason is that the term called “Economy”. When thought enough on buying the construction equipment at a good reasonable price it is best to opt for a price that will get you through auction that is the bargained cost. This is because you may be buying the construction equipment for your construction business or are you may just plan on to get a job done. Since saving a pocketful of bucks should benefit you as in the long run of your business, by providing with sufficient resources to make bigger your business and buy other source of equipments.



Next reason would be the variety they provide on with. Construction equipment auctions are known for their offer of widespread collection of equipment. In these auctions, all brands and types of tools and machinery are available to the buyers. Which the buyer cannot get even from a licensed dealers and products manufacturers, as they may limit on the options to the equipment only to their line carries. Next to talk on the convenient purchase and economy they give on the construction equipment auction when having all the dawn of the Internet providing with the surfing the net, for websites that recognize bids on a variety of construction equipment making the buyers an almost effortless pursuit.

One teacher in Peoria, Illinois has developed a strong appreciation for the value of Caterpillar construction equipment. For more than thirty-five years, her husband has earned a living by taking part in the manufacture of Caterpillar construction equipment. His salary has allowed that Illinois pair to purchase an RV, and to travel across the United States.



A young neighbor who views the comings and goings of that couple might yearn to enjoy the pleasures of RVing. Although current gasoline prices have put a damper on such gas-guzzling pursuits, no one can deny the fact that employees of the Caterpillar Corporation enjoy great benefits. Yet the extent to which any Caterpillar employee can count on such benefits depends to a large extent on his familiarity with all types of Caterpillar Construction Equipment.

For that reason, a young boy attending the High School in Peoria, Illinois might want to consider becoming a Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician. Such a student might care to take courses while still in High School, courses that could help him to learn more about Caterpillar construction equipment.

After graduating from high school, that same student could learn even more about Caterpillar’s equipment by taking the Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology Program. Graduates of that Program receive an Associate in Applied Science degree. Graduates of that program have completed a combination of laboratory instruction and internship training.



The Caterpillar Technology program is not like the traditional Associates program. Completion of the Caterpillar Technology program demands a willingness to attend five semesters of classes. Those five semesters have been divided into nine terms, with each term having nine weeks duration.

During weeks 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, students in that Program must view pictures of Caterpillar Construction Equipment. During weeks 2, 4, 5 and 8, students in that Program gain a more intimate knowledge of Caterpillar equipment. On those weeks, the students receive training at a participating Caterpillar Dealership.

Graduates of this special Caterpillar program become familiar with construction equipment, and also with mining, logging, agricultural, industrial and power-generating equipment. They learn how businesses can finance and insure such equipment. They discover how such equipment contributes to the production sector of the U.S. economy.



Investment in Caterpillar construction equipment can encourage the development of a previously underdeveloped region. The sale of such construction equipment increases the productivity in that same region. For that reason, each new purchase of Caterpillar equipment can be seen as a boost to the local economy.

The makers of Caterpillar equipment have not remained blind to that fact. The makers of such equipment have wisely chosen to provide for the education of men and women, students who can help to expand the market for Caterpillar equipment.

Global earth-moving equipment and engines major Caterpillar has set up an India sales office to offer its original equipment manufacturer solutions.

The $36 billion American giant has identified Automotive Robotics, which specialises in vehicle engineering, systems and software, as a facilitator between OEM Solutions and original equipment manufacturers in India.

Rajeev Ranadive, director, Automotive Robotics, said Caterpillar was interested in the huge investments planned in the Indian infrastructure sector.

“The Indian heavy machinery sector is abuzz with activity as players are expanding their product range to address the opportunity in the infrastructure sector,”

Ranadive said.

Automotive Robotics has been working with Caterpillar for the last few years and also has an engineering centre in US, close to Caterpillar facilities. It has manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and a markleting office in Pune.

A statement from Caterpillar said the purpose would be to introduce Cat product and system solutions and bring new OEM customers together with Cat OEM Solutions.

“Traditional OEM solutions product offerings like complete power trains, partial machines, electronic and hydraulic systems and undercarriage are not well known in India. Automotive Robotics will provide the means to allow OEM solutions and Indian OEM’s to transact business with each other,”

the statement said.

