Tech
Video: Wacker Neuson intros the ST27, its smallest CTL to date
Wacker Neuson has introduced the smallest model in the company’s line of compact track loaders, the ST27.
The CTL was officially unveiled to the public at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2023.
“It’s a new size class for us,” said John Dotto, product application and training specialist at Wacker Neuson.
Pound-for-pound, he said, fits what he describes as the compact medium-size class of CTLs.
Weighing in at only 7,350 pounds and still powered by a 74-horsepower Kohler engine, the ST27 is easily towable, and with a rated operating capacity of 1,890 pounds at 35% of tipping load, it can do as much or more than some of its heavier competition, he says.
The compact design at 60 inches wide and 80 inches tall makes it ideal for working in confined spaces with low overhead clearance. According to Dotto, its reach at dump height of 36.5 inches makes it easier to dump material into the center of a dump box and keeps the loader farther away from the vehicle or trailer being loaded. The vertical-lift ST27 also offers a hinge pin height of 10 feet and a dump height of 94.3 inches.
Like all Wacker Neuson’s skid steer, CTLs, and compact utility loaders, the ST27 is designed and manufactured for the North American market at Wacker Neuson’s Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin facility.
“At that low operating weight with that kind of horsepower, this thing’s going to perform well for a contractor looking for a smaller compact track loader,” Dotto said. “The ST27 has some great new technology.”
The low profile of the ST27’s loader arm provides a greater range of visibility out the side window.Equipment World
Comfort and visibility
One of the first noticeable differences operators will see in the ST27 is the unibody CTL frame.
Dotto said this means that the undercarriage is part of the chassis.
The frame style allowed engineers to make some adjustments to the loader arm configuration that provide some real benefits for operators.
“On the previous generations, we used some commonality between the loader arms, not necessarily the chassis itself,” he said. “We do have unique lower chassis for the previous generation designs but as we move forward, we’ve got this new uni-body design, and when you’re dedicating yourself to a track loader, you can kind of hug the loader arms down over the tops of the tracks, which does allow you to lower the profile of the arms.”
Dotto said the low profile of the loader arm comes straight down, allowing for increased side-view visibility because the arms are lower in the side profile of the range of the windows on the machine.
In addition, keeping the straight loader arm design allows for the door to open a little bit more.
“We know that visibility on a compact track loader is super important for operators because you’re claustrophobic as it is being surrounded by the work group so the more, we can open up those lines of sight, the better and safer it is for the operator,” Dotto said.
In addition, Wacker Neuson changed the geometry of the H-link on the rear of the machine to hide the vertical linkage assembly. The shape of the rear linkage now aligns with the cab posts in the operator’s line of sight to minimize visual obstructions, creating a better view of the rear.
The unibody frame style continues into the undercarriage with the track being integral to the overall frame.
“A couple of other differences with the rest of the compact track loader lineup from Wacker Neuson is you’ll see a dual flange roller up front and a dual flange in the rear,” he said. “What we were trying to do with the design was mimic the smooth ride quality that you get from the rest of the CTL line.”
Dotto noted that the ST27 features a Rexroth T-series direct drive motor system, so very little maintenance is required.
“They’re very quiet and they make a ton of power,” he said.
Despite its compact size, the ST27 maintains the comfort levels of the operator cabs of Wacker Neuson’s larger CTL models.Equipment WorldAs for comfort, Ditto said the ST27 has the same spacious cab found on all of the Wacker Neuson compact track loaders. It includes a 5.7-inch color display and controls that can be set to an operator’s preference.
He noted that the ST27 is available in EH joystick configuration only. However, the system does allow operators to toggle between ISO and H-Pattern via a switch in the cab.
In addition, the large display makes it easy to adjust the joystick sensitivity and machine response settings for a fully customizable operating experience.
The cab is specifically designed to reduce fatigue, featuring a more comfortable switch location and layout, ergonomic handles, joysticks, armrests and an angled footrest in the floorboard, and more.
Dotto noted even entering and exiting the machine is easier with a wide door, step and grab handles.
