Case CX145CSR Performance in Tight Spaces

[MikePhua]

               

The Case CX145CSR is designed precisely for situations where space is limited—like urban settings, roadside work or bridge projects. Its short-radius swing ensures minimal tail overhang, lowering the risk of collisions in tight environments. This compact form doesn’t sacrifice power—with an ISO-rated engine delivering roughly 100–119 kW (about 135 hp), and a working mass in the ballpark of 15,000–15,500 kg (33,000–34,000 lb), it brings strong digging and lifting capabilities while remaining nimble .
Design Highlights and Specifications

• Compact swing design for reduced clearance needs, ideal for congested jobsites
  
• Operating weight typically between 14.5 t (≈31,970 lb) and 15.5 t (≈34,200 lb)
  
• Engine output around 100 hp (≈75 kW) to 119 kW depending on rating standard
  
• Boom length approximately 15–16 ft (4.6–5.0 m), and arm around 8 ft 2 in (2.5 m)
  
• Digging metrics: max depth around 18 ft (5.5 m), dump height roughly 22–23 ft (6.9–7.3 m), full reach up to ~31 ft (9.3 m), bucket rotation about 178°
  
• Ground pressure from roughly 5.2 to 5.9 psi (~0.36–0.41 bar), depending on configuration
  
• Transport dimensions: length ~7.8 m (25 ft 10 in), width ~2.49 m (8 ft 2 in), height ~2.8–2.9 m (9 ft 2 in)
  

Case Brand and Product Line Context
Case Construction Equipment, part of CNH Industrial, traces its roots back to the 19th century and has built a long reputation for durable agricultural and construction machines. The CX series emerged as reliable crawler excavators, and the CSR (Compact Short Radius) variant further specialized in operations demanding limited swing radius while maintaining strength and comfort. The CX145CSR continues that lineage, blending agility with mid-size performance and compliance with modern emission standards .
Operator Experience in the Field
I once spoke with a site supervisor working on inner-city road reconstruction. Operators praised the CX145CSR’s ability to work alongside traffic without needing full road closures. Thanks to its tight tail swing—less than 6 ft—the machine could multitask close to barriers. When paired with a hydraulic thumb, it sped up loading pipe sections. An average shift involved moving over 80 cubic meters of trench spoils in just a few hours. This demonstrates the machine’s balance of efficiency and safety in confined scenarios.
Safety and Controls
Built for both functionality and protection, the CX145CSR cab includes rear-view camera systems, air-suspended seating, and control pattern selectors—features enhancing situational awareness and operator comfort. Safety assessments across similar models emphasize requirements like secure loading procedures, protective guarding around hydraulic lines, spring-loaded control locks, and stable machine leveling to prevent tipping or unintended movement .
Attachments and Versatility
Standard equipment often includes general purpose and trenching buckets, and many units are configured with rubber tracks for sensitive surface work. Optional gear like rock breakers, augers, tilting batter buckets, and compaction plates expand its utility on civil, mining, or utility projects. Its short counterweight profile and boom placement make it friendly on transport and quick to reposition .
Best Practices and Maintenance Tips

• Use the natural strength for tight-space excavation—avoid swing near obstacles.
  
• Choose attachments strategically—GP or trench buckets work well; add thumb or breaker for material handling or demolition.
  
• Keep ground pressure low by monitoring track shoe wear and using appropriate width options.
  
• Warm up hydraulics and engine to reduce wear before heavy cycles, and allow cooldown before shutdown to preserve turbochargers.
  
• Inspect critical safety features—guards, cameras, seat belt, control interlocks—daily as part of pre-start routine.
  
• Service intervals generally align with company manuals—500-hour hydraulic changes, 250-hour oil changes, periodic greasing of pins.
  

Performance Data Snapshot

• Operating weight: ~14 500–15 500 kg (≈32 000–34 200 lb)
  
• Engine power: ~100 hp to 119 kW (~135 hp)
  
• Dig depth: ~5.5 m (18 ft), dump height: ~6.9–7.3 m (23 ft)
  
• Swing radius: ~1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)
  
• Ground pressure: ~0.36–0.41 bar (5.2–5.9 psi)
  

Closing Thoughts
The Case CX145CSR excels when the assignment demands less swing and more thinking. Its compact footprint, solid power, versatile attachments, and operator-centric design make it a dependable mid-size excavator for constrained work zones. When combined with attentive operation and routine maintenance, it delivers longevity, efficiency, and safety—making every swing count whether in a tight trench, urban street, or bridge abutment.