“Our role will be that of an equipment integrator,”

he added. Manufacturers of off-highway vehicles, mining equipment, tugs, platforms for mobile generators, bottom dump trucks, earth moving equipment will be among the major customers of Cat products, Ranadive said.

While Caterpillar has two dealers in India to provide product support coverage to end users, Automotive Robotics will be supported by the OEM Solutions sales team based in Singapore and Beijing...

Full story: Business-Standard.com

With the primary purpose of selling products dedicated to mining or digging, Caterpillar (CAT) might not be too favorable to investors with the decrease in price of commodities. However, such a situation may not be that unfavorable to this company.

With a recession looming illustrated by corporations stopping some of their production to accommodate the eventual decreasing demand as represented by the waning job offerings, commodity prices will reflect such a change by having significant decreases in terms of price. When prices of commodities such as zinc, copper, nickel, or aluminum go down, there becomes a serious issue of the simple theory of supply and demand. The reason for this drop should be attributed to the availability of products remaining in the market centered on that commodity. When you are given times when unemployment seems to have reached its lowest point and layoffs are inevitable coupled with the fact that demand side inflation has pressured prices to extreme levels resulting in unfavorable desires to purchase such products, trouble seems to bloom. It’s true that decreases in the price of oil may negate some of this negative consumerism, but once oil prices are restored back to its original prices due to inventory cuts or a cold winter season, there should be a tremendous effect upon production, prices, and eventually earning reports for commodity based companies.

How does such a theory relate to Caterpillar? Simply put, corporations like Caterpillar, since their nature is cyclical, and inventory restrictions may deprive them of future sales, should have shares fall during times of recession or when commodity prices decrease. However, when analyzing this company relative to technical factors, during recent recession points, Caterpillar has not faired that terribly. Since the early 1990's, shares of Caterpillar have steady increased about 700%. During times of strong economic growth and prosperity, Caterpillar shares tend to skyrocket with accommodating high commodity prices. However, during times of recession, shares tend not to fall too dramatically but move in a sideways pattern which represents the resiliency of such a strong Dow component. Such assurance should be expected for a corporation notable for posting excellent fundamentals. Revenue has been growing each year creating wonderful margins. Profit along with assets compared to liabilities have also been a positive for this company which again reiterates the tenacious ability for shareholders to rest assured without worrying about garnering capital losses.

Thus, while the economic situation may look unfavorable in relation to the purchase of Caterpillar shares, with a strong technical background, and excellent fundamentals, Caterpillar may not be a strong buy for short term speculators but is absolutely a strong long term buy for more patient investors. The one thing I would recommend however is to purchase shares if possible below 70 points to achieve the most of your capital gains when this stock reaches a new high in three to four years.

Dennis Biray presents advice on all kinds of topics ranging from finance and investing to fitness to sports. For more information email him at dbiray@gmail.com, or to view other articles written by him visit www.biraynetworks.co.nr

Toughquip Releases 2005 Used Caterpillar® Equipment Info Guide provides hard to find information on Caterpillar Equipment. Includes more than 1900 serial series models from 1960 through 2004. Information includes upgrade guide, serial number guide, specifications and more.

DALLAS, TX (PRWEB)
Toughquip, LLC releases the new 2005 Caterpillar® Buyer Information Guide. The detailed, Caterpillar® Equipment quick reference guide has become very popular among contractors, independent and OEM equipment dealers, appraisers and auction companies. In addition to updating Toughquip has added additional equipment in the 2005 Guide, including Asphalt/Concrete paving equipment and vibratory compactors. The engine section has also been upgraded to include On-Highway Truck engines showing engine model, engine serial number, horsepower/RPM rating and country of origin.

As a result of many contractors and independent equipment dealers requesting immediate access to the Caterpillar® Information Guide, Toughquip has established a download zone. The download zone includes individual equipment as well as the complete 2,038 page buyer information guide in Adobe® pdf format.

Information for more than 1,900 serial series models include: serial number year model determination, transportation data; weight, height, length and width, original equipment specification, country of origin, upgrades by serial number, engine model, horsepower and engine serial number. The Caterpillar Equipment Buyer Information Guide includes most Caterpillar construction equipment models from 1960 through 2004.

