Case equipment on show at Eagle Days

Case's ‘Eagle Days' event held in Balocco, Italy, provided customers and dealers with the opportunity to view and test-drive the company's range of construction machinery. Becca Wilkins reports.

Case showcased its most recent construction equipment to more than 1000 customers and dealers from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) during a three-week period in June.

Among the machines on show at the Fiat-owned Balocco test circuit, was the new 34 tonne, CX350B tracked excavator, featuring a Stage IIIA (Tier 3), 6 cylinder Isuzu engine.

Case said the CX350B includes advanced hydraulic control that saves on fuel, reduces the owner's costs while increasing productivity.

Marketing manager for Case's heavy line, Thomas Elberskirch, told CE the main focus of the B Series excavators was to improve machine efficiency and one way to achieve this was to reduce fuel consumption.

Specifications

According to Case the new machine is easy to maintain because of the layout of its components. Safety in the cab is enhanced due to its narrow pillars, which improve peripheral vision, view of the tracks and machine as a whole from the right-hand window.

"Furthermore, thanks to the new design of the structure, the cabin is three times stronger than earlier models," a spokesman said.

Operator comfort is also carefully considered in the CX350B according to the company. Indications on the dash panel can be easily read and it has shorter, easier-to-control levers. The machine allows for greater seat slide and console adjustment has increased foot space by 60 mm. The model also has a fully reclining seat and an air conditioning system.

Other tracked excavators on show at Case's Eagle Days event included the CX130B, CX135SR, CX210B and the CX230B, while wheeled models included the WX125, WX165 and WX210. The company also showcased the 721E and 1221E wheel loaders, the 330B articulated dump truck (ADT) as well as all recently launched Stage IIIA machines, including skid steer loaders, backhoe loaders and mini excavators.

Company strategy

Faiz Ahmad, vice president for Case in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the CIS said the company is expecting 2008 to be a positive year.

He said, "We have invested heavily in new product development to address the business challenges facing customers including fuel efficiency, noise reduction, reliability and productivity. In fact 90% of our heavy range and 80% of our light equipment was renewed or improved during the last 18 months."

Also during the last 18 months Case has significantly increased its level of promotional and marketing activity.

"We have achieved this by looking at each activity from a different angle, by asking ourselves the question, ‘how do we go one stage better than before?' And then delivering according to that strategy," Mr Ahmad added.

He said, in 2007, Case's growth in his region surpassed the industry with "results double the growth of the industry."

"This positive development is also reflected in market share which increased substantially. We expect this positive trend to continue in 2008," Mr Ahmad said.