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Manufacturing History
The Case 800 was produced by J.I. Case at their factory in Churubusco, Indiana, USA, during the years 1957 through 1959. This model represents one of the earlier heavy crawler tractors designed for industrial and construction applications.
Engine and Performance
The Case 800 was popular in tasks such as site clearing, grading, earthmoving, and supporting other construction activities. It was well-regarded for its capability in diverse environments, including forestry and mineral extraction sites.
Technical Innovations
Due to limited production years and numbers, Case 800s have become sought-after by collectors and restorers of vintage construction machinery. Many examples remain operational, celebrated for their sturdy build and mechanical clarity.
Conclusion
The Case 800 bulldozer exemplifies mid-20th-century American industrial design, balancing power, robust mechanical systems, and practical utility. Its combination of a Continental diesel engine and automotive-style transmission set the stage for future developments in crawler tractor technology, and it remains a respected model among enthusiasts and operators valuing vintage reliability.Komatsu TORQFLOW Transmission Overview
Transmission Design and Function
The Komatsu TORQFLOW transmission is a robust power-shift system used in Komatsu dozers and heavy machinery. It features a water-cooled, three-element, single-stage torque converter with a lock-up clutch, combined with a planetary gear train utilizing multiple-disc clutches. This configuration delivers smooth power transfer, efficient gear shifts, and reliable traction under load.
Key Features
The TORQFLOW transmission enables powerful, efficient dozers well-suited for heavy earthmoving. Its design reduces fuel consumption and operator fatigue while enhancing machine reliability. It strikes a balance between robust mechanical systems and hydraulic control for demanding conditions.
The Case 800 was produced by J.I. Case at their factory in Churubusco, Indiana, USA, during the years 1957 through 1959. This model represents one of the earlier heavy crawler tractors designed for industrial and construction applications.
Engine and Performance
- Powered by a Continental 4.5-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine.
- Gross engine horsepower is rated at 80 hp (59.7 kW), with a net output of approximately 72 hp (53.7 kW).
- Designed for efficiency and reliability, the engine was advanced for its time with a focus on torque and durability.
- The Case 800 features a fully mechanical drive system.
- It uses an automotive-type automatic transmission with clutch packs and bands, ensuring smooth power delivery suited to heavy work.
- The tracked crawler mechanism allows it to operate in rough, uneven terrain typical of construction and earthmoving sites.
- The 800 is a sizeable machine with a weight fitting for industrial dozing.
- Designed with an open operator station typical of machines from its era.
- Its compact track system offers good ground contact and stability.
The Case 800 was popular in tasks such as site clearing, grading, earthmoving, and supporting other construction activities. It was well-regarded for its capability in diverse environments, including forestry and mineral extraction sites.
Technical Innovations
- The use of a torque converter transmission improved low-speed torque and helped operators manage heavy loads effectively.
- The engine’s open combustion design simplified maintenance—an important consideration in demanding jobsite conditions.
- Gross Horsepower: Power output measured at the engine’s flywheel without accessories.
- Net Horsepower: Power available at the drawbar after subtracting losses.
- Torque Converter: A hydrodynamic fluid coupling allowing variable torque multiplication, easing load starts.
- Clutch Packs and Bands: Components of the transmission that engage and disengage power flow for gear shifts.
- Crawler Tracks: Continuous tracks providing traction and weight distribution over soft or uneven ground.
Due to limited production years and numbers, Case 800s have become sought-after by collectors and restorers of vintage construction machinery. Many examples remain operational, celebrated for their sturdy build and mechanical clarity.
Conclusion
The Case 800 bulldozer exemplifies mid-20th-century American industrial design, balancing power, robust mechanical systems, and practical utility. Its combination of a Continental diesel engine and automotive-style transmission set the stage for future developments in crawler tractor technology, and it remains a respected model among enthusiasts and operators valuing vintage reliability.Komatsu TORQFLOW Transmission Overview
Transmission Design and Function
The Komatsu TORQFLOW transmission is a robust power-shift system used in Komatsu dozers and heavy machinery. It features a water-cooled, three-element, single-stage torque converter with a lock-up clutch, combined with a planetary gear train utilizing multiple-disc clutches. This configuration delivers smooth power transfer, efficient gear shifts, and reliable traction under load.
Key Features
- Torque converter for torque multiplication and fuel efficiency.
- Hydraulic actuation of clutch packs for gear shifting.
- Force lubrication by gear pump ensures clutch durability.
- Safety features include gearshift lock levers and neutral safety switches.
- Typically provides three forward and three reverse speeds.
- Forward speeds range approximately from 3.4 km/h to 14.3 km/h.
- Reverse speeds provide maneuverability close to forward speeds.
- The system maintains optimal operating temperatures via water cooling and continuous lubrication.
- The hydraulic control unit employs a closed-center load sensing system for precision.
- Operators can choose between automatic and manual gear shifting modes.
- Regular maintenance of hydraulic fluid and filters is important for transmission longevity.
- Torque Converter: Transfers power from the engine to the transmission, multiplying torque.
- Lock-up Clutch: Eliminates converter slip at higher speeds by locking input and output.
- Planetary Gear Train: Compact gear system enabling multiple gear ratios.
- Power Shift Transmission: Allows shifting under load without clutching.
- Closed-Center Load Sensing (CLSS): Hydraulic system regulating flow based on demand.
The TORQFLOW transmission enables powerful, efficient dozers well-suited for heavy earthmoving. Its design reduces fuel consumption and operator fatigue while enhancing machine reliability. It strikes a balance between robust mechanical systems and hydraulic control for demanding conditions.
