Caterpillar Donates Chopper to Victory Junction Gang Camp for Children

Caterpillar donated a CAT Chopper to the Victory Junction Gang Camp for seriously ill children. The charitable organization was founded and is supported by the Petty family of NASCAR racing fame, and the plan is to use the motorcycle to raise funds for the camp.

The stated mission of the Victory Junction Gang Camp is to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically sound environment. Kyle and Pattie Petty founded the camp, located in North Carolina on land donated by Richard and Lynda Petty. The camp operates solely on donations and offers a unique opportunity for children whose medical needs keep them from attending standard camps.

The camp features a NASCAR racing theme, and it has been strongly supported by the NASCAR community. Caterpillar is now in its 14th season of NASCAR participation as a sponsor—starting in 1993 as an associate sponsor of Kyle Petty's #42 Pontiac in what was then the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Of course Caterpillar now is the primary sponsor of the #22 car driven by Dave Blaney in the Nextel Cup Series.

Caterpillar officials donated the CAT Chopper to the camp, represented by Petty family members, in a ceremony at the Caterpillar Building Construction Products Division in Clayton, North Carolina.

"I can't thank the folks at Caterpillar enough for donating this beautiful custom chopper to the camp," said Pattie Petty, CEO and co-founder of Victory Junction. "This donation will help raise funds to continue to send children with chronic medical conditions to Victory Junction for a life changing camping experience. The fact that Caterpillar has reached out to create such a great partnership with the camp speaks volumes about their organization."

The donated CAT Chopper being is one of two identical custom motorcycles designed and fabricated for Caterpillar by Orange County Choppers, Inc. (OCC), the focus of the Discovery Channel's hit American Chopper television series. The CAT Chopper build episodes aired in April 2005, shortly after the bike was shown to the public as part of the Caterpillar exhibit at CONEXPO. Since then, both choppers have been "on tour"—making appearances at Caterpillar and Cat® dealer facilities as well as trade shows throughout North America.

"Caterpillar and its dealers have used the CAT Chopper to raise money for a variety of charities nationwide," said Jay Alexander of the Caterpillar North American Commercial Division. "It is fitting that we help such a worthy program as the Victory Junction Gang Camp."

In addition to the chopper's near celebrity status, it is unique in its incorporation of Caterpillar® equipment design elements. After the build, Paul Teutul Jr., OCC's chief designer and fabricator, said, "Being around the construction industry before, we know that the Cat brand carries a legacy of quality, strength and toughness … the same things we now strive for at OCC. The CAT Chopper is definitely the biggest, toughest and most rugged bike we've ever done."

For more information about Caterpillar and the CAT Chopper go to the web site at www.cat.com. For more information on Victory Junction Gang Camp go to the web site at www.victoryjunction.org.

Caterpillar Introduces 450E Backhoe Loader, Featuring 17-Foot Trenching Depth And Powerful Lifting Capability in a Maneuverable Package

The new Caterpillar 450E Backhoe Loader delivers increased performance, enhanced operator comfort, superior controllability, emissions regulations compliance, easier maintenance, and new, functional styling when compared to the 446D, which the new machine replaces. The 450E is in the 17-foot dig depth class and is the largest backhoe loader in the Caterpillar line.

The 450E has 124 net horsepower (92.5 kW) and a backhoe digging depth of 17 feet 3 inches (5.26 meters) when equipped with a standard stick. The new extendible stick pushes the 450E digging depth to 21 feet 4 inches (6.50 meters). The 450E has greater dig depth and greater digging forces than the model it replaces. Those changes combined with the new pilot operated joystick control system boost productivity significantly.

Loader productivity also is greater than the previous model due to a larger bucket, increased hydraulic flow and stronger rimpull for faster cycle times. The general purpose loader bucket is 1.75 cubic yards (1.34 cubic meters) capacity.

The 450E offers many standard features that increase productivity and expand versatility. The high rotation backhoe linkage eliminates the need to change pin position when moving from loading trucks to vertical wall trenching. Four-wheel drive improves traction and machine balance. Ride control improves operator comfort at all speeds and reduces spillage when the bucket is full. Thumb-ready sticks allow easy thumb installation for handling irregularly shaped objects with the backhoe. New combined-function auxiliary hydraulic lines on the backhoe enable the 450E to support all one-way and two-way hydraulic work tools, such as hammers, compactors, thumbs, augers and tilting couplers.

High performance hydraulics get stronger

The variable displacement piston pump and closed-center, load-sensing hydraulics provide quick implement response and speed as well as high forces at any engine speed. The new flow-sharing hydraulic valves ensure proportional hydraulic flow to all implements and improve multi-function performance. The system improves the capabilities of less skilled operators and allows veteran operators to perform at high levels with less effort.

