Caterpillar’s versatile backhoe loader

The 2294 Cat 426F2 model is said to able to carry out a wide range of duties and is offered in two and four-wheel-drive variants. Customers can also choose between backhoe loader or excavator control patterns and choose from other options including cab climate control packages and the firm’s Product Link technology.

The new 426F2 has an all-new cab design with good visibility and high comfort levels. The machine has high pump oil flow for powerful hydraulic performance, as well as load-sensing hydraulics. The machine can be used for a wide range of applications including loading and carrying to full-depth trenching.

The 426F2 backhoe loader can be equipped with up to a 1.05m3 loader bucket offering a 7tonne tipping load at breakout point. Its standard 4.3m-long stick offers a 4.7m maximum digging depth and 4.03m loading height.

Power comes from the 68.5 kW Cat 3054C 4-cylinder diesel with advanced cooling, allowing operation in ambient temperatures reaching 50°C. It has an externally mounted engine pre-cleaner for quick servicing. The four-speed Power-Shuttle transmission allows speeds of up to 40km/h. Whether the customer opts for the two or four-wheel-drive version, the machine features a differential lock in the rear axle, for traction in poor ground conditions.

The enclosed rear axle has wet multiplate braking for safe operation. The new mechanical hoe control layout features an integral stabiliser and boom lock control.

The 426F2’s structures are based on the proven 428F2 design. Its parallel lift loader arms allow good forward visibility, breakout forces reaching 60.4kN and lift capacity of 3.6tonnes at full height. General purpose (GP) or multipurpose (MP) buckets are available.

The machine has an excavator-style and is said to offer fast cycle times and boom cushioning. It has dig forces of up to 57.2kN and a 205° bucket linkage system. The 2.2m-wide main frame and side shift are said to help boost manoeuvrability and versatility.

The load-sensing, closed-centre hydraulic system matches power and hydraulic flow to demand. This lowers fuel consumption, working noise and machine wear. Flow-sharing hydraulic valves deliver the correct oil flow to implement cylinders, providing greater implement control.

The Cat Product Link service comes as standard on the new 426F2 backhoe loader to maximise uptime. This provides remote data monitoring through VisionLink and customers can specify the amount of critical machine operating data gathered, such as fuel usage, payload summaries and fault code alerts, optimising machine management.