Caterpillar 446B ext*, 1996 Technical Specifications
| SideShift or CenterMount | CM |
| SAE dig depth (mm) | 6479 |
| Reach @ ground level (mm) | 9130 |
| Loading height (mm) | 4894 |
| Bucket width, min-max (mm) | 457-914 |
| Bucket breakout (kgf) | 6153 |
| Dipper breakout (kgf) | 3110 |
| 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 ext* |
Introduction
The Caterpillar 446B ext* is a backhoe loader that boasts impressive technical specifications. This article will analyze its features and specifications, discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of each.
SideShift or CenterMount
The Caterpillar 446B ext* has a CenterMount, or a centrally located backhoe, which provides a balanced weight distribution and ensures excellent stability during operation. However, this feature makes it difficult to work in narrow spaces and may require more time to get into position.
SAE Dig Depth
The SAE dig depth of 6479mm allows the backhoe to excavate deep holes or trenches. This feature is advantageous when working on large construction sites or civil engineering projects. However, it may be overkill for smaller projects, and the extra depth may make the task unnecessarily complex and time-consuming.
Reach @ Ground Level
The reach of 9130mm at ground level is a significant advantage when working on large areas. The longer reach allows the operator to access materials or dig deeper with ease. The Caterpillar 446B ext* would be beneficial when working on large-scale excavation projects. The longer reach may, however, become a disadvantage when working in cramped spaces or small sites.
Loading Height
The loading height of 4894mm is an advantage when loading materials onto trucks or high platforms. This feature is particularly useful in industries like mining and construction where materials need to be lifted to a significant height. However, it can also become a disadvantage if working in tight spaces or when the platform height is lower than the backhoe’s loading height.
Bucket Width, Min-Max
The bucket width of 457-914mm allows the backhoe to work in different size zones. The operator can use a wider or narrower width depending on the task at hand, making it a versatile feature. This feature is highly advantageous when working in various settings, as it allows operators to customize operations to suit a given context.
Bucket Breakout
The bucket breakout of 6153kgf and dipper breakout of 3110kgf are beneficial when excavating hard or rocky terrain. The power to break apart the ground is useful when working in challenging conditions. The Caterpillar 446B ext* has the level of breakout required for heavy construction or demolition sites. However, this feature may increase the likelihood of operator error, causing damage to the machinery.
Slew System
The Caterpillar 446B ext* uses a cylinder slew system. This system provides more accuracy when maneuvering the backhoe. However, compared to hydraulic systems, cylinder systems tend to be slower and less efficient. The operator may need more time to produce the same result, which could mean a decrease in productivity.
Loader Bucket Capacity (m3)
The loader bucket capacity of 1.1m3 is large enough for moving significant quantities of material. This capacity makes the Caterpillar 446B ext* appealing for industries like mining and construction. However, this feature may not be useful when working on smaller projects or in tight spaces.
Dump Height
The dump height of 2699mm allows for efficient dumping of materials into trucks or other containers. This height is advantageous when working on loading docks or raised platforms. However, this feature may lead to instability if the container is too low and may require additional equipment to ensure safety.
Engine Make and Model
The Caterpillar 446B ext* model is equipped with a Cat 3114T engine. This engine produces 71kW@2200 RPM and has a 4.4-liter displacement. The Caterpillar 446B ext* engine provides the power required for tough construction and excavation jobs. The Cat engine is a dependable option that ensures that the machinery does not break down or stall in the middle of a job. However, the Caterpillar 446B ext* engine may be overpowered for smaller tasks, increasing fuel costs and noise pollution.
Number of Cylinders and Pump Type
The Caterpillar 446B ext* has a 4-cylinder engine and uses a VDAP pump type with a flow rate of 162lit/min. Caterpillar has optimized the engine to maintain its power without compromising fuel efficiency. However, the VDAP has a relatively low flow rate, which means the operator may need to wait longer for the backhoe to respond to a command.
Relief Valve Pressure
The backhoe’s relief valve pressure is capped at 200 bar, which protects the backhoe’s hydraulic systems from overload. The Caterpillar 446B ext* has a robust safety system that ensures that the machinery is protected from damage. However, this safety feature may decrease the overall productivity of the backhoe, as the operator may need to slow down when approaching this pressure limit.
Transmission Type and Drive
The Caterpillar 446B ext* uses a Powershift transmission, which allows for smooth and efficient shifting. The backhoe also offers both 2WD and 4WD drive options, giving the operator better control over the machinery’s movement. The Powershift transmission is fuel-efficient and provides the operator with an optimal transfer of power. However, the Powershift transmission has more moving parts and requires more maintenance compared to other transmission types.
Speeds, FR
The Caterpillar 446B ext* has a travel speed of 44km/h, which makes it one of the fastest backhoes in its class. The increased speed provides a distinct advantage, allowing operators to move from one job site to another quickly. However, if the operator is not familiar with the backhoe’s operating speed, this feature may increase the risk of accidents or human error.
Ride Control
The Caterpillar 446B ext* comes without ride control, which provides a more responsive ride. The lack of a ride control option reduces the equipment’s complexity and enables the operator to focus on core functions such as digging and excavation. However, the absence of ride control may lead to increased wear and tear, especially in rocky environments.
Travel Length and Height
The backhoe’s travel length of 7954mm and travel height of 4193mm provide the operator with significant flexibility when navigating around job sites. This feature is excellent when working in areas with tight spaces, reducing the risk of damage to both the machinery and the environment. However, this feature may be unnecessary on large construction sites, and the backhoe’s compact size may limit its capabilities.
Width and Turn Circle Radius without Brakes
The Caterpillar 446B ext* has a width of 2434mm and a turn circle radius of 8408mm. The backhoe’s compact size is a significant advantage when working in tight spaces, making it easier to maneuver around obstacles. The turn circle radius is also useful as it helps the operator to position the backhoe precisely when excavating or loading material. However, when working in open spaces, the backhoe’s compact size may limit its capabilities.
Operating Weight
The Caterpillar 446B ext* has an operating weight of 9160kg, making it a relatively lightweight backhoe in its class. The light weight is advantageous when working on job sites with a weak foundation or when transporting the backhoe to remote locations. However, the lightweight may mean a less
