Caterpillar 438B ext*, 1995 Technical Specifications
| SideShift or CenterMount | SS |
| SAE dig depth (mm) | 5910 |
| Reach @ ground level (mm) | 8081 |
| Loading height (mm) | 4344 |
| Bucket width, min-max (mm) | 300-900 |
| Bucket breakout (kgf) | 6137 |
| Dipper breakout (kgf) | 2427 |
| Slew System | Cylinder |
| Loader Bucket Capacity (m3) | 1 |
| Dump height (mm) | 2646 |
| Bucket width (mm) | 2406 |
| 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) | 207 |
| 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 ext* |
Introduction
The Caterpillar 438B ext* manufactured in 1995 is a versatile backhoe loader that can be used for both digging and loading operations. It has a unique feature that sets it apart from other backhoe loaders: the SideShift or CenterMount (SS) feature, which gives the operator flexibility to shift the machine from side to center and vice versa. This makes it easy to operate in tight spaces where maneuvering is difficult.
Advantages of the Caterpillar 438B ext*
SideShift or CenterMount
The SS feature allows the operator to shift the backhoe from one side to the center, making it easy to operate in tight spaces. This feature is particularly useful in urban areas where space is limited. For instance, when working on a city street, the operator can easily shift the machine from one side to the other without having to move the entire machine.
SAE dig depth
The SAE dig depth of the Caterpillar 438B ext* is 5910mm, which allows it to dig deep trenches with ease. This feature is particularly useful in construction projects that require deep excavations, such as building foundations or installing underground utilities.
Bucket width and capacity
The Caterpillar 438B ext* has a bucket width that can be adjusted between 300mm and 900mm, which makes it possible to work efficiently in tight spaces or to load large amounts of material quickly. The loader bucket capacity is 1m³, which means it can fill and transport large amounts of material in a single pass. This makes it ideal for construction sites where fast and efficient loading and unloading is required.
Pump type and flow
The Caterpillar 438B ext* uses a VDAP pump type, which provides a pump flow of 155 liters per minute. This ensures that the machine operates at maximum efficiency, even under heavy load. This feature makes the Caterpillar 438B ext* ideal for construction projects that require heavy-duty machinery.
Disadvantages of the Caterpillar 438B ext*
Operating weight
The operating weight of the Caterpillar 438B ext* is 7584kg, which makes it a relatively heavy machine. This can be a disadvantage when working on unstable ground, as the weight of the machine can cause it to sink into the soil. Additionally, the weight of the machine can make it difficult to move around on narrow or steep trails, which can limit its mobility.
Dump height
The dump height of the Caterpillar 438B ext* is 2646mm, which may not be high enough to dump material into a high-sided truck or trailer. This can be a disadvantage when working on a construction site where high-sided vehicles are required to transport materials. In such cases, the operator may need to use a ramp or lift to dump the material, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.
No ride control
The Caterpillar 438B ext* does not come with a ride control system. Ride control is a feature that helps to reduce bouncing and improve stability when traveling on rough terrain. Without this feature, the operator may need to slow down when traveling on uneven ground, which can reduce productivity and increase the time it takes to complete a project.
Real-World Examples
The Caterpillar 438B ext* has been used in a wide range of construction projects around the world. In Canada, it was used to install fiber optic cables underground in Toronto. The SS feature was particularly useful in this project, as it allowed the operator to shift the machine from the center to the side to avoid obstacles such as trees and street signs. The high bucket capacity and adjustable bucket width were also helpful in this project, as they made it possible to load and transport large amounts of material quickly.
Another example is the use of the Caterpillar 438B ext* in road construction projects in India. In these projects, the machine was used to dig trenches and lift and transport asphalt. The SAE dig depth and high loader bucket capacity were particularly useful in this project, as they made it possible to dig deep trenches and load and transport large amounts of asphalt quickly.
Overall Assessment
The Caterpillar 438B ext* is a versatile backhoe loader that has several advantages, including the SideShift or CenterMount feature, SAE dig depth, adjustable bucket width and capacity, and a high pump flow. However, it also has a few disadvantages, including a relatively high operating weight, low dump height, and the absence of a ride control system. Overall, the Caterpillar 438B ext* is a reliable and efficient machine that can be used in a wide range of construction projects.