Equipment upgrades, by serial number, are included on all applicable models. The user, at a glance, can determine if the used equipment has the latest increased speed runout transmission gears, increased torque-rise engine, improved variable capacity torque converter, flow amplified steering, increased backhoe digging forces, etc.

The "Quick-Glance" single-page format allows the user to get all the information on a specific machine without flipping through several books.

John Morris, President of REO Construction, said,

"I use the Toughquip Information Guide when replacing equipment. The guide is so easy to use and has a lot of, hard to find, information."

The Toughquip Caterpillar Equipment Buyer Information Guide is priced at $85.00.

Toughquip is dedicated to providing heavy construction equipment information to the buyers, sellers and owners of such equipment. Toughquip is continually gathering and compiling equipment data on brands such as Caterpillar, Case, Komatsu and Deere to better inform the industry.

Caterpillar® is the registered trademark of Caterpillar, Inc. and is used for reference purpose only. Toughquip is not associated with, nor is it a licensed representative of Caterpillar Inc.

Contact:
Jeff Moore
Toughquip
820 S. MacArthur Blvd
Suite 105-325
Coppell, TX 75019
Phone. 866-681-4636,
http://www.toughquip.com/

By Fang Yan
SHANGHAI, Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:36 AM ET

Caterpillar Inc is negotiating to buy control of the core unit of China's number-one machinery maker to tap the nation's building boom, executives with the mainland firm said on Tuesday.

Caterpillar was negotiating to buy at least 51% of Xugong Machinery, they said.

Xugong Machinery holds most of the assets of its parent, Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Inc., which as the country's leading maker of machinery posted sales of 17 billion yuan ($2.1 billion) in 2004.

A successful deal would mark a milestone for Caterpillar in China, where the U.S. company says annual sales are approaching $1 billion.

"Talks are going on with Caterpillar and others. They want to take at least 51 percent of our main subsidiary,"

an executive at Xuzhou Construction told Reuters.

"Foreigners typically insist on a controlling stake."

Potential investors that might jump on board the deal include U.S. private equity giants Carlyle Group and Warburg Pincus, two other Xuzhou executives said.

Caterpillar declined comment and Carlyle could not be reached. But a Warburg Pincus executive in Beijing confirmed that the private equity firm had indeed initiated negotiations with Xuzhou Machinery but pulled out, without saying why.

Caterpillar competes with Japan's Komatsu Ltd., South Korea's Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. and others in China's $12.5 billion construction machinery market.

China's 9.5 percent economic growth in the second quarter from the year-ago period is fueling global demand for mining and construction gear.

Caterpillar's chairman and chief executive, Jim Owens, told Reuters in May that the company wanted to acquire more state-owned businesses in China, adding that the U.S. giant was talking with provincial and central government officials...

...Last December, Caterpillar agreed to buy Shandong SEM Machinery Co. Ltd., one of the country's biggest manufacturers of wheel loaders.

Caterpillar a net exporter to China- now operates 10 facilities in the mainland, some of which are wholly owned, and employs about 2,000 people across the country.

Full version Reuters

When the job demands truly BIG power, the Cat 446D is ready. The most demanding backhoe loader jobs like road building and bridge work are just what the Caterpillar 446D is designed to do. You'll load more, lift more and dig deeper with industry leading hydraulics, high-capacity buckets and heavy-duty, job specific tools. If you have a big job to do, you need a big backhoe loader and the Cat 446D is ready when you are.



Cat 446D Backhoe Loaders specs:

• Engine Model - Cat 3114 DIT / Net Power (Standard) 102 hp / 76 kW
• Weights:
  - Operating Weight (Nominal) - 19666 lb / 8939 kg
  - Operating Weight (Maximum) - 25357 lb / 11500 kg
• Bucket Capacity - General Purpose - 1.5 yd3 / 1.15 m3
• Lift Capacity @ Full Height - 9572 lb / 4351 kg
• Bucket Breakout Force - 13838 lb / 61.7 kN
• Turning Circle: outside, front wheels - 28.8 ft / 8.8 m
• Turning Circle: outside, widest loading bucket - 37.25 ft / 11.4 m