“Long live the backhoe,” and all hail the King of Construction.
That was the word from Case Construction Equipment when it announced the return of its iconic Construction King name along with five new backhoe models for the North American market at a March 8 media event ahead of ConExpo-Con/Agg, the largest construction in North America. commercial demonstration
Two models will be available immediately: the Case Utility Plus and the Case 580SV Construction King center pivot. Three additional models will arrive in dealerships later in 2023: the side-shift Case 580SV Construction King and two Case 695SV Construction King models, one center pivot and one side-shift. Each of the existing N-Series backhoe models will also carry the Construction King name.
Despite declining backhoe sales over the years, Case says it’s expanding its product line because of changes company executives are seeing in the market.
“Backos are experiencing a renaissance. With the labor challenges facing our industry today, it again makes great business sense for the company to own a single asset that can perform multiple functions versus multiple machines that require individual operations by individual operators.” , Brad Stemper, head of product management for North American construction equipment at Cas, told attendees.
Case construction equipmentUtility Plus
While the official launch of Case’s new Utility Plus backhoe took place at ConExpo, the Equipment world The team got a first look at the cost-conscious model at the ARA Show in Orlando, Florida, in February. (Watch this video of our preliminary overview of the machine.)
When you compare models and specs, you’ll find a lot of similarities between the Utility Plus and Case’s 580N EP. It also has a straight loading arm, similar to sister brand New Holland’s B75D.
The Utility Plus is powered by a 74 horsepower FPT Tier 4 Final diesel engine. There is no diesel exhaust fluid to add and no particulate filter to maintain in the unit.
It offers a spacious cockpit with a choice of pilot or mechanical controls. Mechanical controls are offered for more experienced operators who like that traditional backhoe “feel,” while pilot controls are available for rental companies and contractors with less experienced operators, Case says. The unit has a digging depth of 14 feet 5 inches.
“You could call this an entry-level machine, but it performs and offers options like a full-size backhoe,” added product manager George MacIntyre. “We built it so you can focus on simplicity, ideal for rental and business applications where it’s not a daily production tool, but also committed to options like the Extendahoe and accessory performance through a one-way auxiliary hydraulic system on the dipper for companies that want to use this machine for more. It is designed to be versatile and allow equipment owners to build from a simple basic model.”
The lower entry price is the result of the Utility Plus being manufactured at Case’s plant in India. Current N-Series backhoe models will continue to be built in Burlington, Iowa, Stemper says. “We are leveraging our global footprint and manufacturing capabilities to solidify our position as a global leader in backhoe technology and solutions.”
580SV Construction King center pivot and side shift models
Suitable for businesses that use the loader end of their backhoe as a primary material handler, the new Case 580SV Construction King brings a tool carrier-style front end back to the Case backhoe lineup in North America. Adding a 4-in-1 bucket, 6-in-1 bucket, or other attachments using the hydraulic quick coupler provides jobsite flexibility.
“With 97 horsepower, the Case 580SV Construction King is a simple yet rugged addition to any backhoe fleet and, like the Utility Plus, can be optioned for a more premium backhoe experience with features like Extendahoe and Auto- Ride Control”. says MacIntyre.
The center pivot model is available immediately in the US market, and Case will launch a side-shift model later in 2023.
The sideshift model will feature in-line vertical stabilizers for offset digging in confined jobsites. “The combination of in-line stabilizers and a side-to-side backhoe digging boom allows operators to stand directly against buildings and structures and take up even less space in on-road applications with stabilizers that operate within the machine’s footprint,” MacIntryre explains.
Case says the in-line stabilizers give operators a better view of the trench while digging and still allow them to dump debris on either side of the machine. The rear post can also be placed closer to the machine during travel, allowing for a smoother ride and higher travel speeds.
“With the introduction of these new machines, combined with our existing line of N-Series backhoes, we are offering a truly diverse portfolio of backhoe machines for contractors and businesses of all sizes in North America.”
Case construction equipment695SV Construction King center pivot and side shift models
Two 695SV Construction King models will be available later this year: a center pivot model and a sideshift model.
The larger, more powerful backhoe with four steering wheels and tires of the same size is an ideal machine for loading operations, while offering the versatility to change loader and backhoe attachments, Case says. It also features parallel lift tool carrier style loading arms for more intensive material handling.
“It’s perfect for municipalities and larger construction sites that need to efficiently perform both loader and backhoe operations,” says MacIntyre. “As these new models hit the market, Case will have one of the largest and most diverse backhoe offerings in the industry, all supported by a dealer network spanning North America that has more backhoe experience than anyone else.”
The timing of the release of the 695SV Construction King models will be shared later this year.