Powerful addition to the Case CX excavator range
Taking pride of place on the Case stand at this year’s Intermat exhibition was the latest addition to the company’s CX range of hydraulic excavators. The new CX700 represents a direct response to customer requests for a high-production, heavy-duty machine between the existing CX460 and the CX800 models.
With an operating weight of 69 tonnes and power rating of 345kW at 1,800 rev/min, the CX700 is available in standard excavator or mass excavation configuration with a bucket capacity up to 4.50m3. Based on the componentry of the larger 79-tonne CX800, the machine has a rugged, durable undercarriage and is designed to work in arduous applications such as rock handling, mass excavation and demolition.
In standard configuration, the CX700 has a 7.7m boom and choice of three dipper lengths (3.55 m, 4.1m and 5.0m), giving a maximum digging depth of 9.85m. Maximum dump height is 8.71m and forward reach is 14.6m. In normal operation the machine delivers a breakout force of 29,000daN and a digging force of 22,400daN; a power boost function can be used to increase breakout forces by approximately 10%, when necessary.
The mass excavation version is equipped with a heavy-duty 6.58m boom and a 3.0m dipper, giving digging and breakout forces of 25,900daN and 36,500daN respectively.
The CX700 is the first Case excavator to feature an electronically controlled, Tier 3-compliant engine – a six-cylinder Isuzu direct-injection, turbocharged and after-cooled, 15.7-litre diesel. The electronic engine-management system constantly monitors the temperature in the cooling system, oil, air inlet and fuel. This information is used constantly to adjust the fuel injectors to give maximum fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
The speed of the cooling fan is also adjusted to maintain optimum engine temperatures. The hydraulically driven fan can also be reversed at any time by the operator from within the cab to clear the radiator fins of debris and dust to maintain optimum cooling performance.
The intelligent engine monitoring system also communicates with another system monitoring the hydraulic circuits and hydraulic demands. Together, these two systems ensure that the engine and hydraulics are always perfectly matched to actual demand for efficient operation.
The ‘ultra clean’ filtering system installed on all Case CX excavators retains particles up to 1 micron, including any trace of condensation. As a result, the hydraulic oil only needs replacing every 5,000h, reducing maintenance time and saving costs. Likewise, the use of EMS (easy maintenance system) chrome pins and brass bushings on the attachment fittings extends greasing intervals to every six months or 1,000h.
For easier servicing and maintenance, access to the engine, hydraulics and transmission system is through large, wide-opening panels and all routine service points are easily accessible and grouped together for convenience.
The ROPS/FOPS cab on the CX700 maintains the CX tradition of spaciousness, comfort, ergonomics and safety, with a seat that can be adjusted in all directions to suit individual operator preferences. Touch-sensitive controls allow precision working and the strategically positioned instrument panels are backlit for easy reading in all light conditions. In addition, large glazed areas to the front, sides, and roof provide maximum natural light to the interior as well as good visibility for safer, more accurate working. The cab is resiliently mounted to reduce transmission of vibrations and sound through the structure for a more comfortable operator environment.
Case, Armstrong House, Doncaster Robin Hood Airport, Hayfield Lane, Doncaster, S. Yorks DN9 3XA; tel: (0800) 015 5269; fax: (01302) 802126.
