MEETING MARKET NEEDS The Case 885B series has been designed for minimal downtime and reduced maintenance requirements
Case 885B series motor graders, locally available from construction and earthmoving equipment distributor CSE Equipment, have been enhanced to offer clients the most recent technological advancements and improved design features for better performance and productivity.
“Case [brand] continuously improves the performance and design features of its extensive range of earthmoving equipment to meet market requirements,” says CSE Equipment MD Brenton Kemp.
The Case 885B series manufactured in Brazil by construction equipment manufracturer CNH Global officially became available in South Africa in 2013. CSE Equipment states that there has been much interest in the 885B model and units have been supplied for plant hire and construction and government, as well as mining and agricultural, applications.
“Enhancements to this range include the flexibility of a torque converter drivetrain with a lockup system for efficient power transmission, a roll-away mouldboard plough for lower fuel consumption and a redesigned cab with a larger field of vision for enhanced safety and greater operator comfort,” Kemp says.
The motor graders have low fuel consumption, are turbocharged and are equipped with high-performance common rail Tier 3 engines. The series also offers ZF 6WG Series transmission types with a torque converter lockup system, which increases torque by up to 70% for heavy tasks that require extra traction and can be locked for less demanding work.
The company explains that, when lockup is engaged, the transmission operates in direct-drive mode, with electronic shift change for the six forward and three reverse gears. Kemp explains that this mode, with increased fuel efficiency, does not require extra torque and is, therefore, ideal when performing levelling and spreading tasks. When lockup is disengaged by the operator, the transmission reverts to working with the torque converter.
Lockup engages automatically to match torque and engine speed – as long as the preset electronic transmission module parameters are met.
The Case declutch system, which is activated when the operator applies brakes, improves handling speeds for tools, including the blade, ripper and scarifier. The system also directs all engine power to the hydraulic system when the engine is disengaged from the transmission. As a result, loss of power during operation is prevented and fuel economy is improved. The system also allows for operation in automatic or manual mode when shifting gears.
The transmission control unit manages all data input when the transmission is engaged, and ensures best performance, extended service life of the machine and improved operator comfort. The transmission also has a diagnostic system that detects potential problems.
Further, the Case 885B series motor grader axles have been designed for improved traction. The front axle has a welded steel structure with high-resistance cast iron components. The straight line geometry offers 580 mm ground clearance over the machine’s entire length.
Additionally, the hydraulic system of this series is designed for complete precision of movement and blade control, with Kemp highlighting that this series has been developed for “minimal downtime and reduced maintenance requirements”.