New CASE G Series Wheel Loaders Balance Power, Efficiency
Up in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, on the muddy grounds of its 500-acre Tomahawk facility, CASE Construction Equipment debuted seven new wheel loaders to a select group of editors in early October. The all-new G Series machines range from 141 to 347 hp, with bucket capacities from 2.1 to 6.25 cubic yards. But where these wheel loaders excel is through productivity and cost of ownership.
The CASE G Series was officially unveiled to the public on Nov. 3. The Racine, Wisconsin-based manufacturer designed the new loaders with the combination of powerful but efficient engine technology with strong hydraulics and an all-new operator environment and controls. The G Series wheel loaders were built for work that ranges from supply yards, building construction and agriculture up to quarries and mass excavation. The machines are well-suited for dig and load operations, as well as hauling applications often found on large-scale oil and gas pipeline projects and utility jobsites. An optional tool carrier linkage allows the wheel loaders to operate with different attachments, such as pallet forks for lift-and-carry jobs.
The entire G Series wheel loaders product line is Tier 4 Final compliant, featuring Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) engine technology that increases fuel efficiency, keeps exhaust temperatures down and eliminates regeneration or lifetime diesel particulate filter (DPF) costs and maintenance.
An all-new operator environment, controls and interface of the G Series are designed to be intuitive and easy-to-operate. Different packages and options are available to optimize the wheel loaders for work in specialty applications, such as waste and scrap, agriculture and snow removal. Efficiencies in power and output levels, maintenance and operator ergonomics and interaction, combined with CASE ProCare, provide a lower and predictable total cost of ownership and productivity across the entire product line.
The new G Series line includes:
| Model/Spec | 521G | 621G | 721G | 821G | 921G | 1021G | 1121G |
| HP (gross) | 141 | 172 | 195 | 230 | 255 | 320 | 347 |
| Bucket Capacities | 2.1 – 2.6 cubic yards | 2.5 – 4.5 cubic yards | 3.0 – 5.5 cubic yards | 3.5 – 4.5 cubic yards | 4.0 – 4.75 cubic yards | 4.75 – 5.5 cubic yards | 5.25 – 6.25 cubic yards |
| Breakout Force | 20,937 lbs
(9 497 kg) |
27,282 lbs
(12 375 kg) |
33,810 lbs
(15 336 kg) |
40,608 lbs
(18 420 kg) |
42,254 lbs
(19 116 kg) |
49,787 lbs
(22 583 kg) |
56,245 lbs
(25 512 kg) |
CASE brand marketing manager Andrew Dargatz emphasized the company’s focus on efficiency and productivity with the G Series design.
“We have identified five variables that make up total cost of ownership,” Dargatz said, highlighting productivity, efficiency, reliability, quality of operation and maintenance. CASE addressed each area in the development of the G Series (manufactured at its Fargo, North Dakota, facility) from the Tier 4 Final engine to easy maintenance access, from the robust bucket linkage options to the automobile-influenced cab design and enhanced visibility.
“In our testing, the biggest thing our customers appreciated were operator comfort and engine access,” Dargatz added.
The Working Parts
CASE G Series wheel loaders feature a broad range of bucket and linkage options to optimize each machine to its application. Linkage options include Z-bar (best breakout force and general operation), XR (extended reach) and XT (tool carrier/parallel-lift configuration for best handling stacked/palletized materials). Each loader comes standard with a four-speed PowerShift transmission, and an optional five-speed transmission with lock-up torque converter is available on the 721G, 821G and 921G for over-the-road travel speeds up to 25 mph (40 kph).
Each loader also provides a number of tire and axle options based on operating environment. The 521G through the 821G feature a standard limited slip differential that equally supplies torque to each side of the axle and automatically applies additional torque to the gripping tire. The 921G through the 1121G feature a heavy-duty axle with open differential that is ideal for working on hard packed or improved surfaces, especially when using solid tires. All models are available with an optional heavy-duty axle with auto-locking front differential that is also ideal for use on hard surfaces and with solid tires and, depending on conditions, can transmit 100 percent of the front axle tractive effort to the gripping wheel.
The Power Source
SCR also allows the engine to breathe cooler and cleaner, ensuring optimal productivity and helping to minimize wear associated with excessive heat and the possibility of thermal events.
Each CASE G Series wheel loader is powered by FPT engines that feature SCR technology to meet Tier 4 Final standards. CASE claims that, years ago, it was the first to introduce SCR into heavy construction equipment. Each loader combines the best in hydraulic and electronic technologies to better optimize machine output and performance, providing a comprehensive solution that boosts fuel savings. These systems combine to provide the operator with a choice of four operating modes that best match engine output to application, ensuring the machine only expends as much fuel and power as required for the job.
