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Power Packages
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Five compact tracked loaders participated in the comprehensive bi-GaLaBau* editio
The operators and their machines standing in front of the test course
hill, where they delivered a splendid performance in the competition.
Photos: E. Bauer.
wind from the nearby North Sea. Following a The five test machines
dry morning on the second day, with even a
short appearance of the sun behind dark rain Five different brands of compact tracked
clouds, the test drew to a close in incessant loader underwent the test in the 4.5 to 5.5
rainfall. The good thing about all of this was ton class: the Bobcat T300, Case 445CT, Cat
that the course remained moist during the 289C, Takeuchi TL250 and the somewhat
test phase. This allowed the compact tracked lighter Terex PT-80 model. The Bobcat, Case
loaders to fully demonstrate their advantages and Caterpillar machines have vertical lift
on the wet, soft ground. arms, whilst the Takeuchi and Terex models
are equipped with radial lift arms. The
vertical lift arm design results in greater reach
capabilities. Therefore, these compact tracked
loader models can get closer to high-sided
trucks for unloading. The models equipped
When considering the results, the range of the machines with radial lift arms, on the other hand, have
in the test must be taken into account: the Cat 289C,
Bobcat T300 and Case 445CT are directly comparable to a physical advantage owing to the ability to
each other while the TL250 by Takeuchi is the largest in develop more power, which was shown when
terms of weight and performance and the Terex PT-80 is
the smallest machine in the field. lifting and pulling capacity was tested as part This comprehensive test was expertly conceived and
of the overall test. supported hands-on by Deula Westerstede.
Prior to the test, the operating weight of the compact tracked loaders was determined with the assistance of a truck
scale, with some significant deviations from the manufacturers’ specifications.
The five compact tracked loaders during a joint show interlude on the test course area.
the hill through a narrow space between It’s the operator who counts! Yet, even among professionals, there are small
two poles. The objective was to lose as but noticeable differences. After all, a compact
little material as possible from the bucket. The construction machinery industry tracked loader is not a standard machine when
Following a 180 degree turn and a final run to knows from experience that the operator compared, for example, to a wheeled loader
the finish, the remaining material carried by plays a decisive role when it comes to the or a mini-excavator. Without a doubt, the
the loader was emptied into the bucket of a performance of a machine on a jobsite. This manufacturers with specialist loader operators
large wheeled loader at a height of precisely was duly confirmed on our test course. The had an advantage.
2.5 m. With the assistance of a weigh log on earthmoving productivity and lift and carry
the wheeled loader, the total weight of the results depend to a large extent on the But the fact that independent operators
transported material was calculated and experience and skill of the operator. From the could quickly get to grips with the compact
printed out on a weigh slip. After four rounds, start, the companies involved in the test were tracked loaders was proved by Sascha Jeske,
the time taken was recorded, the total weight given the opportunity to use their professional a staff member of the Thalen Sand company.
of material transported was noted and the demonstrators to get the maximum Sascha, who is more used to large wheeled
machines were refuelled to determine fuel performance out of their machines. loaders used for lift and carry work in the
consumption.
1
Immediately before the start, each of the compact The start of the test course, where it was mainly a matter of moving as much material as possible across a hilly
tracked loaders was completely fuelled up at the set-off landscape. At the end of each round, the material was dumped into a weighing unit, and after four rounds, the time was
position – a level surface provided by loading ramps. recorded.
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09 Construction machinery test 7
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3 4 5
Then the loader proceeded up a steep incline, to the ...for a brief stop when the control levers were released... ...for three seconds before continuing the journey....
mark…
...and manoeuvring the loader through the narrow space between the orientation poles... ...downhill, if possible, without losing any of the load.
