Test Drives

Case TR320 Compact Track Loader – Test Driven

By Earthmoving Equipment Magazine April 2016

If you’re somebody who appreciates well-engineered machinery, you’ve probably got an eye for quality. But if there’s one thing that’s more important than build quality, it’s got to be value for money. The Case TR320 is a workhorse that’s not only well built, but also cost effective to own and operate.

With an operating weight of 4355kg, and 90hp at your disposal, the Case TR320 is a serious earthmover packaged up in a compact machine. Power comes by way of a FPT (Fiat) 3.2 L interim Tier 4 compliant engine. Case gives you two options when it comes to pump flow, and therefore performance.

In its standard configuration, the TR320 has 92 litres per minute; however there is the option to upgrade to 210 litres per minute. With the high-range travel speed option, the Case TR320 is capable of speeds up to 12.2kph.

All of this from a machine that is less than 2m wide.

Rubber tracks reduce ground pressure and minimise disturbance, which is especially beneficial where underfoot conditions are loose or excessively wet. The track frames are simple, non-suspension type with four bottom rollers on each frame. The simplicity of their design lowers the costs of undercarriage maintenance and repair as there are less moving parts. While I can see the benefit of suspension undercarriage in some applications, it’s certainly not something that you’d need in every application.

Routine maintenance is made easy via a rear-swinging access to the engine and cooling package compartment. The operator’s cabin also has the ability to tilt forward to reveal the drive motors, pumps and valving for cleaning around the major hydraulic powertrain components. The Case TR320 also features a hydraulic quick hitch, enabling attachment changes on-the-fly from the comfort of the operator’s seat. Factory-fitted Ride Control works by absorbing some of the inertia of the radial lift loader frame, isolating the main frame from the work tool and load being carried.

The operator’s station and interior panel work appear neat and durable and present at an automotive quality. The instrument display, designed neatly into the vertical cabin pillar, is a good feature. All the necessary information is readily accessible and in full view of the operator at all times. The travel and implement control levers feature switches mounted for easy access; in particular I thought the addition of a park brake switch was a good idea. The seating position feels further forward than that of other skid steers we’ve tested. The additional range of vision this affords the operator definitely improves both safety and productivity.

 

The range of available attachments for use on a skid steer loader is improving their versatility and is driving both skid steer and compact track loader sales. The Case compact track loader range features three models, the TR270 and TR320 which feature a radial lift type loader frame and the TV380 which features vertical lift configuration. All three variants are still made in the USA and are designed to meet the demands of full-size operators in warmer climates.

For a closer look, contact the local Case branch and arrange a demonstration.

 

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