Last week, Editor Kathy Wells traveled to the Caterpillar facilities in Peoria, Illinois. The city plays host to Caterpilar's Global Headquarters and Caterpillar Visitors Center downtown, where curious minds can explore exhibits, browse Caterpillar's company history and learn about sustainability efforts and future endeavors. But for more in-depth exploration, CBO headed to Cat's Peoria Proving Grounds Machine Development Center, Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center and Additive Manufacturing Facility. Check out some tweets below to take a look inside the facilities and get the latest from Caterpillar:
1. Twenty-four of the industry's top construction trade publications were in attendance for the chance to learn about and operate Cat's latest products in the Edwards facility's controlled temperatures and soil conditions.
Lots of #Caterpillar equipment #action inside the Edwards #Demonstration & #Learning Center today @CBOMagazine pic.twitter.com/2H8Uz3ZWIA
— Kathy Wells (@KathyWellsCBO) March 17, 2016
2. Cat released a total of six new/updated products: 801K Soil Compactor, M Series Wheel Loaders, C Series Articulated Trucks, 415F2 Industrial Loader, Mini Hydraulic Excavators and Compact and Small Wheel Loader Lineup.
In Peoria this week #learning about @CaterpillarInc's newest #construction #equipment #builtforit #CatProductLaunch pic.twitter.com/Ck9qmts8bi
— Kathy Wells (@KathyWellsCBO) March 17, 2016
3. The 304.5E2 features the Xtra Tool Carrier lineup and helps improve productivity in carrying applications.
@CaterpillarInc new 4-ton 304.5E2 XTC & 8-ton 308E VAB(variable angle boom) mini excavators built for #productivity pic.twitter.com/S16EMBBacs
— Kathy Wells (@KathyWellsCBO) March 17, 2016
4. Serviceability was key on Cat's 815K Compactor, now offering both ground level and platform access to daily service points.
815K Compactor: 4 ground-level service points: coolant, transmission site gauge, hydraulic site gauge, engine field pic.twitter.com/URtdvBhl8v
— Kathy Wells (@KathyWellsCBO) March 17, 2016
5. XE Economy Mode, Variable Gound Speed Limiter, next-gen hood and front fenders lead to reduced operating costs.
Updated @CaterpillarInc medium wheel loader has 10% more fuel efficiency w/Productive Economy Mode pic.twitter.com/D2Jsc1KdpZ
— Kathy Wells (@KathyWellsCBO) March 17, 2016
* Bonus video: This new, hands-free access feature allows the operator to enter the cab freely and safely.
Added feature on @CaterpillarInc 972M wheel loader: switch-operated cab door #catdemo #hello #comein @CBOMagazine pic.twitter.com/jcPnho5Zng
— Kathy Wells (@KathyWellsCBO) March 17, 2016
