Operating Parameters
The CAT 432f was equipped with a more high-torque engine and a more efficient hydraulic system.
Table No. 1. Technical characteristics
| Name | Meaning |
| Engine (standard) | 3054C |
| Power, hp (kW) | 101 (74,5) |
| Speed, km/h | 6-40 |
| Drive unit | 4×4 |
| Ground clearance on standard tires, mm | 320 |
| Turning radius (on inner wheels), m | 4,1-5,5 |
Power unit
In the basic version, the Caterpillar is equipped with a self-made 3054C diesel engine. It is an inline four-cylinder engine with overhead valves and liquid cooling. The power system is mechanical, without electronic injection control.
To increase efficiency, turbocharging was used in the design.
Table No. 2. Characteristics of the basic 3054C
| Name | Meaning |
| Rotation speed, rpm | 2200 |
| Cylinder volume, l | 4,4 |
| Maximum torque, Nm | 397 |
| Cylinder diameter (piston stroke), mm | 105 (127) |
| Exhaust gas toxicity standard | Stage II/Tier 2 |
| Torque reserve factor, % | 31 |
Upon special request, a CAT C4.4 power unit will be installed on the loader. In fact, this is the same 3054C, but equipped with an intercooler to cool the blown air. The remaining parameters are identical to the standard motor. However, according to toxicity standards, the C4.4 engine was brought to EU Stage IIIA.
Hydraulic system
- The actuators of the excavator are driven by the pressure of the working fluid.
- For this purpose, hydraulic cylinders and an oil pump are installed in a closed center system.
- An axial piston supercharger with adjustable flow produces 163 liters of working fluid at a pressure of 25 MPa.
- A refrigerator is provided in the return circuit of the hydraulic system to cool the oil.
Upon special request, quick-release hydraulic connectors will be installed on the loader. They are needed for the rapid installation of attachments with hydraulic displacement drive.
Power transmission
In the basic version, the excavator will be equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission. In this form, the transmission allows the car to move forward and backward at a speed of 6 km/h in first gear and 40 km/h in fourth.
At the customer's request, the equipment can be configured with a 6-speed automatic transmission, simple or with the possibility of differential locking. In this case, the speed in the forward direction will remain within the specified limits, and in the reverse direction it will decrease to 28 km/h.
Positive qualities of technology
What properties does the Caterpillar 432e backhoe loader, which is highly popular among domestic companies, have? First of all, it is necessary to say about the following:
- versatility - the model can work not only with standard, but also with some other types of attachments. Thanks to this, the list of actions performed is significantly expanded. This property makes the model in question indispensable for any object;
- ease of use - here we are talking about simplified management due to the automation of a number of work processes. The operator spends less time organizing them and is less tired, which has a positive effect on production volumes;
- ergonomic operator cabin - it fully complies with the standards accepted in Europe: a lot of internal space, minimal hearing load, excellent audibility, excellent visibility of the working area;
- high productivity - ensured thanks to all the above-mentioned properties of the technology.
In addition, the advantages include the high maneuverability of the unit and economical fuel consumption. The special hydraulic system that is installed on it increases the breakout force of the bucket by 10% (compared to its predecessors).
The high maneuverability for which technical devices of this type are famous is achieved thanks to independently moving rear wheels. At the same time, the front pair guarantees an optimal turning radius. Simply put, the device is capable of performing the assigned task in difficult and sometimes extreme conditions.
Layout
The design of the excavator has no fundamental differences from previous models. The machine is based on a steel power frame on which all components are mounted. The operator's high seating position, sloping hood and offset of the earthmoving equipment relative to the chassis axis improve visibility, allowing for better control of the operation of the executive bodies.
Cabin
In the basic version, a “standard” class cabin will be installed on the chassis, and a “deluxe” class cabin will be installed on a separate order. In terms of equipment, these two options are almost identical. The “luxury” cabin will have a more comfortable seat, a height-adjustable steering column and be equipped with an air recirculation system. We present the main components and solutions used to organize the operator’s workplace.
- Air conditioner. The basic package of the two options does not include equipment. The cabin will be equipped with an air conditioning system only upon special order.
- Lighting devices. The excavator is equipped with headlights, taillights and work lights. The position of the latter can be adjusted to concentrate the light spot in the desired location.
- Operator's seat. As an additional option, the chair can be equipped with electric heating.
- Radio. It will also be supplied upon additional request. There are 2 installation options: basic and premium.
The Caterpillar 432F2 instrument panel is equipped with a vandal-proof shield to protect equipment from unauthorized access.
Dimensions
The manufacturer specifies several size options for the machine. The parameters depend on the installed equipment and mechanisms.
