Dive Brief:

• Caterpillar designed the F series of backhoes as its response to tighter diesel emissions standards in the U.S.and elsewhere.
• The passive controls use a carefully regulated temperature to burn away soot trapped by filters and are basically invisible to the operator and owner.
• Because emissions controls would drive price higher, Cat added improved hydraulics with electronic controls and more breakout force, lift capacity and a 7% higher maximum dump height.

Dive Insight:

The goal for Cat was to overcome price inelasticity by offering a better value proposition for customers. One feature is having the engine idle drop for fuel saving if the operator has not done anything for a period that can be set, for example 10 seconds.