Caterpillar 446B, 1995 Technical Specifications
| SideShift or CenterMount | CM |
| SAE dig depth (mm) | 5173 |
| Reach @ ground level (mm) | 7866 |
| Loading height (mm) | 4310 |
| Bucket width, min-max (mm) | 457-914 |
| Bucket breakout (kgf) | 6153 |
| Dipper breakout (kgf) | 4388 |
| Slew System | Cylinder |
| Loader Bucket Capacity (m3) | 1.1 |
| Dump height (mm) | 2699 |
| Bucket width (mm) | 2434 |
| Bucket breakout (kgf) | 5460 |
| Engine Make & Model | Cat 3114T |
| Engine power (kW@rpm) | 71@2200 |
| Engine displacement (lit) | 4.4 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Pump type | VDAP |
| Pump flow (lit/min) | 162 |
| Relief valve pressure (bar) | 200 |
| Transmission type | Powershift |
| Drive | 2WD/4WD |
| Speeds, FR | 44 |
| Maximum speed (km/h) | 37 |
| Ride control (Std/Opt/NA) | — |
| Travel length (mm) | 7954 |
| Travel height (mm) | 4193 |
| Width (mm) | 2434 |
| Turn circle radius without brakes (mm) | 8408 |
| Operating weight (kg) | 9160 |
| Model | 446B |
Introduction
The Caterpillar 446B, a backhoe loader, was released in 1995 with specific technical specifications. The machine is designed to perform various tasks like digging, loading, and other excavation-related work. The features and specifications of the machine have advantages and disadvantages that affect the overall performance. This article analyzes the features and specifications of the Caterpillar 446B, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each feature and specification.
SideShift or CenterMount
The Caterpillar 446B comes with an option for center mount or sideshift. The center mount distributes the weight of the backhoe evenly, resulting in better stability and increased lifting capacity. This feature allows the operator to handle heavier loads and work on tougher terrains like slopes and uneven surfaces. The sideshift feature is designed to enable the backhoe to move from one side to the other, making it easier to manipulate objects that are out of reach. The sideshift feature also enables the backhoe to move laterally to perform excavation work in a confined area.
Advantages:
• Improved stability
• Increased lifting capacity
• Ability to work on tough terrains
• Flexibility to work in confined areas
Disadvantages:
• The sideshift feature adds to the cost of the backhoe
• The center mount feature may not be necessary in certain situations
SAE Dig Depth
The SAE Dig Depth measures the depth to which the backhoe can excavate. The Caterpillar 446B has an SAE Dig Depth of 5173mm. This is an impressive feature as it enables the backhoe to dig deeper into the ground. In the excavation industry, this feature is advantageous as it allows contractors to reach deeper levels of earth, resulting in more significant projects.
Advantages:
• Ability to dig deeper into the ground
• Ability to take on more substantial projects
Disadvantages:
• It might be unnecessary in certain situations where shallow excavations are required.
Reach @ Ground Level
The Reach @ Ground Level measures the horizontal distance a backhoe can travel from one point to another while still sitting on the ground. The Caterpillar 446B has a Reach @ Ground Level of 7866mm. This is a significant feature as it allows the backhoe to reach farther distances from one point to another. This feature enhances the speed of work execution, making it easier for contractors to complete projects within deadlines.
Advantages:
• Enables the backhoe to reach farther horizontal distances
• Enhances the speed of work execution
Disadvantages:
• It could be unnecessary in certain situations where shorter horizontal distances are required.
Loading Height
The Loading Height measures the vertical distance of the backhoe’s bucket when it’s in the fully raised position. The Caterpillar 446B has a Loading Height of 4310mm. This feature is advantageous as it allows the backhoe to load materials into higher trucks or containers with ease. The Loading Height feature also reduces the downtime spent on adjusting the backhoe’s position to load materials accurately.