Drive on
The ST27 features a two-speed standard travel drive that can reach 9.1 mph resulting in faster cycle times.
One of the technologies that happen inside the cab that you won’t see from the outside is a standard auto-shifting two-speed drive system.
“When the machine is seeing that command for full stick forward, it’ll automatically upshift, and then when you get to a pile of material and you’re coming off that drive command, it’s going to notice that and automatically downshift,” Dotto said. “It requires less input from the operator for greater productivity, and you can pay attention to other things on the site, as opposed to shifting up and down.”
It automatically senses the operators’ need to shift. The auto feature engages in and out of the two speeds based on joystick input and eliminates the need for the operator to make manual shifts. It can be active or disabled based on applications.
“You can certainly turn the system off if that’s not your preference, but it is some technology that’s available to you on the ST27,” he said.
The ST27 maintains Wacker Neuson’s maintenance friendly engine compartment that is designed with serviceability in mind.Equipment World
Serviceability
The ST27 maintains Wacker Neuson’s maintenance-friendly engine compartment.
“Wacker Neuson loaders have always been designed with serviceability in mind,” he said.
On the ST27, the cab fully tips forward with the loader arms down, providing complete access to all maintenance components. The machine is engineered to be user-friendly with a simple, open design and efficient layout that requires less time on daily service checks and more time on the job.
Serviceability is one of the advantages Wacker Neuson gained in coming later into the skid steer and CTL market. Starting after Tier 4 final engine regulations went live, the company was able to design a chassis that made space for all the after-treatment systems and didn’t force them to cram more equipment into the engine compartment that wasn’t previously there.
“When you open up the engine compartment, when you flip open the cooling package when you tip the cab when you look at the machine completely wide open, you can see a total difference in just the simplicity of the design that we were able to use,” Dotto said.
Just based on the ability to get to components in the engine compartment, he said it is easy to see how wide open the design is.
“You’ll see in some other manufacturers’ designs that haven’t made a generation shift, you see a lot of extra equipment crammed into these engine compartments, and it just makes it tough to work on,” Dotto said. “For me, one of our number one selling aspects and one of the things that differentiates us is that serviceability.”
A couple of standard features on the ST27 are a battery disconnect switch and a standard variable-speed cooling fan, which aids in cold starts and keeps things quieter when the fan does not need to be spinning at full speed.
Raised to keep it out of the dust, Dotto said the pre-cleaner is intended to improve the service life of some of the machine’s main filter elements. Another way of looking at is, the pre clearer helps ensure the engine is breathing cleaner.
“The variable speed fan aids in cold start and it also keeps things quieter on the machine when the fan does not need to be spinning at full speed,” he said.
Related to the engine compartment but off to the right side is the cyclonic pre-cleaner, which aids in making sure the engine is breathing cleaner air, if possible, is now standard on the ST27.
“This cyclonic pre-cleaner is an attempt to improve the service life of your main filter elements,” Dotto said.
Quick Specs
- Operating Weight: 7,350 lbs.
- Rated operating capacity at 35% of tipping load: 1,890 lbs.
- Engine: 74-horsepower Kohler KDI 2504
- Hinge pin height: 120 in.
- Dump height: 94.3 in.
Wacker Neuson introduced the smallest model in the company’s line of compact track loaders, the ST27 at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2023.Wacker Neuson
Caterpillar is bidding farewell to its 259D3, 279D3 and 289D3 compact track loaders with the introduction of its new, next-generation 255 and 266 models.
The completely redesigned models debuted at media and customer events at Caterpillar’s Edwards, Illinois, Demonstration and Learning Center last week. The 255 and 265 offer improved engine performance, more lift height, a roomier cab and more standard technology than their predecessors.
“We kept the DNA of the D3 series while reimagining the possibilities of loader performance using voice of customer feedback to lead the way,” says Trevor Chase, product application specialist for Caterpillar. “Both next-generation models leverage the many benefits offered by the vertical lift design. The new Cat 255 replaces the 259D3, while the 265 replaces both the 279D3 and 289D3 machines.”
