The top 5 heavy equipment stories of 2019

heavv equipment

Throughout the year, heavy equipment manufacturers introduced numerous new machines to the market.

Here are the top five machines that were viewed the most on equipmentjournal.com.

Caterpillar’s D5 dozer

This fall, Caterpillar introduced the new D5 dozer.

At 170 hp and an operating weight range of 17,179 kg to 19,170 kg, The new D5 is equipped with a fully automatic 3-speed transmission with lock-up clutch that offers faster cycle times, as well as more power and fuel efficiency.

The update from D6N to D5 is part of an effort to make all Cat dozer model names simpler.

The D5 dozer improves upon the performance of the D6N with more weight and horsepower, improved steering capability and various technology offerings to improve upon productivity.  

For weight, both the standard and XL versions of the machines weigh about 180 kg to 225 kg more than their predecessor. 

For northern climates where frozen clay is an issue, Caterpillar has redesigned the dozer’s C frame to deter build-up of material. 

Read more about the machine here.

JCB’s tracked backhoe

This year, JCB announced it will bring the 1CXT tracked backhoe back to North America.

JCB began manufacturing a wheeled version of the machine in 1994, and originally introduced the tracked version in 2012, selling about 400 units in North America. However, evolving emissions standards equalled the removal of the machine from the market.

The machine made its recent North American debut at the ARA Show in Anaheim, California in February. 

Read more about the machine here.

Komatsu’s new WA900-8 wheel loader

In August, Komatsu announced its new WA900-8 wheel loader.

The 116,400 kg wheel loader is equipped with an EPA Tier 4 Final certified engine, and is purpose-built to load 70 to 150 ton haul trucks.

The SSA12V140E-7 engine delivers a net horsepower of 899 hp, a five per cent increase compared to the WA900-3E0.  Variable Geometry Turbochargers (VGT) ensure precise engine control and quick response.

Read more about the machine here.

Bobcat’s R-Series loaders

In September, Bobcat announced its new R-Series loaders.

The new R-Series will begin with the introduction of the S76 skid steer and T76 compact track loader.

Although the first models of the R-Series loaders won’t be available until early 2020, Bobcat gave media a sneak peek at the machines during a press conference held at the company’s new training centre in Aurora, Colorado.

Read more about the machines here.

John Deere’s 850L crawler dozer

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The most popular heavy equipment introduction of 2019 on equipmentjournal.com was the 850L crawler dozer.

Focusing on reliability and durability, John Deere completely redesigned its 850K dozer to create the new 850L crawler dozer.

The new dozer was previewed during a recent media event at John Deere’s Sacaton demonstration site near Phoenix, Arizona in March.

With a recurring theme of ‘bigger’ throughout the design, the 850L features a heavy-duty mainframe with an increased thickness by as much as 60 per cent in certain areas.

Read more about the machine here.