Case N Series Backhoe Loader Adds PowerBoost, Direct Drive and Factory-Installed Thumb
Case Construction Equipment is making updates to its N Series backhoe loaders, including new PowerBoost functionality, a new PowerDrive transmission upgrade with Direct Drive, and a factory-installed thumb that makes backhoe operation more versatile. New Case N Series backhoes also feature updates to loader controls, including a new de-clutch trigger, new roller/rocker switch for better attachment control, and an all-new F-N-R thumb switch for simplified operation.
Case N Series backhoe loader updates include:
- PowerBoost: A new button on the left-hand backhoe joystick provides the operator with a momentary boost of increased hydraulic power without decreasing engine RPM (so as not to affect speed/cycle times). This feature is designed for digging through tough conditions, including hard clay, rock and frost. Case backhoes still feature PowerLift, which provides added lifting power (comparable with some mid-sized excavators) at lower engine RPM to provide powerful and smooth lifting and craning operations.
- PowerDrive Upgrades: A new feature on Case S-Type and H-Type transmissions, Direct Drive, engages the engine and transmission directly for improved gradeability, faster roading speeds, improved fuel economy, and faster travel times around the jobsite and between jobs. The PowerDrive transmission maintains the existing autos-shift feature as today and now includes an automated activation of the direct drive feature in third and fourth gears based on torque demand and conditions on the jobsite.
- New Factory-Installed Hydraulic Thumb: Available on all extendahoe models, this new factory-installed hydraulic thumb improves material handling performance and is also compatible with either a mechanical or hydraulic bucket coupler, allowing the owner to change buckets/attachments without affecting the thumb installation. All new extendahoe models include the new thumb mounting provision, providing the customer the ability to add on the new thumb after the time of purchase without requiring any welding on the structure.
- New Loader Control Functions: The loader joystick features three new switches that will simplify operation and make it more intuitive: A new declutch trigger on the back of the joystick allows for simple operation while performing continuous/repetitive operations, such as loading trucks, etc.; a new roller/rocker switch with a detent position that can be locked in the forward position for use with attachments such as brooms and snow blowers; and a new F-N-R switch that allows for quick and easy directional changes without ever taking a hand off the joystick.
- New Backhoe Control Roller Switches: Newly enhanced roller switches for auxiliary and extendahoe control have been added to the backhoe pilot control joysticks for intuitive control and improved metering.
- New Cab Amenities: Case has improved the seat design with new cushioning on its air-ride seats, and a new premium heated, air suspension seat option with multi-colored, hand-stitched fabric. A hands-free, Bluetooth radio has also been added for allowing operators to safely take their phone calls, while also providing the ability to stream a broader spectrum of music, including SiriusXM and music from personal mobile devices.
- New Electronic Fuel Priming System: Standard on all 580N and larger backhoes, this new system is easily accessible at ground level and evacuates all of the air out of the fuel lines for a simpler and more efficient service of the fuel filters.
- Horsepower on the 580SN Wide Track model has increased to 110 horsepower for improved acceleration and gradeability (especially when paired with the new Direct Drive).
For more information on Case N Series backhoe upgrades, visit CaseCE.com.
About the Author
Michael Roth
Editor
Michael Roth has covered the equipment rental industry full time for RER since 1989 and has served as the magazine’s editor in chief since 1994. He has nearly 30 years experience as a professional journalist. Roth has visited hundreds of rental centers and industry manufacturers, written hundreds of feature stories for RER and thousands of news stories for the magazine and its electronic newsletter RER Reports. Roth has interviewed leading executives for most of the industry’s largest rental companies and manufacturers as well as hundreds of smaller independent companies. He has visited with and reported on rental companies and manufacturers in Europe, Central America and Asia as well as Mexico, Canada and the United States. Roth was co-founder of RER Reports, the industry’s first weekly newsletter, which began as a fax newsletter in 1996, and later became an online newsletter. Roth has spoken at conventions sponsored by the American Rental Association, Associated Equipment Distributors, California Rental Association and other industry events and has spoken before industry groups in several countries. He lives and works in Los Angeles when he’s not traveling to cover industry events.