22
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
MARCH
2014
first machine of its kind to be acquired in
Southern Africa.
“This is an important milestone that
will be tracked by Caterpillar’s research
and development (R&D) team during the
machine’s life-time,” comments Barlow-
orld Equipment Cat sales professional,
Egon Muller, based at Barloworld Equip-
ment’s Durban branch. (Barloworld Equip-
ment is the Cat dealer for Southern Africa.)
Each and every Cat model launch is
an evolution in Caterpillar’s R&D commit-
ment to best-in-class performance. In the
financial year ending December 2012,
for example, Caterpillar spent approxi-
mately USD2,5-billion on R&D across the
full spectrum of Cat machine classes and
the OEM continues to meet customer
demand for today’s and the future’s
production demands through an ongoing
customer interface.
The launch of the new C-Series is a
prime example of how Caterpillar keeps
refining its telehandler offering to meet
increasing demand for varied lifting and
materials handling tasks.
Four Cat C-Series telehandler models
have been launched in the Southern African
market, comprising the TH407C, TH414C,
TH417C and TH514C models. In addition to
the standard pallet and fork attachments,
optional work tools include buckets, mate-
rials handling arms, and lifting hooks. A
quick coupler is standard on all
models.
The latest generation Cat TH407
C-Series unit: the maximum
forward reach is 3 763 mm, and
the load at maximum height
and reach is 2 000 kg and
1 500 kg respectively.
TH407C and TH414C units each have a total
load capability of 3 700 kg. The key differ-
ence is that the TH407C has a maximum
lift of 7,3 m compared to the TH414C’s
13,7 m. In turn, the TH417C and TH514C
have maximum load capacities of 4 000 kg
and 4 999 kg, and maximum lift heights of
17 m and 13,7 m, respectively.
All models sold in Southern Africa
are powered by a Cat C4.4 DITAAC engine
generating a gross power of 74,5 kW with a
maximum torque of 410 Nm at 1 400 rpm,
coupled with a larger redesigned cooling
package, plus a hydraulic reversing fan.
One of the most notable changes
on the C-Series is a new four speed
powershift transmission. A six speed
transmission option is also available on
Cat TH407C construction and agricultural
specification machines. This increases
the top speed from the standard 32 km/h
(four speed) to 40 km/h, for longer travel
distance requirements.
“The single lever, electro-hydraulic
joystick has been redesigned with inte-
grated transmission control, for ease of
operation and reduced operator fatigue,”
Muller explains, “plus all controls, including
auxiliary hydraulics, are fully proportional
and controlled directly from the joystick.”
Maximum forward reach on the
TH407C is 3 763 mm, and the load at
maximum height and reach is 2 000 kg and
1 500 kg respectively.
Raising the boom up and down on
the Cat TH407C takes 7,6 and 5,9 seconds,
respectively. Drawbar pull is 78 kN, bucket
breakout force (ISO 8313) 65 kN and boom
breakout force 42 kN.
“Whether in the manufacturing or
erection stages of a project, our Cat
telehandlers provide the overall versa-
tility and speed in materials handling and
lifting that a mobile crane couldn’t come
close to matching.
“Going forward this mechanised
assurance will support Tugela Steel’s
expansion strategy, encompassing invest-
ment in the latest steel fabrication tech-
nologies and the creation of two dedicated
production lines: one for stock buildings
and the other for customise jobs to support
our regional and international client base,”
concludes Haug.
COVER STORY
