Caterpillar 446B ext*, 1997 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 | PS |
| 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* |
The Caterpillar 446B ext* – Advantages and Disadvantages of the Relevant Features and Specifications
The Caterpillar 446B ext* is a highly regarded backhoe loader used by professionals in the construction industry. This article will analyze the machine’s features and specifications, focusing on their advantages and disadvantages.
SideShift or CenterMount
The Caterpillar 446B ext* has two options for the mounting of the backhoe: SideShift and CenterMount. The SideShift option allows the backhoe to move to the left or right side, while the CenterMount option places the backhoe in the center of the machine.
Advantages:
- SideShift option allows better maneuverability in tight spaces
- CenterMount option provides better balance and stability
Disadvantages:
- SideShift option may make the machine less stable due to the shift in weight placement
- CenterMount option may make it difficult to use the loader when the backhoe is attached
SAE Dig Depth
The SAE Dig Depth of the Caterpillar 446B ext* is 6479mm, which is the maximum depth the machine can reach when digging.
Advantages:
- Allows for the excavation of deep trenches and foundations
- Increases versatility of machine
Disadvantages:
- May limit access to shallow digging jobs
- Requires more skilled operators to navigate the machine at maximum depth
Reach @ Ground Level
The Reach @ Ground Level of the Caterpillar 446B ext* is 9130mm, which is the maximum distance the backhoe arm can reach when digging at ground level.
Advantages:
- Allows for the excavation of large areas without having to physically move the machine
- Can be beneficial for jobs in tight spaces where the machine cannot move around easily
Disadvantages:
- May not be useful for jobs that require deeper digging
- May require more skill from the operator to handle at maximum reach
Loading Height
The Loading Height of the Caterpillar 446B ext* is 4894mm, which is the maximum height the loader can reach when loading/unloading materials.
Advantages:
- Allows for loading and unloading of materials onto higher platforms such as trucks or raised foundations
- Increases versatility of machine
Disadvantages:
- May not be useful for jobs that require materials to be lifted to greater heights
- May require more skill from operator to handle at maximum height
Bucket Width, Min-Max
The Bucket Width, Min-Max of the Caterpillar 446B ext* is 457-914mm, which is the range of bucket sizes that can be attached to the machine.
Advantages:
- Allows for customization of machine to fit specific job requirements
- Increases versatility of machine
Disadvantages:
- May require additional costs to equip with multiple bucket sizes
- May not be useful for jobs that require bucket sizes outside of the given range
Bucket Breakout and Dipper Breakout
The Bucket Breakout of the Caterpillar 446B ext* is 6153kgf, which is the maximum force that can be exerted with the bucket attachment. The Dipper Breakout is 3110kgf, which is the maximum force that can be exerted with the backhoe attachment.
Advantages:
- Allows for efficient excavation of materials
- Increases productivity of the machine
Disadvantages:
- May cause damage to the machine if used excessively
- Requires skilled operators to handle at maximum breakout force
Slew System
The Slew System of the Caterpillar 446B ext* is a Cylinder type system, which powers the backhoe’s rotation.
Advantages:
- Offers smooth and consistent rotation of the backhoe attachment
- Increases overall efficiency of the machine
Disadvantages:
- May require more maintenance due to complexity of the system
- May be more expensive to repair or replace if any issues arise
Loader Bucket Capacity and Dump Height
The Loader Bucket Capacity of the Caterpillar 446B ext* is 1.1 cubic meters, and the Dump Height is 2699mm, which is the maximum height the loader can raise and dump materials.
Advantages:
- Allows for efficient loading and unloading of materials
- Increases productivity of machine
Disadvantages:
- May require more skill from operator to handle at maximum capacity and dump height
- May cause damage to machine if overloaded or dumped at too high of a height
Engine Make & Model, Power, Displacement and Number of Cylinders
The Caterpillar 446B ext* has a Cat 3114T engine, with 71kW@2200rpm power output, a 4.4 liter displacement and four cylinders.
Advantages:
- Provides sufficient power for most job requirements
- The smaller size and four cylinders allow for increased fuel efficiency
Disadvantages:
- May not be powerful enough for very heavy jobs
- May require more maintenance due to high-performance demands
Pump Type, Flow and Relief Valve Pressure
The Caterpillar 446B ext*’s pump type is VDAP, with a flow rate of 162 liters per minute and a relief valve pressure of 200 bar.
Advantages:
- Provides efficient and consistent hydraulic power to the machine
- Increases overall productivity of the machine
Disadvantages:
- May be more expensive to repair or replace if any issues arise
- Requires skilled operators to handle at maximum pump flow and pressure
Transmission Type, Drive and Speeds
The Caterpillar 446B ext* has a PS transmission type, with 2WD/4WD options and up to 44 speeds.
Advantages:
- Allows for versatile operation of the machine in various terrain and weather conditions
- Increases overall productivity of the machine
Disadvantages:
- May require more maintenance due to complexity of the transmission system
- May be more expensive to repair or replace if any issues arise
Ride Control
The Caterpillar 446B ext* does not have a ride control option.
Advantages:
- No additional costs or maintenance required for ride control system
Disadvantages:
- May cause operator discomfort during extended use
- May lower overall efficiency and