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09 Construction machinery test 9
Manufacturer specifications
Manufacturer/Model Bobcat / T300 Case / 445CT Caterpillar / Cat289C Takeuchi / TL250 Terex / PT-80
Operating weight 4 421 kg 4 627 kg 4 747 kg 5 225 kg 4 070 kg
Engine performance 79 HP 82 HP 82 HP 98 HP 80 HP
Engine manufacturer Kubota Iveco Caterpillar Kubota Perkins
Rated operating capacity
1.461 kg 1.496 kg 1.860 kg 1.092 kg 984 kg
(at 35% tipping load)
Neutral operator assessment anti-slip surfaces on the lifting frames and were judged to be positive features. All
lift arms. Models with roomier cabs, like the models are equipped with fully adjustable,
The independent test operator Meenke Takeuchi TL250, offer definite advantages for spring-mounted comfort seats. On the Cat
Pollmann of Deula Westerstede, as well as entering and exiting the loader. The majority 289C, the seat can even be adjusted to the
horticulture and landscaping entrepreneurs of operators prefer the safety glass doors weight of the operator. The view to the rear is
Bernhard and Karsten Korpis of Brake at the which can be opened and stowed overhead restricted for all models because of the design
Unterweser, were given the opportunity to the hinged doors which open to the side. of the machine. The test team concluded that
to drive the machines and to test them On all the test machines, the controls are additional mirrors are of limited help when
thoroughly. arranged to provide a clear overview. The travelling backwards. This means that robust
All the machines tested are equipped with eye-level displays for oil pressure, hydraulic cab rears with collision protection guards
grab handles on the side and steps with oil temperature, diagnostic functions, etc., are all the more important. It is doubtful
NEW
BOBCAT
PRODUC TS TO
discover
10 Construction machinery test bi GaLaBau 3 | 09
Test measurements
Manufacturer/Model Bobcat / T300 Case / 445CT Caterpillar / Cat289C Takeuchi / TL250 Terex / PT-80
Operating weight Calibrated
Fuel tank full with operator (75 kg) 4 635 kg 4 615 kg 5 055 kg 5 495 kg 4 295 kg
and standard bucket
according to weight
Travel time
Course 5:51 min 5:16 min 5:51 min 4:49 min 5:21 min
For 4 laps including loading, dumping
Productivity during
earthmoving Course 889 kg/min 845 kg/min 744 kg/min 934 kg/min 813 kg/min
Amount of soil moved per minute
Fuel consumption
Course 1.80 litre 1.50 litre 1.46 litre 1.62 litre 1.50 litre
For 4 laps (ca. 400 m)
Then one had to rotate in place... ...backwards down the hill. After making a half-turn it was necessary to...
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...dump the material as fast as possible into the bucket of the Volvo wheel-loader. After four rounds, time was taken Robby Bosch is pleased about the high volume of
and the material weighed. material that he managed to move on the course.
12 Construction machinery test bi GaLaBau 3 | 09
While all hydraulic hoses are protected underneath the Clever: Thanks to a lever (yellow), the air filter on the
lift arm here… Takeuchi TL250 can be opened above the radiator,
allowing it to be removed without obstruction.
...they protrude above the lift arm on this model and Access to daily maintenance points on the Cat 289C is Stones can get lodged between the tank and the
thus constitute a source of danger, for instance, when exemplary, an important consideration for operators in cylinder rod of the lift cylinder directly above.
working in undergrowth. daily construction work.
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09 Construction machinery test 13
Following completion of the series of tests, various attachments were shown. W. Schäfer, general importer for ...but these cables are completely exposed – a
Takeuchi, presented the TL250 tracked loader with laser-controlled grading blade for precise, fast levelling. compromise due to the suspension system...
Summary of the test results types of construction machines have long machines on soft ground and even on steep
since been forced to throw in the towel. All slopes will surely not want to do without
We had already assumed as much, based five compact tracked loaders were able to them anymore. Thanks to their numerous
on positive feedback from users in the carry out the assigned tasks on the course attachments, they can also be used all year
landscaping market, and can now state for and proved to be absolute specialists on the round.
certain: compact tracked loaders are proven terrain. Anyone who has come to appreciate For all models, hydraulic quick-attach
power packages that can hold their own even in practice the amazing pushing and lifting systems are available as special equipment,
in extreme ground conditions where other capabilities offered by these compact so the operator does not have to climb out
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14 Construction machinery test bi GaLaBau 3 | 09
Bobcat demonstrated its soil conditioner, used, for example, for fast levelling of paths or preparing a seedbed, one of “Get in, lower the seat bar, start up, release the brake and drill“,
38 attachments specially designed for the T300. this sums up Erwin Bauer’s experience with the Cat289C.
of the cab when mounting or dismounting rear of the machine. It can be supplied with guideline. Depending on the negotiating skills
pallet forks, buckets, etc. The Cat and Case or without roller suspension and there are of the buyer, large discounts are possible.
models are delivered as standard with road three different control systems available, Of course, as in any decision to purchase a
homologation. including foot controls. Owing to its well construction machine, the speed and the
The differences between models in the test conceived design and construction, it was quality of the service also play a decisive role.
are to be found in the detailed summary, awarded the most points, meaning that,
based on a cross-section of the subjective in the overall evaluation, it was placed just Internet-Tip
assessments by the independent operators, above the higher-performing TL250 from
the measurements taken and also the Takeuchi, the "flagship" model on the course. Video clips of the compact tracked loaders’
performance on the course, which in turn The Japanese company, which brought the runs on the test course can be viewed at
results from a combination of machine power first crawler loader to the market some 25 www.galabauer4u.com.
and the skill of the operator. The test winner, years ago is considered to be the inventor of
the Bobcat T300, is of a very compact design this remarkable type of construction machine
owing to its transversely mounted engine which should still have a great future.
and the absence of counterweights at the The list prices are intended only as a rough
Buckets up was the order at the end of the test for all
participants: compact tracked loaders are superb!
bi GaLaBau 3 | 09 Construction machinery test 15
TOUGH JOB?
TOUGH MACHINES!
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