Caterpillar 438B, 1994 Technical Specifications
| SideShift or CenterMount | SS |
| SAE dig depth (mm) | 4827 |
| Reach @ ground level (mm) | 5839 |
| Loading height (mm) | 3684 |
| Bucket width, min-max (mm) | 300-900 |
| Bucket breakout (kgf) | 6137 |
| Dipper breakout (kgf) | 3480 |
| Slew System | Cylinder |
| Loader Bucket Capacity (m3) | 1 |
| Dump height (mm) | 2646 |
| Bucket width (mm) | 2396 |
| Bucket breakout (kgf) | 4400 |
| Engine Make & Model | Cat 3054T |
| Engine power (kW@rpm) | 63@2200 |
| Engine displacement (lit) | 4 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Pump type | VDAP |
| Pump flow (lit/min) | 155 |
| Relief valve pressure (bar) | 20700 |
| Transmission type | P’shuttle |
| Drive | 4WD |
| Speeds, FR | 44 |
| Maximum speed (km/h) | 31 |
| Ride control (Std/Opt/NA) | — |
| Travel length (mm) | 5685 |
| Travel height (mm) | 3594 |
| Width (mm) | 2360 |
| Turn circle radius without brakes (mm) | 8090 |
| Operating weight (kg) | 7584 |
| Model | 438B |
Introduction
The Caterpillar 438B is a backhoe loader specifically designed for construction and agricultural applications. The machine is equipped with a variety of features and specifications that enhance its performance and efficiency. In this article, we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the relevant features and specifications of the Caterpillar 438B and evaluate the impact of these features on the machine’s overall performance.
SideShift/CenterMount
The Caterpillar 438B is available in both SideShift and CenterMount configurations. The SideShift configuration allows the operator to shift the backhoe to the side of the machine, which improves stability while digging. On the other hand, the CenterMount configuration enables the operator to center the backhoe behind the machine, which provides maximum visibility and maneuverability.
One advantage of the SideShift configuration is that it provides better stability while digging. This is especially useful in uneven terrain or when digging near obstacles. Moreover, the SideShift configuration enables the operator to work in confined spaces, such as between two walls or in a narrow alley.
However, the SideShift configuration has some downsides. It is less maneuverable than the CenterMount configuration, which limits its usefulness in some situations. Additionally, the SideShift configuration is more complex and requires more maintenance, which translates into higher operating costs.
The CenterMount configuration, on the other hand, provides maximum visibility and maneuverability, making it ideal for loading and unloading materials, as well as for general digging tasks. Moreover, it is less complex and requires less maintenance than the SideShift configuration, which can help reduce operating costs.
One disadvantage of the CenterMount configuration is that it is less stable than the SideShift configuration while digging. This can be a problem in uneven terrain or when digging near obstacles.
SAE Dig Depth
The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) dig depth of the Caterpillar 438B is 4827 mm, which is the maximum depth that the machine can excavate.
One advantage of the SAE dig depth is that it enables the operator to dig deep trenches or foundations. Moreover, the SAE dig depth is standardized, which makes it easy to compare the excavating capabilities of different machines.
On the other hand, the SAE dig depth has some limitations. It does not take into account the soil type or the angle of the dig, which can affect the actual depth that the machine can excavate. Additionally, the SAE dig depth is based on a static load, which may not reflect real-world conditions.
Reach @ Ground Level
The reach at ground level of the Caterpillar 438B is 5839 mm, which is the maximum distance that the machine can reach at ground level.
One advantage of the reach at ground level is that it enables the operator to excavate or load materials at a distance. This is useful in situations where the machine cannot be positioned close to the excavation or loading area, such as when working on a slope or on a busy road.
However, the reach at ground level also has some limitations. It does not take into account the height of the machine or the angle of the boom, which can affect the actual reach. Moreover, the reach at ground level is based on a static load, which may not reflect real-world conditions.
Loading Height
The loading height of the Caterpillar 438B is 3684 mm, which is the maximum height that the machine can load materials.
One advantage of the loading height is that it enables the operator to load high-sided trucks or containers. This is useful in situations where the loading area is elevated or where the material needs to be loaded at a specific height.
However, the loading height also has some limitations. It does not take into account the width of the loading area or the angle of the boom, which can affect the actual loading height. Moreover, the loading height is based on a static load, which may not reflect real-world conditions.
Bucket Width, Min-Max
The minimum and maximum bucket widths of the Caterpillar 438B are 300 mm and 900 mm, respectively.
One advantage of the bucket width is that it enables the operator to select the appropriate size of bucket for the task at hand. A wider bucket can be used for loading or carrying larger amounts of material, while a narrower bucket can be used for digging or trenching.
On the other hand, the bucket width also has some limitations. A wider bucket can reduce the stability and maneuverability of the machine, while a narrower bucket can reduce the efficiency and productivity of the machine.
Bucket Breakout and Dipper Breakout
The bucket breakout of the Caterpillar 438B is 6137 kgf, while the dipper breakout is 3480 kgf.
One advantage of the bucket breakout and dipper breakout is that they enable the operator to excavate hard or compacted materials with ease. Moreover, they provide the machine with the necessary power to tackle tough digging tasks.
On the other hand, the bucket breakout and dipper breakout also have some downsides. They can put a strain on the machine’s hydraulic system, which may result in increased maintenance costs. Additionally, they can reduce the stability and maneuverability of the machine, which can be a problem in some situations.
Slew System
The Caterpillar 438B is equipped with a cylinder slew system.
One advantage of the cylinder slew system is that it provides the machine with a greater range of motion, which enables the operator to work in confined spaces or around obstacles. Moreover, it is less complex and requires less maintenance than other types of slew systems.
However, the cylinder slew system also has some downsides. It is slower and less precise than other types of slew systems, which can reduce the efficiency and productivity of the machine. Additionally, it can be less stable than other types of slew systems, which can be a problem in uneven terrain or when working with heavy loads.
Loader Bucket Capacity
The loader bucket capacity of the Caterpillar 438B is 1 m3.
One advantage of the loader bucket capacity is that it enables the operator to load large amounts of material at once, which can reduce the number of trips to the loading area and increase the efficiency of the machine.
However, the loader bucket capacity also has some downsides. A larger bucket can reduce the stability and maneuverability of the machine, which can be a problem in some situations. Moreover, a larger bucket can increase the weight of the machine, which can affect its fuel consumption and operating costs.
Dump Height and Width
The dump height and width of the Caterpillar 438B are 2646 mm and 2396 mm, respectively.
One advantage of the dump height and width is that they enable the operator to dump materials at a specific height and width, which can be useful when loading trucks or containers with specific dimensions.
On the other hand, the dump height and width also have some limitations. They do not take into account the distance from the dump area or the angle of the boom, which can affect the actual dump height and width. Additionally, the dump height and width are based on a static load, which may not reflect real-world conditions.
Engine Make and Model, Power, Displacement, and Number of Cylinders
The Caterpillar 438B is equipped with a Cat 3054T engine, which has a power of 63 kW@2200 rpm, a displacement of 4 liters, and four cylinders.
One advantage of the engine make and model, power, displacement,
