Caterpillar launches Stage IIIB machines for Europe

Caterpillar has continued its string of new machine launches featuring new Stage IIIB/Interim Tier IV low emisison engines. At an event at its proving ground in Malaga, Spain, the company unveiled new machines for the European market in the shpae of its K Series wheeled loaders, E Series excavators and D8T tracked dozer.

Three excavator models have been launched, the 25 tonne 324E, the 30 tonne 329E and the 50 tonne 349E, following their unveiling in North America at March's ConExpo-Con/Agg exhibition. Three new wheeled loaders were also unveiled for Europe after their debut in North America earlier in the year - the 966K, 972K and the 980K. These machines are designed to accommodate buckets ranging from 2.5m³ to 12.2m³.

The company also launched it's G Series rigid haulers for Europe, which feature Tier IV Final engines, ready for the emissions legislation stage that comes into force in 2014.

EAME marketing manager Corné Timmermans said the company had invested US$6 million a day over the last two years to develop the latest machines.

"We have conducted over 150000 hours of field testing in different countries, climates and altitudes," Mr Timmermans said.

"Fuel consumption is key, and we have seen fuel efficiency savings of over 15% on the E Series excavators and K Series wheeled loaders."

Caterpillar product application specialist Cedric Masson said the European construction equipment market was being completely overhauled.

"The coming months are going to be very interesting in Europe in terms of machine launches. Every manufacturer is releasing new machines, it's very competitive."

Click here for a video of the 980K wheeled loader in action and here for a walk-around of the 329E excavator.