The new 304 and 305 CR models are the final machines to be reengineered to the Cat next-generation mini hydraulic excavator line concept. From the 1.5- to 10-tonne class models, all 17 – 20 Cat mini hydraulic excavators in the range (depending on region) offer common features and consistent controls layout to simplify training and operator adaptation.

New 304 increases stability

Built with a new reduced radius design, the 304 features a narrow, 1700-mm (66.9-in) track width, 254 mm (10 in) slimmer than the 304 E2, for more versatility and access to confined spaces. While narrower, the new 304 design increases the performance, balance, and stability of the 4-tonne class model. Its reduced radius allows for greater stability, both 360-degree and when traveling with loads, while its extra counterweight option takes the model to an even higher level of stability.

Compact performance of the 305 CR

The new engine on the 5-tonne class Cat 305 CR Excavator delivers nearly 9% greater power to increase machine performance. Hydraulic system improvements provide higher breakout forces – 49.2 kN (11,061 lbf) bucket, 28.3 kN (6,362 lbf) standard stick and 25.2 kN (5,665 lbf) long stick – to improve digging efficiency in hard rock applications. It also offers 140 mm (5.6 in) deeper dig depths than the 305 E2, giving it more application flexibility. Its compact radius swing reduces overhang when working to the side, while its 1980-mm (78-in) track width and new extra counterweight option help to optimize stability and lift performance in confined spaces.

Advanced Efficiency

Both excavator models now offer an angle dozer blade option to optimize machine flexibility in backfilling and finish grading applications. In addition to offering ample above- and below-grade travel with standard float function for easy clean-up, the angle blade moves 45 degrees left or right of center. Increasing efficiencies and reducing operator interaction with final grading, angle blade movement is controlled by the right-hand joystick, while the left joystick handles machine drive.

Tailoring machine weight to job requirements, interchangeable counterweight packages offer the balance between low ground pressure and lifting performance. Their industry-exclusive Cat Stick Steer System simplifies machine control by allowing the operator to switch from conventional lever/foot-pedal steering controls to low-effort joystick operation. Two travel speed ranges and standard cruise control facilitate moving around the job site with minimum operator interaction.

Meeting U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emission standards, the turbocharged Cat C1.7 Turbo engine delivers higher power than the previous C2.4 engine. Standard auto-idle, auto engine shutdown, and efficient load-sensing hydraulics with variable displacement pumps help to lower fuel usage at the site for more affordable operation. High main-relief pressures, coupled with flow rates, generate the hydraulic capacity for high digging and lifting forces and more efficient use of a range of attachments. Complete with quick-disconnect lines, the standard auxiliary system provides the choice of one-way, two-way, or continuous flow.

Next-generation comfort, savings

Common to most Cat next-generation mini hydraulic excavators, the sealed and pressurized cab enclosure is available with heating and/or air conditioning for all-weather climate control. The cab’s large glass areas plus skylight afford all-around visibility. The large display with an advanced touchscreen option provides intuitive machine function control and easy monitoring of critical operating parameters. A canopy option is available in some regions.

Daily maintenance checks for the 304 and 305 CR are quickly made from ground level through side doors. Expanded use of common parts throughout the line plus their damage-resistant exterior construction help to reduce parts inventory investment and lower repair costs. Increased service intervals mean these excavators spend more time on the job and less time in the shop.

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“These cotton harvesters are mostly all-new from the ground-up and represent a strong platform John Deere should be able to utilize for many years. An all-new mainframe provides a solid foundation for each machine and includes an all-new cab and power module. John Deere also increased the size of the new round module builders on the picker and stripper, making it possible to harvest more acres per hour,”

Christopher Murray, John Deere product marketing manager said.

The CP770 is ideal for large to extra-large farmers and custom cotton harvesters who need to harvest the maximum number of acres per hour possible. When compared to its CP690 predecessor the CP770 can reduce harvesting costs by up to $1.50 per bale through reduced wrap, fuel, labor, and hauling costs.

John Deere was first to market with its exclusive round module builder that revolutionized the way cotton is harvested and transported from the field to the gin. As the third-generation round module harvester, the CP770 carries on the field-proven tradition of its predecessors while featuring a new round module builder capable of making modules 2% larger and 5% denser. Once the cotton is collected, the CP770 wraps and ejects the module in just over 30 seconds, providing the ultimate experience in non-stop cotton harvesting.

Part of the CP770’s increase in harvesting productivity can be attributed to the all-new John Deere PRO16 HS Row Unit fitted with high-speed stalk lifters and ultra-fast cotton-grabbing spindles.

Operators who work long days harvesting will benefit from the all-day comfort of the CP770’s new best-in-class cab. The cab is noticeably larger, quieter, and more comfortable than previous cabs, and provides operators with outstanding visibility to all the right places thanks to strategically placed cameras, mirrors, and lighting.

To document and capture harvesting data and for traceability purposes, John Deere offers best-in-class, integrated technology for the CP770 and the CS770 by equipping each with a Generation 4 Display. JDLink Connectivity is also included at no additional charge, making it easy for farmers to connect to their machines while enabling automatic data flow between their equipment and the John Deere Operations Center.

