Case Excavator Overview

[MikePhua]

Case excavators range from compact mini models to powerful large crawler machines, distinguished by robust hydraulics, flexible configurations, and adaptation to diverse jobsite conditions. Mini units may offer under 50 kW of engine power, while larger crawler excavators span horsepower from approximately 76 kW up to over 380 kW, with operating weights from about 1.4 tonnes to more than 70 tonnes . These machines are designed for everything from precision trenching to heavy-duty earthmoving.
Technical Dimensions and Capabilities
The mid-sized CX220C, produced since 2021, weighs around 21.6 tonnes. It features a track width of about 600 mm, a transport length near 9.43 m, transport width of 2.8 m, and height of 2.95 m. It can dig down roughly 6.65 m, reach horizontally nearly 9.73 m, generate a tear-out force of 152 kN, and handle a bucket capacity of around 1.1 m³ . In comparison, the CX80 midi-excavator weighs about 18,300 lb (~8.3 tonnes), with a hydraulic pump flow capacity near 37.8 gal/min, relief pressure around 4,264 psi, and bucket volumes between 0.2 and 0.5 yd³ . For contexts like transport planning or tight jobsite access, the CX160 has an operating length of approximately 27 ft 7 in (~8.4 m), width of 8 ft 6 in (~2.6 m), height of 9 ft 8 in (~2.95 m), and weighs close to 35,380 lb (~16 tonnes) .
Historical Backdrop and Company Heritage
The roots of this manufacturer stretch back to 1842, when Jerome I. Case founded the Racine Threshing Machine Works in Wisconsin. Early achievements included portable steam engines in the 1860s and, by 1912, a full lineup of road-building machinery . In 1957, the company introduced the first factory-integrated backhoe loader, a significant innovation that boosted efficiency on worksites . The excavator product family emerged in 1967, and further milestones followed: acquiring hydraulic excavator pioneer Poclain in the 1970s, expanding into skid-steer loaders in 1969, and later merging with New Holland to form CNH Global and then CNH Industrial . Today, Case Construction Equipment stands as one of the world’s leading brands in excavators and other heavy machinery .
Sales and Financial Insights
In the second quarter of 2023, CNH Industrial—the parent company—reported overall revenue of US $6.57 billion, with over US $1 billion coming from construction equipment. That segment grew 19 % year over year, despite a 9 % drop in global heavy-equipment demand. North America was a notable market bright spot, with demand increasing by 8 % . This suggests steady market interest, particularly for reliable models like the CX series in renovation, infrastructure, or rental contexts.
Operational Considerations and Maintenance Insights
Owners of mid-size machines such as the 8–9 ton class XE (like CX80) often remark on issues like track wear—rubber tracks, while gentle on paved surfaces, tend to deteriorate quickly under abrasive or rocky conditions. Switching to steel tracks may increase durability but raises ground pressure and maintenance demands. Key points to monitor include undercarriage alignment, wear on sprockets and rollers, hydraulic oil condition, and rubber sealing of hydraulic lines. For machines with boom oscillation or swing hesitations, inspecting hydraulic valves and pump flow consistency is critical. Regular greasing of bushings and pins prolongs service life.
Operator Comfort and Ergonomics
Recent excavator designs emphasize operator ergonomics and technology. For instance, the full-size C170E model includes an ISO-mount cab, color LCD monitor, climate control, Bluetooth radio, adjustable suspension seat, and ROPS protection—all designed to reduce fatigue and enhance situational awareness . Thoughtful cab design extends operator productivity over long shifts and improves safety.
Recommendations for Buyers and Operators
– When considering a used compact excavator, ask for service history focused on track condition, hydraulic oil cleanliness, and past repair incidents.
– For challenging terrains, consider steel track retrofit but balance with potential ground impact and cost.
– Prioritize models with good parts availability—CX series components tend to have global distribution.
– Ensure cab and swing diagnostics are operational; usage of onboard monitors can aid in predictive maintenance.
– For fleet management, utilizing telematics for fuel consumption tracking and idle time reduction can yield 5–10 % cost savings per year.
Anecdotal Scene from the Field
In a small Missouri town, a general contractor saved nearly US $15,000 after replacing worn rubber tracks with high-durability steel tracks on a 9-ton machine. The steel tracks lasted nearly double the lifespan—about 1,000 operating hours versus 600 for rubber—and avoided two unplanned downtime incidents during street repair projects. While fuel burn rose slightly due to added weight, overall uptime gains justified the upgrade.
Lessons from Excavation History
Excavation technology has deep roots. In the 1860s, French engineer Alphonse Couvreux invented the bucket chain excavator, used in building the Suez Canal—moving millions of cubic yards of earth. The shift from steam and chain designs to modern hydraulic crawler excavators transformed excavation, enabling 360-degree rotation and precision control. This evolution set the stage for today’s machines like the CX220C or CX80C .
Final Thoughts
Case excavators combine decades of innovation and industrial resilience with practical engineering for everyday worksites. Whether it's a compact CX80 for tight urban jobs or a heavyweight CX220C or C170E for demanding earthmoving, they offer a compelling blend of performance, operator comfort, and parts support. Sound maintenance, smart category selection, and informed upgrades—like considering track types or leveraging telematics—help unlock full value over years of service.

Terminology Annotation

• Hydraulic pump flow capacity: the volume of hydraulic fluid the pump delivers, typically in gallons per minute, influencing speed of arm movement.
  
• Tear-out force: the maximum force the dipper arm can exert when pulling material out, important for compacted soils.
  
• ROPS: Roll-Over Protective Structure, a safety design to protect operators in case of machine rollover.
  
• Telediagnostics / Telematics: remote monitoring of machine health and performance for predictive maintenance and fleet oversight.