Backhoe loaders “are having a renaissance,” according to Case Construction Equipment, evidenced by the company’s recommitment to the category with the introduction of five new models rounding out the existing N Series.
The 180-year-old, Racine, WI-based equipment manufacturer is bringing back the iconic “Construction King” name and releasing the new machines to the North American market to deliver more comprehensive and diverse backhoe options to businesses across a broader spectrum of markets, including landscaping, rental, ag and utilities.
Two models are available immediately: the Utility Plus and the 580SV Construction King center pivot. Three additional models will hit Case dealers later in 2023: The 580SV Construction King side shift, and two 695SV Construction King models — one with center pivot and one with side shift.
The new backhoes, as well as a total of 30 new machines overall, will be on display in the Case Booth W40800 at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, March 14-18 in Las Vegas.
“The product portfolio we’re coming to market with in 2023 is as strong as anything we’ve ever seen in our 180 years of Case,” says Brad Stemper, head of product in North America. “It starts with the expansion of our backhoe product line to deliver one of the industry’s most comprehensive and diverse backhoe offerings.
“There is now a Case backhoe for every user and type of business,” Stemper says. “Backhoes are experiencing a renaissance with the labor challenges our industry faces today. It makes great business sense again, that a business would own a single asset that can perform multiple functions versus multiple machines that require individual operation by individual operators.”
George MacIntyre, product manager, Case Construction Equipment, adds, “The Case backhoe was the original two-in-one machine, and 65 years later we’re experiencing workforce challenges and more diverse job site needs — all with a focus on efficiency — that is driving a true revolution for the backhoe market.”
“Once the hero for the owner/operator, we’re providing even more backhoe-loader options now that make these machines extremely attractive for businesses who... could benefit from the lower owning and operating costs of having all that functionality in a single machine.”
The two new models now available in the North American market — adding to the existing lineup of Case N Series backhoes — are the Utility Plus and the 580SV Construction King center pivot.
The all-new Utility Plus delivers full-sized backhoe performance in an efficient platform that’s easy to own, easy to maintain, and easy on the bottom line, according to the company. This new 74-horsepower machine delivers a big cab with clear sightlines to all work areas, ease of service with a maintenance-free emissions system (no DPF and no DEF), and simple controls (including a choice of pilot or mechanical).
Mechanical controls are offered for the more experienced operators who like that traditional backhoe “feel,” while pilot controls are available for rental businesses and contractors with less-experienced operators.
“You could call this an entry-level machine — but it performs and delivers options like a full-sized backhoe,” says MacIntyre.
“We’ve built it so that you can focus on simplicity, ideal for rental applications and businesses where this isn’t a daily production tool, but also committed to options such as the Extendahoe and attachment performance via one-way auxiliary hydraulics on the dipper for businesses that want to use this machine for more. It’s built to be versatile and allow equipment owners to build up from a simple base model.”
The all-new 580SV Construction King brings a tool carrier-style front end back to the Case backhoe line in North America, ideal for businesses who use the loader end of their backhoe as a primary material handler – loading and unloading pallets, moving pipe and other bundled material around the yard.
Adding a 4-in-1 bucket, a 6-in-1 bucket, or any of the countless attachments available for Case backhoes turns this into a multi-purpose job site solution — and a hydraulic quick coupler makes it simple to use. The new center pivot model is immediately available to the North American market, and Case will be rolling out a side-shift model later in 2023.
The new side-shift model, available later in 2023, will deliver even greater job site flexibility and performance in confined spaces. The 580SV Construction King side shift will feature in-line vertical stabilizers for offset digging and working in applications where operators have to get right up against structures, or take up less space (such as in roadside utility work).
“The combination of in-line stabilizers and a backhoe digging boom that can shift from side to side allows operators to get right up against buildings and structures, and takes up even less space on roadside applications with stabilizers that operate within the footprint of the machine,” explains MacIntryre.
“With the introduction of these new machines, matched with our existing lineup of N Series backhoes, we’re delivering a truly diverse backhoe portfolio of machines for contractors and businesses of all sizes in North America.”
The emphasis on side shift is growing, according to Terry Dolan, vice president North America, Case Construction Equipment. “The North American market is a center-mount backhoe market and has been since the early days of backhoes. The rest of the world is predominantly side shift.
“Through education and awareness, you’re going to see a lot with the infrastructure spending, where you’re working on highways and not shutting down lanes of traffic, you’re going to see a lot in communities where the homes are built tighter,” Dolan continues. “I think the education of this product and people getting first-hand opportunity to operate are going to see significant benefits.”
Later this year, Case will be introducing two 695SV Construction King models — a center-pivot model and a side-shift model. The 695SV Construction King is a larger, more powerful backhoe loader with four-wheel steer and equally sized tires. The four-wheel steer and large tires make it an ideal machine for loading operations while still offering the versatility to switch out loader and backhoe attachments. It also includes the parallel lift tool carrier style loader arms for more intense material handling operations.
“It’s perfect for municipalities and larger construction sites that need to effectively 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 backed by a dealer network spanning North America that has more experience with backhoe loaders than anyone else.”
Launch timing for the 695SV Construction King models will be shared later in 2023.
