Caterpillar 446B, 2000: Features and Technical Specifications

Caterpillar 446B, 2000 Technical Specifications

Overview of the Caterpillar 446B

The Caterpillar 446B is a 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive backhoe loader boasting an impressive range of features and specifications. Caterpillar markets this versatile machine as a dependable tool to tackle a wide array of excavation and construction tasks. In particular, the 446B has a reach of 7,866 millimeters and a digging depth of 5,219 millimeters enabling it to reach and excavate certain areas inaccessible to standard-issue backhoe loaders. Additional features and specifications of the 446B include its center-mount SideShift or CenterMount configuration, loading height of 4,310 millimeters, bucket width of 457-914 millimeters, bucket breakout of 6,891 kgf, engine power of 76 kW@rpm, engine displacement of 4.4 liters, pump flow of 178 liters/min, relief valve pressure of 224 bar, 4/4 speeds forward, maximum speed of 36.5 km/h, operating weight of 8,890 kg, and turn circle radius of 5,679 millimeters.

Advantages of the Caterpillar 446B

The Caterpillar 446B is a powerful machine that provides a number of advantages suitable for construction and excavation enthusiasts. Its center-mount design gives operators greater maneuverability in tight spaces; this setup is greatly beneficial in applications that require precision and specialized digging such as foundations and pipelines. The 446B’s loading height of 4,310 millimeters makes it a great asset for applications that require a high loading capacity such as soil and rubble removal. That loading height enables the machine to easily ingest into its bucket a large volume of materials without compromising its performance.

The 446B’s engine is also worth noting: Featuring a CAT 3114T four-cylinder motor producing 76 kW@rpm — enough to maximize the machine’s power and excess single-speed transmission; the engine ensures that the 446B has the right amount of power to complete demanding tasks even in challenging conditions. Similarly, its pump flow rate of 178 liters/min also contributes to its performance and does a great job in keeping its hydraulic system running at an optimal level for efficient operations.

The 446B also has a digging depth of 5,219 millimeters and a reach of 7,866 millimeters. This allows operators to work in areas inaccessible to standard-issue backhoe loaders making the 446B an attractive option for residential and commercial applications. This same feature enables it to work in areas with low heights, enabling it to complete excavation tasks with greater accuracy.

Disadvantages of the Caterpillar 446B

Though the 446B features a great range of features and specifications, some may find a few of them inadequate for specific applications. For example, the 446B’s relief valve pressure of 224 bar may not be enough to handle certain tasks in the heavier-weight class; similarly, some users may find its bucket width of 457-914 millimeters too narrow for certain tasks. Furthermore, because the machine is center-mount, operators often find it too bulky to access restricted areas.

Additionally, the 446B’s two-speed or four speed forward configuration may not provide the same level of control when compared to other backhoe loaders of the similar weight class. Newer backhoe loaders usually feature variable-speed configurations and some have options to change the speed configuration from two-speed to four-speed. This feature is especially beneficial when using the machine for precision excavation and demolition tasks that require more control and speed shifts.

The 446B’s turn circle radius of 5,679 millimeters may also prove inadequate for certain applications. Those that require more maneuverability and control, such as excavation around utilities, may be disappointed by the machine’s limited ability to turn in tight spaces. Finally, the 496B’s operating weight of 8,890 kg makes it a bit heavy and somewhat cumbersome to handle compared to alternative models in of the same weight class; this may be a concern for those who need to maneuver their machines across even surfaces with greater agility.

Overall Assessment

Overall, the Caterpillar 446B is a reliable and dependable backhoe loader with impressive features and specifications. Its center-mount design gives operators greater agility in tight spaces, its loading height of 4,310 millimeters is perfect for large volume material loading, and its digging depth and reach of 7,866 millimeters and 5,219 millimeters respectively allows it to reach areas inaccessible to standard-issue backhoe loaders. Its CAT 3114T engine also does an excellent job in providing the machine with the amount of power it needs to complete demanding tasks even in challenging conditions.

In terms of disadvantages, the 496B may not be the best choice for applications that require a high relief valve pressure, bucket width, and turn circle radius. Similarly, its two-speed or four-speed forward configuration may not be as versatile as newer backhoe loaders and its operating weight of 8,890 kg may make it too bulky to maneuver in certain areas.

All considered, the Caterpillar 446B is an impressive piece of machinery and may be suitable for residential and commercial applications. Nonetheless, potential buyers may want to consider their specific needs and decide if the 446B is the right machine for them.