Advantages:
• Ability to load materials into higher trucks or containers with ease
• Reduces the downtime spent on adjusting the backhoe’s position
Disadvantages:
• It might not be necessary in certain situations where materials are being loaded onto lower vehicles or containers
Bucket Width
The Bucket Width feature measures the width of the backhoe’s bucket. The Caterpillar 446B has a bucket width of 457-914mm. The Bucket Width feature allows for a more extensive range of materials to be excavated. This feature is advantageous as it makes the backhoe more versatile in the excavation industry.
Advantages:
• Excellent versatility
• Ability to excavate a wider range of materials
Disadvantages:
• The bucket’s width may not be necessary in situations where a smaller bucket width is required.
Bucket Breakout and Dipper Breakout
The Bucket Breakout measures the force required to break compacted earth, while the Dipper Breakout measures the force required to break apart cemented or frozen earth. The Caterpillar 446B has a Bucket Breakout of 6153kgf and a Dipper Breakout of 4388kgf. These features are advantageous as they enable the backhoe to break apart the earth with ease, reducing the overall excavation time.
Advantages:
• Ability to break apart the earth with ease
• Reduces the overall excavation time
Disadvantages:
• The breakout force may not be necessary in certain situations where the earth is already loose
Slew System
The Slew System is the mechanism that rotates the backhoe from side to side. The Caterpillar 446B has a Cylinder Slew System. This Slew System operates by using hydraulic cylinders. The Cylinder Slew System is an advantage as it ensures the backhoe rotates smoothly.
Advantages:
• Ensures smooth rotation
• The hydraulic cylinders require low maintenance
Disadvantages:
• The maintenance required for the hydraulic cylinders could make the backhoe less cost-effective
Loader Bucket Capacity
The Loader Bucket Capacity refers to the amount of material the backhoe’s loader can load at one time. The Caterpillar 446B has a Loader Bucket Capacity of 1.1 m3. This feature is advantageous as it enables the backhoe to load a considerable amount of material, reducing the load time.
Advantages:
• Ability to load a considerable amount of material at one time
• Reduces the load time
Disadvantages:
• It might not be necessary in certain situations which require lesser load capacities
Dump Height
The Dump Height measures the height the backhoe’s bucket can reach when lifted to its maximum height. The Caterpillar 446B has a Dump Height of 2699 mm. The Dump Height feature is advantageous as it allows the backhoe to dump materials into higher trucks or containers.
Advantages:
• Ability to dump materials into higher trucks or containers
• Time-saving feature
Disadvantages:
• It may not be necessary in situations where lower trucks or containers are being used
Engine Make and Model
The Caterpillar 446B’s engine is powered by a CAT 3114T model. The engine has a power output of 71 KW at 2200 rpm and a displacement of 4.4 liters. The engine’s specifications make it more efficient and able to handle heavier loads.
Advantages:
• Efficient engine
• Ability to handle heavier loads
Disadvantages:
• The engine’s specifications may be unnecessary in situations that require lower engine power
Pump Type
The Caterpillar 446B is equipped with a Variable Displacement Axial Piston (VDAP) Pump. This pump type supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic system of the backhoe.
Advantages:
• The VDAP pump type reduces fuel consumption
• Lower hydraulic flow rates result in a quieter operation
Disadvantages:
• The VDAP pump type might be more expensive compared to other types of pumps
Transmission Type
The transmission type on the Caterpillar 446B is Powershift. The Powershift feature ensures smooth shifting of gears and reduction in fuel consumption.
Advantages:
• Enables smooth gear shifting
• Reduces fuel consumption
Disadvantages:
• The Powershift feature might require more maintenance than other transmission types
Drive
The Caterpillar 446B has two drive options – 2WD or 4WD. The selection of these drive options depends on the working environment and terrain.
Advantages:
• It gives the backhoe versatility and better performance in different terrain conditions
Disadvantages:
• The cost of the backhoe may be higher based on the drive option selected
Operating Weight
The Caterpillar 446B has an operating weight of
