Caterpillar
Caterpillar hit a dial of power and performance with
its top of the line 446 backhoe loader when it first
introduced the D series version of the machine. The
102 HP machine also features a new operator station
and offers optional joystick controls. The dig
forces on the bucket have increased 10% on the
backhoe.
Bobcat
Bobcat gave its compact backhoe loaders a power
boost when the company introduced the second generation
B series to the lineup. The 31.5 HP B100 received
a 45% increase in backhoe bucket breakout force
and a 27% jump in the breakout force of the dipper.
The 46 HP B300 received a 44% increase in dipper
breakout force and a 21% boost in the breakout
force of the bucket. The three model line also
includes the B250, which is a 31.5 HP sideshift
unit. Similar to the larger B300, the B250 also
features all wheel steering and four wheel drive.
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