Case Construction Equipment held a virtual preview of its Conexpo press conference this week and there was plenty of news.
Supply chain-wise, the company said it was adding capacity to its plants to meet demand. For example, there is now a third shift at the CNH Industrial plant in Wichita, Kansas, that produces Case and New Holland CTLs, SSLs, and the Case Minotaur DL550 dozer loader.
As for new products, the company is introducing five new backhoe models that will complement the existing N Series.
There is the Utility Plus backhoe, described as a 74-horsepower full-sized “efficiency” machine built to be reliable and “easier and less expensive” to run than fully loaded models. This seems to be Case’s first foray into a value, or entry-level, machine. It can be optioned up to a more premium version based on the user’s needs.
Interestingly, a sideshift model will be available.
For nostalgia fans, the “Construction King” name will be back on the new, larger Case backhoe loaders. This includes 580SV Construction King, which is a center-pivot machine that brings back a tool-carrier-style front end to allow more versatility on the loader side. Case describes the model as simple, yet robust.
It too can be optioned to a more premium version with features such as an extendable dipper and automatic ride control. A sideshift 580SV model will be available.
A 695SV Construction King backhoe will be previewed at the show with a launch date TBD. It looks like a premium unit with four-wheel steer, large matching tires, and crab steer capability.
Case will also debut mini wheel loaders thanks to its recent deal with Tobroco-Giant. Three machines will be at Conexpo, including the electric SL22EV compact loader. The SL12 TR wheel loader features a telescopic boom.
In addition, Case will join Toro, Vermeer, Ditch Witch, and others in the mini track loader market with the TL100, its first-ever offering in the category.
The company that once had an iconic best seller with the 1085C Cruz-Air wheeled excavator is bringing wheeled excavators back to North America with the WX175EXR. Case says more models will follow at later dates.
The wheeled excavators and sideshift backhoes are a nod to the urbanization of job sites, according to the company, but they will also likely serve as a means for globalizing distribution, as these models are already popular in Europe and other regions.
Finally, the company will preview an electric compact wheel loader, the CL36EV, and show an enhanced 321F wheel loader with a new in-cab display and E-H controls.
After an occasionally head-scratching social media teaser campaign touting the “new Case,” the brand’s Conexpo presence is meant to illustrate that promise.
The company seeks to reposition itself as a more agile, aggressive version of itself with multiple new products and technologies brought to market quickly.
“We’re not content blending in with other manufacturers; not content to produce ‘me-too’ products,” said Terry Dolan, Case VP for North America. “[It’s time to] stop acting just like a legacy brand and reclaim our position as an innovator in this industry.”
Dolan said swiftness to market and swiftness to respond to customer demand is key.
“We’re going to act like a 180-year-old startup. While others get more conservative, we’re doubling down. No one will outwork us.”