The 450E features a 10 percent increase in backhoe and swing forces due to the enhanced hydraulics and new backhoe geometry, as compared to the previous model. The 450E offers aggressive trenching performance and fast backfilling capability. On the loader end, truck-loading performance is improved through pump torque limiter changes and improved balance of power distributed to the drive train and hydraulics.

New cab and redesigned operator station

The new cab with curved glass and contoured fenders gives the 450E a distinct new look, improves serviceability and provides superior visibility. The low hood enhances sight lines to the loader, and the hood tilts forward for easy access.

The redesigned operator station maximizes operator comfort and productivity. Standard pilot operated joystick controls are easy to use, and they reduce operator fatigue and increase efficiency. Auxiliary backhoe hydraulic functions such as extendible stick or hammer operation are controlled with convenient thumb rollers. Roller switches eliminate the need for foot pedals and create more room in the cab.

Other new features in the E-Series include a narrowed front dash, foot operated tilt steering, and in-cab control pattern changer. Additionally, a new air conditioning system produces 20 percent more airflow. The intake for the system has been relocated for cleaner air, and access to filters is easier.

New engine, enhanced drive train and travel performance

The Cat® C4.4 engine is electronically controlled and meets all U.S. EPA Tier 3/EU Stage III emissions requirements. The engine is a four-cylinder diesel with 4.4 liters displacement. Compared to the previous model, the engine has 21 percent more horsepower and 10 percent more torque, which powers the high performance of the 450E. Service intervals are 500 hours, and daily service points are easily accessed.

New Cat axles and a modified transmission increase top travel speeds 25 percent to 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour). The all-new mainframe is designed for superior durability and machine stability. The 450E has power-assisted brakes with improved control feel. The stronger brakes increase slope-holding capabilities. Outboard rear brakes, planetary gears and brake wear check ports allow easier service.

New extendible stick, bucket thumbs

The new extendible stick has an external slider design for best-in-class performance, digging forces and versatility. The outer slider protects the inner slider from damage and debris. A new wear pad design increases life and simplifies service.

With the introduction of the E-Series backhoe loaders, Caterpillar started offering factory-installed thumbs—a first in the industry. The new thumbs are available in both hydraulic and stiff-link versions and are compatible with all bucket and coupler combinations. The thumbs expand backhoe versatility by enabling the operator to handle irregularly shaped objects more easily.

Enhanced onboard electronics

The 450E is available with Product Link, a management tool that allows customers to collect and track multiple types of information about their machines via wireless communication. Managers can monitor machine location and service meter hours as well as machine health and productivity.

For more information, customers should contact their local representative.

New Caterpillar® 904B Compact Wheel Loader Features Great Versatility

The new Caterpillar 904B Compact Wheel Loader offers the versatility of a skid steer loader and the power, comfort and fuel economy of a wheel loader. The 904B features a skid steer loader quick coupler, high flow hydraulics and powerful Z-bar linkage in a package that is only 7 feet 10 inches (2.4 meters) tall and uses a bucket less than 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide.

The new loader replaces the Cat® 902 and offers 52 net horsepower (39 kW), about 15 percent more power than the previous model. Operating weight is 9,810 pounds (4 450 kg), and the standard bucket capacity is 0.78 cubic yard (0.60 cubic meter). The 904B can use a mechanical or hydraulic quick coupler to handle a wide range of Caterpillar skid steer loader work tools as well as compact wheel loader work tools.

Auxiliary hydraulic flow of 22 gpm (83 lpm) enables the loader to operate productively with hydromechanical work tools such as tillers, trenchers, snowblowers and cold planers. The auxiliary hydraulic circuit is fitted as standard and is well positioned away from possible damage. No-spill, flat face quick couplings are easy to connect and disconnect.

The Z-bar linkage gives the 904B excellent digging capability. Breakout force is 8, 010 lb (35.6 K•n). The linkage, bodywork and cab design give the operator a full view of the work area. The short back end provides a clear view to the rear of the machine. Large, floor-length windows and the compact dash provide a clear line of site to the work tool. The joystick implement control uses low-effort pilot hydraulics, and the molded-in forward/neutral/reverse switch is intuitive to use. The auxiliary circuit uses a proportional electrohydraulic control system for precise control. The foot step and well-placed grab irons facilitate cab entry and egress. The loader offers superior ride quality and load retention when compared to a skid steer loader operating in rough terrain. For added operator comfort, a suspension seat is available.

The 904B also offers ease of service. Ground level access is easy due to the high opening, tilt-up enclosure and side service doors. All major components and service points can be safely accessed from the ground. Lube points of major components are centralized, and the hydraulic service interval is extended to 2,000 hours under normal working conditions.

For more information, customers should contact their .