Case reenters the wheeled excavator market

A case wheeled excavator parked on a street side.

Case Construction Equipment is reentering the wheeled excavator market in North America, with five models expected to be released by the end of the year. 

With numerous large projects rolling out in the United States, the new machines are designed to answer the need for versatile excavators that can work around existing infrastructure, such as roads and bridges or in urban areas. 

“If you think about the wheeled excavator industry, it is just a fraction of the crawler excavator industry,” said Diego Butzke, Product Manager at Case Construction Equipment. “It is an industry that can grow more, some customers are asking and talking about it. So, we want to be part of this market to help grow the industry.” 

Since the machines are wheeled, they’re less likely to damage pavement, and they can travel between jobsites without a trailer.  

“They’re self-deployable. So, it not only helps them with more versatility, it helps with mobility. Their operating costs are lower because they’re adopting a new solution,” Butzke said.   

At ConExpo, Case showcased the new WX175E SR. The wheeled excavator displayed at the show weighed 20 tonnes and operates at a rated 173 hp at 2,200 rpm. The short radius design allows it to work easily up against structures, existing infrastructure and along roadsides while taking up a minimal space. The machine can travel at speeds up to 35 km per hour. 

Wheeled excavator hydraulics

The wheeled excavators feature a load sensing hydraulic system that allows for multi-functional operation and precise machine movements, as well as  proportional auxiliary hydraulics that enable smooth, precise control of attachments. The optional Fine Swing control increases precision with less material spillage, and Power Boost provides an instant increase in power when needed.

The Case wheeled excavators are also equipped with engine auto-idling and shutdown to save fuel, reduce noise and engine hours as well as reduce exhaust emissions. An ECO gauge also monitors engine utilization. 

An electronic reversible fan provides automatic engine cooling while a self-cleaning mode eliminates dust and debris from the engine compartment.

Joystick steering

The four-wheel hydrostatic drive ensures greater traction, even in rough conditions, while Ride Control provides a smooth ride, increased comfort and less material spilled from the bucket.

Joystick steering enables easy maneuvering and enhanced productivity. 

“The feature I liked the most is joystick steering. If you don’t want to use the steering wheel, you can actually use the joysticks to steer,” Butzke said.   

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The Case Auto Brake feature allow work to begin immediately after stopping the machine from travel. 

“If you need to stop to do some digging or material handling, the machine automatically brakes the wheels. So, you can safely do that, as the machine is not going to move,” Butzke said.

The wheeled excavators are equipped with a two-piece boom or an optional mono boom. Butzke explained the two-piece boom is another feature included to enhance mobility. 

“You can get much closer to the machine to do material handling. You can grab stuff that is literally at your feet,” he said. 

Case Max View

The Case Max View camera system provides the operator with a full 360-degree field of view with intelligent moving object detection technology and warning system around the machine in any weather, day or night. 

“If someone walks by on the side or the rear or the front of the machine, there is radar that follows that person. And it points out where that moving object is located,” Butzke said