 Special
Edition Models Available for 2007
February 2007 marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction
of the world’s first factory-integrated tractor loader/backhoe.
One of many Case firsts, the Case 320 was the first loader/backhoe
purpose-built at the plant for construction applications.
“When Case introduced the first loader/backhoe in 1957, it
revolutionized the construction industry,” said Jim Hasler,
vice president, Case Construction Equipment. “Before that, contractors
had made due using farm tractors with loader attachments and
sometimes jury-rigged backhoe attachments. With the Case 320,
they received the unprecedented versatility of having one machine
that could trench, crane and fill.”
Jim Hughes, marketing manager, Case Construction Equipment,
noted that Case has led the industry ever since that early introduction,
with numerous important innovations, such as return-to-dig and
return-to-travel functions, over-center backhoe for improved
balance, the Case Extendahoe® extendible dipperstick, power
loader linkage, Ride Control and the patented Pro Control System
(PCS™) for superior backhoe control and faster cycles, among
other industry firsts.
Perhaps the most visible change between the Case 320 and today’s
Case M Series 2 Loader/Backhoes is in the cab and operator’s
environment. From the earliest models, which featured a stark
steel-framed chair with a back and padded seat—already an improvement
over most of its agricultural cousins of the time—the Case Loader/Backhoe
has evolved to feature the world’s most comfortable cab. “The
optional deluxe cab package available on the Case M Series 2
machines provides the quietest cab in the industry,” said Hughes.
And it still offers superior visibility.
 50
years of progress in features and function
“The difference in control is remarkable,” Hughes said. “Today’s
Case Loader/Backhoes with pilot controls are simple and intuitive
to learn and operate, and require very low effort. Case pilot
controls are infinitely adjustable fore and aft, as well as
side to side, to improve operator comfort and productivity.”
According to Hasler, one thing that hasn’t changed since Case
built its first loader/backhoe is the fact that Case is committed
to providing more than just exceptional equipment. “Our Case
financial services group celebrates 50 years in business in
2007, too,” he said. “That’s 50 years of seeing to the unique
needs of contractors and other construction equipment users—not
only in terms of providing the equipment they need to get the
job done, but also of structuring payment schedules and financing
terms that can help them grow their business. Tens of thousands
of owner-operators got their start in the business with a Case
loader/backhoe and financing that met their needs.”
More than two years ago, Case passed the half million mark
in the production of loader/backhoes. “No other manufacturer
comes close,” Hughes said, “and we’re well on our way to three-quarters
of a million.”
Special 50th Anniversary Edition Models Available
Models built in 2007 will feature a 50th Anniversary
decal on the loader arms and backhoe. Customers can also purchase
a special 50th Anniversary Edition, which features bundled options
and a special limited-edition decal that is different from the
standard decal. In addition, Case will have on display at 2007
shows a custom black Anniversary model that will feature a frosted-window
treatment of the original Case 320 in one window and in the
other a futuristic model.
 A
book describing the history of the loader/backhoe will be available
for purchase at shows, including World of Concrete, along with
limited-edition prints featuring the past, present and future
models.
The Case M Series 2 line includes the 580M, 580M turbo, 580
Super M, 580 Super M+ and the 590 Super M and features the exclusive
Pro Control System™, optional pilot controls and hydraulic loader
and backhoe quick couplers for fast attachment changes from
the cab, among other features. The machines, which range from
76 to 98 horsepower, continue to meet the need for powerful,
reliable, and highly versatile construction equipment, reinforcing
the Case tradition of leadership in loader/backhoes.
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