The CTLs are the last of Cat’s building and construction products to get the next-generation treatment and simplified nomenclature. The first number (2) represents the skid steer loader and compact track loader machine family; the middle number (5 or 6) designates the machine size; and the ending number (5) is the compact track loader identifier. Skid steers will be identified by a 0 end number. Additional new models will roll out in the coming months, the company says.
CaterpillarMore power and torque
Cat equipped the 255 with a C2.8T engine and the 265 with a C2.8TA engine, both at 74 horsepower. This gives the new machines a significant boost in torque – 13% for the 255 and 43% for the 256 – over their D3-Series predecessors. The engine and cooling package are mounted lower in the frame for added visibility out the rear window and stability while lifting heavy loads.
Customers attest that the added lift height makes truck loading easier. The 255 offers 10 feet 4 inches of lift height, while the 265 can reach 11 feet high.
“The lift height has made a big difference when loading trucks,” said Derrick Roger, owner of Coast to Coast Lawnscapes, who spent several months testing the 255. “You can get on top of that truck now and empty the bucket; whereas, before you would have to shake the bucket to try to get the material to fall out.”
The 255 delivers 36% more tilt breakout, 26% higher lift breakout force and a 24% increase in rated operating capacity (ROC). The 265 also delivers 19% higher tilt breakout force and 22% higher lift breakout force.
Standard hydraulic pressure has been increased to 3,500 psi, allowing the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.
If demanding attachments require additional hydraulic flow, customers can have their Cat dealer activate the high flow functionality on the machine or remotely via software update. This makes it possible for the CTLs to hit 30 gallons per minute of flow at the standard system pressure.
A High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 30 gallons per minute for the 255 and 34 gallons per minute for the 265.
The torsion suspension undercarriage delivers better operator comfort, track wear and material retention, plus the stiffer design results in smoother graded surfaces, Cat says. A new 12.6-inch bar-tread narrow track option is available on the 255.
A more spacious cab
Cat says it has increased the cab width by 2.75 inches without making the machines wider and the footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 inches. The larger cab gives operators an additional 1.5 inches of hip room and 1.1 inches more width between the joysticks.
A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available, including a ventilated and heated seat. A new automatic temperature control allows operators to set a specific temperature. Relocated vents help cool or heat the machine quickly.
The standard package includes the same 5-inch LCD monitor as the D3 Series CTLs, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and functionality for the rearview camera feed, creep, job clock, and maintenance reminders.
Customers can upgrade to a new 8-inch advanced touchscreen monitor, like the display found in Cat’s next-generation mini excavators and small loaders. It delivers advanced radio control and supports the 270-degree multicamera option. The advanced monitor pairs with the advanced joysticks for integrated control of all machine functions and adjustments.
“You can adjust the movement – or the aggressiveness or the conservativeness – of how your tracks and lift arms work through your advanced touchscreen display,” Dante Thomas, skid steer and CTL marketing manager, said. “And you can control of all of your display functions from the advanced joysticks. There are buttons with enter and select functions on those joysticks that you’re able to change any functionality that is possible.”
Cat also redesigned the entry, making the 255 and 265 easier to enter and exit. The cab door can be opened even when the lift arms are not fully lowered to the frame stops. It can be removed without tools in less than one minute.
Advanced technologies
Calling the 255 and 265 “one of the most attachment-friendly machines on the market,” Thomas says both the standard and advanced monitors can run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe.
“It has attachment recognition that when you plug the attachment into the machine, it recognizes which attachment is connected. It adjusts your joystick pattern, so it gives you intuitive and simple control,” says Thomas.
The available Cat Product Link Elite system tracks machine hours, location, asset utilization, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is remotely accessible via VisionLink. In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.
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Quick Data is a snapshot of new and used wheel loader sales trends from Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data, TopBid auction price service and EquipmentWatch market trend reports.
Demand for wheel loaders has softened with new and used financed wheel loader sales down year-over-year from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 according to Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data.
