Caterpillar 438D ext*, 2003 Technical Specifications
| SideShift or CenterMount | SS |
| SAE dig depth (mm) | 5894 |
| Reach @ ground level (mm) | 6664 |
| Loading height (mm) | 4274 |
| Bucket width, min-max (mm) | 305-1200 |
| Bucket breakout (kgf) | 6608 |
| Dipper breakout (kgf) | 2804 |
| Slew System | Twin ram |
| Loader Bucket Capacity (m3) | 1.03 |
| Dump height (mm) | 2650 |
| Bucket width (mm) | 2406 |
| Bucket breakout (kgf) | 5680 |
| Engine Make & Model | Cat 3054T |
| Engine power (kW@rpm) | 70@2200 |
| Engine displacement (lit) | 4 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Pump type | VDAP |
| Pump flow (lit/min) | 163 |
| Relief valve pressure (bar) | 228 |
| Transmission type | PS or P’Shuttle |
| Drive | 2WD/4WD |
| Speeds, FR | 4/4 |
| Maximum speed (km/h) | 31.8 |
| Ride control (Std/Opt/NA) | Opt |
| Travel length (mm) | 5685 |
| Travel height (mm) | 2900 |
| Width (mm) | 2360 |
| Turn circle radius without brakes (mm) | 5350 |
| Operating weight (kg) | 7988 |
| Model | 438D ext* |
Introduction
The Caterpillar 438D ext* is a versatile backhoe loader that is commonly used in construction, road maintenance, landscaping, and agricultural applications. It comes with a range of features and specifications that make it suitable for a variety of tasks. In this article, we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of some of the key features and specifications of the Caterpillar 438D ext*.
SideShift or CenterMount
The Caterpillar 438D ext* comes with two different options for mounting its backhoe: SideShift or CenterMount. The SideShift option allows for lateral movement of the backhoe, which makes it easier to dig alongside walls, fences, or other obstacles. The CenterMount option provides a more stable platform for digging, which is useful when working in rocky or uneven terrain.
Advantages: The SideShift option can be very useful when working in tight spaces or when digging trenches alongside walls. It allows the operator to maneuver the backhoe without having to move the entire machine. The CenterMount option provides a more stable platform for digging, which can be important when working in rough terrain.
Disadvantages: The SideShift option can add complexity to the machine and may require more maintenance. The CenterMount option may be less maneuverable in tight spaces and may have a larger turning radius.
Example: Imagine that you are digging a trench alongside a fence. The SideShift option would allow you to move the backhoe laterally without having to move the entire machine. This would make the job faster and easier. On the other hand, if you were digging in rocky terrain, the CenterMount option would provide a more stable platform for digging.
Sizing and Reach
The Caterpillar 438D ext* has a SAE dig depth of 5894mm and a reach at ground level of 6664mm. It also has a loading height of 4274mm and a bucket width that ranges from 305mm to 1200mm. The size and reach of the machine are important factors to consider when choosing the right backhoe loader for a job.
Advantages: The large dig depth and reach of the Caterpillar 438D ext* make it suitable for digging deep trenches or excavating large areas. The range of bucket widths also makes it versatile and able to handle a variety of tasks.
Disadvantages: The large size of the machine can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. The wider bucket widths may not be suitable for working in narrow trenches or other confined areas.
Example: If you were excavating a large area for a building foundation, the large dig depth and reach of the Caterpillar 438D ext* would be an advantage. However, if you were working in a confined space such as a backyard, the size of the machine could be a disadvantage.
Breakout Forces
The Caterpillar 438D ext* has both bucket and dipper breakout forces. The bucket breakout force is 6608kgf and the dipper breakout force is 2804kgf. These forces are important because they allow the backhoe to break up hard or compacted soil and materials.
Advantages: The breakout forces of the Caterpillar 438D ext* make it suitable for digging in tough soil or breaking up hard materials such as pavement or rock.
Disadvantages: The high breakout forces may not be necessary for some applications and may add weight and complexity to the machine.
Example: If you were excavating a site with compacted soil or a concrete slab, the high breakout forces of the Caterpillar 438D ext* would be an advantage. However, if you were digging a shallow trench in a soft soil, the breakout forces may not be necessary and could slow down the job.
Loader Bucket Capacity and Dump Height
The Caterpillar 438D ext* comes with a loader bucket capacity of 1.03m3 and a dump height of 2650mm. These features are important for loading and unloading materials such as dirt, sand, or gravel.
Advantages: The large loader bucket capacity allows the Caterpillar 438D ext* to handle large volumes of materials, which can make loading and unloading faster and more efficient. The high dump height also makes it easier to dump the materials into a truck or other container.
Disadvantages: The large loader bucket capacity can make the machine heavier and less maneuverable. The high dump height may not be necessary or practical for some applications.
Example: If you were loading materials into a truck or other container, the large loader bucket capacity and high dump height of the Caterpillar 438D ext* would be an advantage. However, if you were working in a tight space, the high dump height could be a disadvantage.
Engine and Transmission
The Caterpillar 438D ext* is powered by a Cat 3054T engine that produces 70kW of power at 2200rpm. It also has a 4-liter engine displacement, 4 cylinders, and a VDAP pump type. The transmission type is either PS or P’Shuttle and the drive can be either 2WD or 4WD.
Advantages: The powerful engine and efficient transmission make the Caterpillar 438D ext* suitable for heavy-duty tasks and can increase productivity. The 2WD/4WD drive option allows the machine to be used in a variety of terrains.
Disadvantages: The powerful engine may add weight and complexity to the machine, which can make it less maneuverable. The 2WD/4WD drive option may not be necessary for some applications.
Example: If you were working on a construction site with rough terrain, the 2WD/4WD drive option of the Caterpillar 438D ext* would be an advantage. However, if you were working on landscaping or road maintenance, the powerful engine may not be necessary.
Ride Control and Travel Dimensions
The Caterpillar 438D ext* comes with an optional ride control feature that can make the ride smoother and more comfortable for the operator. It also has a travel length of 5685mm, a travel height of 2900mm, a width of 2360mm, and a turn circle radius of 5350mm.
Advantages: The ride control feature can reduce operator fatigue and increase safety, especially when working in rough terrain. The travel dimensions of the machine allow it to be transported easily and used in various locations.
Disadvantages: The ride control feature may add complexity and cost to the machine. The large turn circle radius may make the machine less suitable for tight spaces.
Example: If you were working in rough terrain for an extended period of time, the ride control feature of the Caterpillar 438D ext* would be an advantage. However, if you were working in a confined area such as a parking lot, the large turn circle radius could be a disadvantage.
Overall Assessment
The Caterpillar 438D ext* is a versatile backhoe loader that comes with a range of features and specifications that make it suitable for a variety of tasks. The advantages and disadvantages of each feature and specification will depend on the specific application. However, overall, the Caterpillar 438D ext* is a powerful and efficient machine that can increase productivity and improve safety on a job site.