Those modes are “eco” for enhanced fuel efficiency, standard, “fast” for higher gear operations and auto.
SCR also allows the engine to breathe cooler and cleaner, ensuring optimal productivity and helping to minimize wear associated with excessive heat and the possibility of thermal events. As an after-treatment system, there is no recirculation of gasses, no excessive exhaust temperatures related to burning off captured particulate matter and no downtime for regeneration. With the exception of adding diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), there are no new or intensive maintenance activities required of the system. This all results in a greater percentage of the machine’s power and fuel burn going to productive efforts.
The Cooling System
The 521G through the 921G wheel loaders include the CASE-exclusive mid-mounted cooling module. The design allows the engine to be positioned lower and further back into the machine, improving weight distribution and stability, and allowing for a sloped rear hood that provides improved rear visibility.
All CASE wheel loaders feature innovative cooling technologies that keep operating temperatures down, keep the engine compartment clean, and — in the case of the 521G through 921G — have allowed for a unique positioning of the engine that ultimately provides excellent balance and stability for both road travel and the hardest digging and loading applications.
The 521G through the 921G include the CASE-exclusive mid-mounted CASE cooling module, which features coolers positioned in a cube design that ensures access to clean and cool ambient air, while also limiting debris buildup and providing easy access for routine cleaning. An optional variable-speed reversing fan further minimizes the need for manual cleaning. As a result, CASE design engineers were able to push the engine lower and further back into the machine, improving weight distribution and stability, and allowing for a sloped rear hood that provides excellent rear visibility and helps achieve ground-line access to all regular service items.
The 1021G and 1121G feature the CASE cooling cube, which also provides direct access to fresh air for each cooler — nothing is stacked — and features a reversible fan and easy access for cleaning. G Series wheel loaders feature an electric rear hood lift that allows for easy access to the engine compartment, where all major regular service points can be accessed from ground level.
The Operating Environment
CASE boasts a “next-generation” operating environment with its new wheel loaders, with a focus on intuitive controls, operator comfort and ease of use. The G Series cab is heavily inspired by automotive design and features the latest in electro-hydraulic controls, ergonomic design and operator interfaces that make operation simpler and more efficient. This includes a solid-state controller that provides software control over electrical power distribution and basic vehicle functions — all while eliminating fuses and relays, and significantly lowering the amount of wiring throughout the machine. A membrane keypad replaces a series of rocker switches for common machine functions, and a new steering console mimics the driver controls — from lights and wipers to turn signals — found in most cars and trucks.
The brains of the machine all connect back to a new 8-in. LCD monitor that provides the operator with simple control and greater insight over many of the loader functions and activities. This includes changing displays for day and night operation, information on operating parameters such as fuel levels, temperatures and pressure readings, trip information, an optional integrated rearview camera, and fingertip selection of operating modes and features such as Auto Idle and Auto Shutdown.
The G Series features three seat options, including a premium heated air-ride seat, and seat positioning, control adjustability and leg room that provides ideal comfort for operators of all sizes.
The cab was also engineered to bring a new level of comfort and ergonomics to the operator. This includes three seat options, including a premium heated air-ride seat, and seat positioning, control adjustability and leg room that provides ideal comfort for operators of all sizes.
Greater visibility to all sides of the machine is further achieved by a new, one-piece rounded windshield, a rear grid defroster and redesigned external mirrors more optimally placed to prevent operator fatigue. These loaders also feature an all-new HVAC system that achieves the fastest cab cool-down of any loader in the industry, and excellent heating, defrosting and defogging capabilities.
The operator environment is further accentuated with new automotive-style plastics on the inside that are more durable and resistant to scratches, and easier to clean. A new Bluetooth radio with full streaming, satellite radio (with optional equipment) and music device compatibility is also available to enhance the operator experience.
The Costs
Every system in the new G Series wheel loaders is engineered together to help produce the greatest amount of production, at the highest rate of uptime, for the lowest total cost of operation. Much of this is achieved with the efficiencies of the engine and related systems, the intuitiveness of the operator environment and the ease of service.
CASE also backs that up with CASE ProCare, which allows G Series owners to fully plan for and understand total operating costs of the machine for the first three years of ownership. ProCare is a suite of product assurances that includes a three-year Advanced CASE SiteWatch telematics subscription, a three-year, 3,000-hour full-machine factory warranty and a three-year, 3,000-hour planned maintenance contract.
Tags: Case Construction Equipment, New Products, wheel loader
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