Controls, Connectivity Case’s Focus for G Series Loader Updates

June 1, 2021

Ryan Gehm

The central enhancement for Case’s G Series wheel loaders is a right armrest with three new color-coded configurable buttons for preprogrammed machine settings determined by the operator.

Case engineers targeted inside the cab — operator interfaces and controls, in particular — for the latest technology enhancements to the entire G Series wheel loader lineup. Advances include a new touchscreen display and interface, new operating modes and adjustable electro-hydraulic (EH) controls for simplified operation, as well as a fully integrated OEM payload system.

“Wheel loaders — especially those in production and heavy working environments — achieve significant improvements in performance and profitability when you shorten cycle times, simplify operation and increase uptime,” said Andrew Dargatz, product manager, Case. “Each of the enhancements introduced in the new Case G Series loaders drive those incremental improvements that lead to big gains in productivity and efficiency.”

The touchscreen display provides tablet-like access to all critical machine settings and operational data. This includes new adjustable EH controls that allow the operator to independently set lift (boom) and tilt (bucket) responsiveness to match operator preference and loading situations. Each function can be independently set to smooth, moderate or aggressive within the new touchscreen monitor.

Engineers simplified the previous power mode setting with two modes: Smart for smoother shifting and Max for work at full throttle. Improved communication between the engine and transmission in Smart mode also helps to reduce tire wear and provide up to 10% fuel savings compared to Max mode, Dargatz said.

Operators also can utilize new EH parallel lift functionality across all boom configurations, which assists in material retention and smooth loading by automatically maintaining the angle and position of the bucket or forks. Enabling Ride Control in this mode further minimizes the risk of the material shifting while loading or transporting.

Three new color-coded configurable buttons on the right armrest — a “hall-mark” of the new G Series enhancements, according to Dargatz — allow the operator to more quickly and easily interact with preprogrammed machine settings or functions to simplify operation. These settings are determined by the operator and can include critical functions/displays such as the all-new payload screen, rearview camera, differential lock or declutch and strobe activation.

“These advances, combined with the ergonomic design of the joysticks and the operator station, centralize total operation of the loader for improved operator performance and focus, and reduced fatigue,” said Dargatz.

The new payload system is integrated directly into the loader’s primary display and provides bucket weight, pass counts, accumulated/running weight, and job-tracking data for high-volume loading and production environments. This functionality allows operators to reduce under/overload situations by accurately weighing each bucket, and cumulatively track the total weight of material loaded into each truck. Operators can track total loads and total volume of material moved over a set time, as well as track history by customer, truck, or material and provide ticket histories.

“The onboard payload system drives efficiencies in loading cycles and reduces situations where operators have to top off trucks as they sit on the scale — a waste of time and work for the loader,” said Dargatz. “It also provides a perspective into the operation of the loader to evaluate operator performance, as well as into cycle information that could help make future decisions on bucket and machine sizing for an application.”

The payload system also interacts directly with the newly enhanced Case SiteWatch telematics platform, which features a new dashboard, more intuitive navigation and new overview sections that spotlight critical information without requiring the user to search for the data. A new SiteConnect Module also improves the volume, flow and integration of data to SiteWatch for real-time monitoring, management of maintenance and service intervals, examination of equipment utilization and overall machine record-keeping.