Table No. 3. Dimensions
| Name | Meaning |
| Operating weight, kg | 8400 |
| Maximum permissible weight, kg | 11086 |
| Transport length, mm | 5740 |
| Overall height, mm | 3800 |
| Width (without loader bucket), mm | 2350 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2200 |
| Front/rear wheel size | 12.5/80-18 SGL; 16.9-28C |
Bucket, backhoe
A general purpose bucket weighing 430 kg is installed on the loader. Hydraulics make it possible to develop a force at the break-off point of 55 kN, which is slightly lower than the tipping load declared by the manufacturer (6.6 kN).
The 2406mm wide bucket can be raised to a maximum height of 4394mm. In this case, the unloading angle will be 45°.
For digging, a backhoe is installed on the excavator, articulated with a handle and boom.
- The maximum depth declared by the manufacturer for standard equipment is 4775 mm.
- When excavating soil, it can be loaded to a height of 4 m.
- The bucket acts on the ground with a force of 63.5 kN. This is enough for penetration into hard and rocky soil.
Performances
Among the modifications, the CAT 432F2 is the latest model, incorporating experience in the development and design of self-propelled earthmoving equipment. A total of 6 generations of excavators in this series were developed, and each version was assigned a letter of the Latin alphabet.
Almost nothing was changed about the cars: they received a new design, improved electronics, more robust and durable components.
From the family of the series, the previous model Caterpillar 432E is good. It was equipped with the AccuGrade system, which ensures that precise depth and slope are maintained when digging trenches, and was optionally equipped with swivel front and rear wheels.
It is possible to install a telescopic handle on the excavator. The sliding mechanism increases the digging depth to 6.1 m.
The lineup
CATERPILLAR backhoe loaders are represented on the special equipment market in a fairly wide range. Let's look at the most popular models that enjoy well-deserved respect throughout the world.
Caterpillar 430D
Caterpillar 430D
Let's start the review with the Caterpillar 430D model, which has been produced since 2006. The technical characteristics of the loader look like this:
With minor changes, the car came out in the following modifications:
- 430D IT.
- 430E.
- 430E IT.
- 430E ST.
These machines have identical characteristics, the key differences are in the design.
Caterpillar 432D
Another interesting model is the Caterpillar 432D. Unlike the previous series, a less efficient engine with a power of 65 kW is installed here. The equipment has a smaller boom reach (764 mm), but the hydraulics provide a greater breakout force - 50 kN.
Caterpillar 432E
On the basis of this model, the Caterpillar 432E was created, which, unlike the prototype, has a large structural mass: 10 tons, 5 operating modes and can reach speeds of up to 41 km/h.
Caterpillar 434E
An interesting variation is the Caterpillar 434E model, which came in Mechanical and PILOT configurations. This series is characterized by the following technical parameters:
- Self-produced engine 3054C, 70 kW.
- The depth of excavation is 4 m.
- Number of speeds – 5.
- Explosive force – 54 kN.
- Transport speed – 38 km/h.
Caterpillar 436
Another interesting variation of the backhoe loader is the Caterpillar 436 model. The machine has the following characteristics:
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
The model is available on the market in the following configuration:
- 436B.
- 436C.
- 436C IT.
There are no significant design changes within the model range.
Caterpillar 438
Caterpillar 438D
The review can be completed with the Caterpillar 438 II model, which has the following characteristics:
- Engine – PERKINS, with a cylinder capacity of 3.7 liters and a performance of 57.4 kW.
- Weight – 7.3 tons.
- The depth of excavation is 4.8 m.
- Explosive force – 35.7 kN.
- Transport speed – 30 km/h.
The model is presented on the market in modifications 438C, 438C IT and 438D.
CATERPILLAR backhoe loaders are multifunctional machines designed to work in any conditions. All equipment has a standard loader bucket capacity (1 m3), is unpretentious to the quality of the fuel used, and operates correctly at sub-zero temperatures. It is noteworthy that all modifications have a high service life and are characterized by wear resistance of parts. Accordingly, the machines completely exhaust their operating hours, without having to undergo major repairs. This allows us to minimize forced downtime of equipment, which is unacceptable for capital construction.
Price, analogues
As a rule, the cost of a new Caterpillar machine should be obtained from dealers. The manager, after agreement with the customer, will calculate the base price, which depends on the configuration, timing and delivery range.
A used car with low mileage costs 4-4.5 million rubles. When purchasing an excavator second hand, its technical condition and the presence of additional equipment are taken into account.
Similar models include Volvo BL-71, JCB 3CX, Case 695 Super M.
