In 2022, there were many significant equipment introductions from various manufacturers, big and small.
From battery-electric innovations to breakthroughs in speed and power, it was a year in which manufacturers pushed boundaries.
Here are some of the equipment introductions that garnered a lot of attention here at Equipment Journal:
Doosan Bobcat T7X
At CES in January, Bobcat set the tone for 2022 with the unveiling of its T7X compact track loader—the first fully-electric machine of its kind.
The T7X is fully battery-powered, built for quiet productivity and features electric actuation and propulsion. At the CES Innovation Awards, it was honoured with awards in the categories of Vehicle Intelligence & Transportation and Smart Cities.
“Doosan Bobcat is at the forefront of innovation, and we are proud to debut the all-electric technology of the T7X to help customers maximize both sustainability and productivity,” said Scott Park, president and CEO of Doosan Bobcat, Inc. “Our focus remains on providing solutions and products that empower people to accomplish more and build a better world.”
“This machine is a technological feat for Bobcat and for the entire industry,” said Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation at Doosan Bobcat. ”We challenged the status quo to deliver a connected, all-electric machine designed for power and performance that previously was not possible. We are excited to share this advancement with the world and proud of the hard work that has gone into making this a reality.”
Link-Belt 355 X4S
In April, LBX Company announced the launch of its Link-Belt 355 X4S excavator in North America—the flagship model of the X4S-series.
According to LBX, the model is built upon the foundation of its X4-series, with added functionality and new features.
Also, it is the largest minimum swing radius excavator Link-Belt’s product lineup, weighing approximately 78,709 lbs.
“Through customer and dealer feedback, the 355 X4S has incorporated features and performance that have come to be expected from the Link-Belt brand,” said Adam Woods, LBX Manager of Innovation and Technology Integration. “The 355 X4S offers the power of a large machine at a lower weight, and the fuel efficiency and high productivity provide operators with lower daily operating costs.”
Tigercat TCi 920
Also in April, Tigercat Industries announced that it had developed a purpose-built forestry dozer, the TCi 920.
The 920 is powered by the Tigercat FPT N45 Tier 4f engine rated at 101 kw (135 hp). It is equipped with a 190 mm (7.5 in) pitch heavy duty undercarriage, a responsive and efficient closed loop track drive system, strong, impact-resistant belly pan, and durable structural components throughout.
The dozer is branded under Tigercat’s new TCi badge, which will include even more equipment in the future as Tigercat Industries continues to design machines for applications beyond forest harvesting systems.
CASE Minotaur DL550
In August, CASE Construction Equipment announced the launch of the all-new CASE Minotaur DL550, opening up a new equipment category in the industry: the compact dozer loader.
Weighing in at more than 18,000 pounds and working with 114 horsepower, the new machine delivers true dozing and grading performance, as well as powerful site loading capabilities and compatibility with hundreds of attachments.
“The Minotaur is truly a fleet of one, that is second to none,” says Jeff Jacobsmeyer, product manager, CASE. “Business owners and fleet managers looking for a compact solution that delivers countless benefits in a single footprint will immediately see the versatility this exciting new machine brings to their fleets and will quickly understand what a ‘compact dozer loader’ is capable of accomplishing.”
Cat 793
In November, Caterpillar launched the new Cat 793, a hauling truck that offers up to 6% more payload than the 793F model and boasts the highest payload in its size class—up to 244 tonnes (265 tons).
The available High Performance (HP) Body design further reduces empty machine weight to increase payload capacity.
In developing this new model, Caterpillar was able to integrate powertrain efficiency that delivers up to 10% more fuel efficiency than competitive trucks and up to a 5% lower fuel consumption compared to the 793F.
With a top speed of 60 km/h (37 mph), the Cat 793 offers up to 10% faster cycle times than competitive trucks.
Also, it travels at a speed of 12.9 km/h (8 mph) on 10% grades and can navigate a maximum 25% grade fully loaded.
John Deere 200 G-Tier
In December, John Deere added the 200 G-Tier to its lineup of mid-size excavators.
Helping to enhance efficiency and reliability without sacrificing power or torque, the 200 G-Tier’s PowerTech 4.5-liter engine delivers optimal performance for operators of all skill levels.
In addition, its easy-to-maintain, high-uptime exhaust filters help decrease downtime for service while the in-monitor adjustable flow and pressure auxiliary hydraulics can be easily controlled using the auxiliary function lever.
“Every job site is different, and our customers want excavator options that can be personalized by performance, price and operator experience,” said Justin Steger, solutions marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “Our newly expanded lineup of P- and G-Tier excavators, including the brand-new 200 G-Tier, provides machine solutions built for various applications and jobs to enhance profitability and efficiency.”