“Cotton is one of the only crops that can be fully traced from where it came from in a given field, through the gin, to the mill. Exclusive John Deere Harvest Identification Cotton Pro technology makes this possible. Although the industry does not yet mandate this level of traceability, it’s likely to become common in the future and both the CP770 and CS770 are fully prepared to meet those needs,”

Murray said.

Field-proven TamaWrap+ provides 360 degrees of coverage to protect and conserve fiber quality and prevent degradation from the field to the gin.

A new John Deere 13.6 L PowerTech engine and hydraulic power module improve fuel efficiency by up to 20% for the CP770 and up to 15% for the CS770, while reducing maintenance requirements and costs. When combined with the updated crop handling components, these systems work together to help farmers harvest more pounds of cotton per hour at faster speeds than previous models.

The John Deere CS770 Cotton Stripper provides a 2-point increase in turnout with its new field cleaner and packs up to 5% more cotton into a module while harvesting up to 10 more acres per hour than previous models.

“The CS770 delivers increased turnout, maximum uptime, improved wrap economy and most importantly, optimal productivity during harvest,”

Murray said.

When equipped with the new SH12F – 12-row folding header, the CS770 is up to 48% more productive in harvesting dryland cotton compared to the CS690 8-row harvester.

“This productivity increase helps customers harvest up to 100 more acres per day in a 10-hour day than they previously could with prior 8-row strippers. These new 770s with their integrated technology raise the bar yet again in cotton harvesting while demonstrating our continued commitment to the cotton industry,”

Murray said.

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Raw materials cost and freight rates continue to rise at a dramatic pace in the global commodity markets. Some of the raw materials have shown alarming increases, up to 30%, and can be a cause of concern, calling for further actions few months down the line.

Whilst Yokohama Off-Highway Tires Europe (YOHT) has – and will continue to absorb most of the additional costs, it is inevitable to pass on part of the increase onto the market. The resulting price increases of around 5% will be fairly moderate and be applicable for products from all plants and across the entire YOHT portfolio.

“Customers have received the new price lists at the start of June 2021; the price increase will take effect from 1 July 2021”

explains Koen van Gemert, Head of Finance – Europe, at Yokohama Off-Highway Tires.

The first price increase was implemented on 1^st January 2021, while the second took effect on 1 April 2021. This 3^rd price increase will apply again to the entire portfolio of Yokohama Off-Highway Tires Europe brands (Alliance and Galaxy).

Source: Yokohama

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For the sixth year in a row, Volvo CE products have received awards from EquipmentWatch.

EquipmentWatch, the leading data researcher in the heavy equipment industry, recognized Volvo machines in three different categories of wheel loaders and one category of articulated haulers. Volvo large wheel loaders, medium wheel loaders, and articulated haulers each earned the Highest Retained Value award, while Volvo compact wheel loaders earned the Lowest Cost of Ownership award.

“Here at Volvo, we spend countless hours designing durable machines aimed to help customers make more money. That includes helping them lower their total cost of ownership and resell machines that still have a lot of value. It’s good to know that EquipmentWatch keeps a close eye on this type of OEM innovation and design,”

said Stephen Roy, President of Region North America, Volvo CE.

How the awards are scored

The EquipmentWatch annual awards are based on extensive analysis of millions of data records. New for 2021, the award format covers overall machine categories instead of individual models by the manufacturer.

The Highest Retained Value winners represent product class categories within equipment types projected to retain the highest percentage of original value after a five-year period.

The Lowest Cost of Ownership Award winners represents product class categories within equipment types that have the lowest five-year total cost of ownership. The ranking factors in costs over the entire life of each machine including maintenance, repairs, fuel expenses, and potential downtime.

The recognition for Volvo is the result of numerous product innovations and designs. For example, large and medium wheel loaders include money-saving features like Reverse by Braking that slows a machine down when an operator wants to change direction. It reduces engine rpm and automatically applies the service brakes to reduce stress on the drivetrain and extend component life. Volvo articulated haulers offer a similar braking feature — a load and dump brake — that allows for a much smoother transition to reduce wear and tear on the driveline.

Volvo compact wheel loaders help reduce operating costs by keeping downtime to a minimum, with ground-level greasing points, best-in-class components, and long service intervals.

In addition to equipment features, Volvo offers several services that help machines retain their value and contribute to lower total cost of ownership, including ActiveCare Direct advanced telematics, a Lifetime Frame and Structure Warranty, a Fuel Efficiency Guarantee and the Volvo Certified Used program.

ActiveCare Direct is especially useful at supporting lifecycle values by giving owners insights that can help reduce fuel consumption, unplanned maintenance, operator errors and excessive hours caused by unnecessary idling.

“The EquipmentWatch analysts are excited to mark the 6^th year of the Highest Retained Value and 4^th year of the Lowest Cost of Ownership awards. The team continues to react to market dynamics, fine-tune the analysis, and expand our database. To see so many repeat winning manufacturers — in light of our deepened insight — is a testament to how well their equipment holds its value,”

said Jessica Carr, Director of Data and Analytics at EquipmentWatch.

Source: Volvo CE

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