Financed new wheel loader sales dropped 10%, while used financed wheel loader sales fell by 15% compared to the same period last year.
Cat (22.4%), Deere (21.0%) and Komatsu (12.4%) held their positions year-over-year as the top three sellers of new financed wheel loaders. Top models sold included the Deere 544 P-Tier (401), Deere 624 P-Tier (380) and the Komatsu WA270-8 (364).
[Watch: “A Really Solid Machine” – Test Run of Komatsu’s WA475-10 Wheel Loader]
Cat (28.5%) and Deere (22.9%) also snagged the No. 1 and 2 positions for the highest number of financed used units sold, with Case (14.7%) claiming the third spot. On the date we examined the data, the top-selling models were the Case 321F (340), Cat 926M (164) and the Case 621G (159).
During this period, there were more buyers of new loaders in Florida (955) than in any other state. Buyers of new wheel loaders were also prevalent in Texas (893) and Illinois (665). Those states were also top buyers of used financed machines, with 712 units sold in Texas, 413 in Florida, and 412 in Illinois.
EDA data is compiled from state UCC-1 filings on financed construction equipment. EDA continually updates this data as information comes in from each state.
[Related Content: A Rundown of the Latest Wheel Loaders for 2023]
Used Wheel Loader Market
Used wheel loader prices rose 10.1% for the 12-month period from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023, according to Randall Reilly’s EquipmentWatch market trend data.
The average price for a used wheel loader was $137,465 in July 2022 compared to $151,367 in July 2023. The average age of used wheel loaders fell slightly during the period, dropping from 8.8 years to 8.3 years.
EquipmentWatchThe average age and price were calculated on 153,356 resale listings during the period in the EquipmentWatch database.
Over the last 12 months, prices for used wheel loaders have in general increased, with the largest gains in October 2022 (6.5%) and February 2023 (2.9%).
EquipmentWatch defines fair market value (FMV) as the monetary value of an asset that can be expected in a transaction with a single seller and single buyer, neither of whom is under any compulsion or time restriction to complete the transaction. FMV for heavy equipment is most closely associated with the private resale market, as opposed to the public auction market.
Wheel Loader Auction Prices
Caterpillar also dominated the auction charts, accounting for 18 of the top 20 wheel loaders sold in terms of price for the 12-month period of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Deere and Komatsu were the only other manufacturers to appear on the list.
The top auction price spot went to a 2021 Cat 966M with 2,188 hours. It sold for $400,000 at a Ritchie Bros. auction in Orlando, Fla., on September 21, 2022. The second-highest price paid was $315,000 for a 2019 Cat 980M with 7,836 hours at another Ritchie Bros. sale in Atlanta, on December 1, 2022. Rounding out the top three was a 2018 Deere 944K with 8,941 hours. It sold for $290,00 at a J.M. Wood Auction Co. sale in Montgomery, Ala., on March 21, 2023.
In total, there were 358 wheel loaders sold at auctions tracked by Top Bid during this time, with an average price of $99,747. (This does not include any units sold for less than $5,000.)
EDA, Top Bid and EquipmentWatch are owned by Randall Reilly, parent of Equipment World.
[Related Content: Heavy Equipment Auctions Set for Second Half of 2023]
Volvo Construction Equipment bought Terex’s off-road truck line in 2014, and six years later, it rebranded its articulated haulers under the Rokbak name.
On this episode of The Dirt, we hear from Paul Douglas, Volvo vice president of rigid haulers, who explains the differences between the old Terex line and the Rokbak trucks. He also gives a hint at some of the new things coming from Rokbak, including redesigned cabs and replacing the current trucks with new models. There’s also the possibility of a new size truck to hit the market.
Rokbak, as with other construction equipment brands, is working toward a zero-emissions future. On this episode, he explains where the articulated dump truck market is heading in terms of alternative fuel. He adds that customers will see big changes in emissions and engines in the next five years, with the ultimate goal of reaching zero emissions within 10 years.
So to learn more about Rokbak and what the brand has in store for the future, check out this episode of The Dirt.
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