Case has announced the introduction of its XT series skid steers. The line’s flagship, the 95XT, delivers an operating load of up to 1,429 kilograms (3,150 lbs.) and bucket breakout force of 27,468 N (6,175 ft./lbs.), and offers enhanced power and lift capacity.
The four XT tool carriers — the 75XT, 85XT, 90XT and 95XT — range from 44.7 to 63.4 kilowatts (60 to 85 hp) and offer customers new levels of power, heavy-lift capability and durability for increased productivity while working in a wide range of applications. The XTs also feature a choice of high-flow hydraulic systems with custom-engineered heavy-duty attachments for maximum versatility, a comfortable operator’s environment and superior serviceability.
“In designing the XT series, we set out to redefine skid steers because our customers were redefining the jobs that they wanted skid steers to handle,” said Tom Banner, Case associate marketing manager. “These machines offer the extra power and heavy-lift capability that customers in industries such as building construction, recycling, demolition and landscaping have been asking for.”
Banner noted that all the features on the XT series were incorporated as a result of extensive customer research, including surveys, focus groups and feedback from customers who operated the units during the various stages of development.
Power
To provide the power customers need, all models in the XT series feature a Case diesel engine. The 75XT and 85XT are both equipped with the Case 4-390 diesel, while the 90XT and 95XT both feature the turbocharged Case 4T-390 engine.
“The Case 4-390 and 4T-390 engines have years of reliable use in Case equipment, including in our loader/backhoes,” Banner said.
The 90XT and 95XT have two-speed motors with double-reduction planetary drive to ASA 120 drive chains. This drive system provides efficient and dependable power with transport speeds over 17.8 kilometers per hour (11 mph).
Design Optimizes Power
In addition to the Case diesel engine, design features, including all-new loader arms and a heavy-duty chassis, were incorporated to provide unsurpassed durability and productivity for customers, even when they’re working in the toughest applications such as scrap handling and demolition. Banner noted that Case incorporated technology from its wheel loaders in the design of the XT loader arms, resulting in an enhanced loader arm for a skid steer.
“The XTs, because of their power and heavy-duty design, can handle jobs typically reserved for larger equipment such as small wheel loaders or crawler loaders,” Banner said. “The relatively low cost of the XTs and their greater versatility compared to larger, dedicated-task equipment are key benefits for customers.”
Two types of loader arm design — heavy lift-and-reach and conventional — are available with the XT line. The heavy lift-and-reach design of the 95XT, 85XT and 75XT loader arms, with Case four-bar linkage, allows high-load capability while keeping the load’s center of gravity close to the machine. This design also performs exceptionally well when digging and provides parallel lift from the full-reach position to the top of the loader lift cycle.
The conventional design of the 90XT loader arms also provides high breakout force and mechanical self-leveling of the attachment. In addition, the power-cycle bucket linkage maximizes loader power and speed during the work cycle, making the 90XT an excellent digging machine.
The chassis on the XTs was also intended to provide maximum durability for customers, with thicker, heavier steel; 1.3-centimeter (.5 in.) chain tanks; and welds strategically located away from critical high-stress areas.
High-Flow Hydraulics
All four models in the XT series can be equipped with a 3,000 psi high-flow hydraulic system, while the 90XT and 95XT can be equipped with a 5,000 psi hydrostatic high-flow hydraulic system. For the 3,000 psi system, the gear pump is mounted off the auxiliary drive and is rated at 155 liters per minute (40.9 gal.), allowing the operator to power attachments such as a 1,627 N (1,200 ft./lb.) hammer, 46.8-centimeter (18 in.) rock wheel, 2.2-meter (84 in.) rotary tiller and 2.3-meter (88 in.) flail mower.
For even greater productivity, the 5,000 psi hydrostatic high-flow hydraulic system is available to drive larger, more powerful attachments, such as a high-production 1.02-meter (40 in.) cold planer or a 44.7-kilowatt (60 hp) stump grinder. The high-pressure piston pump is controlled by a flow-selector lever that allows the operator to regulate the amount of flow required in order to optimize attachment performance.
Attachment Options
In addition, a heavy-duty hydraulic coupler is available as an option and provides a more durable connection and the ability to pick up almost all currently available attachments without leaving the operator’s seat. A wide variety of attachments is available through Case dealers for the XTs, including buckets, forks, augers, cold planers, rock wheels, trenchers, hammers, tree shears, scrap shears, flail mowers and stump grinders.
Case, along with its allied suppliers, co-engineered many of the attachments especially for the XT series, creating a line of attachments designed with the capability to handle the power provided by the XTs. In addition, the heavy-duty hydraulic coupler is the only coupler that can be used with the high-performance co-branded attachments.
“Case has worked very hard to provide total application solutions for customers with the XT series. These are powerful tool carriers that can be equipped with almost any attachment to meet customers’ application needs,” Banner said.
Increased Serviceability
Like so many other critical features on the XTs, serviceability was built in to the design. For unprecedented easy access to the major components, the XTs feature a “no-tools” tilt cab. The operator can easily tilt up the cab or ROPS in about 10 seconds and without the use of tools or the removal of any pins or clips. The no-tools tilt cab can be tilted up when the loader arms are in the raised and locked position or when they’re fully lowered, allowing unobstructed servicing access in either position.
For daily service, including the checking and filling of all fluids and air cleaner service, the XTs feature rear-door access. A vandal lock tab enables the customer to install a padlock to prevent access to this area.
“We already know from our research that customers really appreciate the ease of serviceability with the XTs,” Banner said. “In fact, customers have literally applauded when seeing the no-tools tilt cab for the first time.”
Operator Environment
A well-planned operator environment, featuring easily operated controls, comfort and visibility, maximizes productivity.
The ergonomically designed, excavator-style controls on the XTs allow smooth operation of the units with low-lever efforts, precise control and improved operator comfort. In addition, the brakes are controlled by a thumb switch, so the operator can easily apply the brake to maintain a position on slopes.
Other operator environment features include foot and hand throttles, a foot heater, a retractable seatbelt, a longer wheel base for a smoother ride and an operator presence system that locks out the ground drive and loader functions and sets the brake when the operator isn’t in the unit.
The XT series also features excellent sight lines, with operators in a better position to see forward and down to the loader and with all gauges positioned directly in front of them.
In addition to the standard features that create an ideal operator environment, including a low 85-dba sound level, options available include a suspension seat with lumbar support and cab enclosure with heater.
“Tremendous thought and planning have been applied based on customer feedback to make the operating environment on the XTs top-of-the-line,” Banner said. “The more comfortable operators are, the more productive they’ll be.”
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