Cat Smart Attachments Together With Machine In Revolutionary Ways

Cat 262D3 Skid Steer Loader with Backhoe SMART Attachment.

Three new Cat SMART attachments, the Dozer Blade, Grader Blade, and Backhoe, are designed to add significant versatility to a range of D3 Series Cat Skid Steer Loaders, Compact Track Loaders, and Multi Terrain Loaders. The control systems for the new attachments allow easily adapting the machine’s standard controls to precisely match the recognized SMART Attachments’ control needs.

The SMART Dozer Blade attachment - available for Cat 279D3, 289D3, 299D3 and 299D3 XE series Compact Track Loaders - are designed for cutting, moving, and grading virtually any material used as a base. The blade features a curved moldboard to keep material rolling and a trapezoid design with angled end bits that allow flush-cutting against vertical surfaces when the blade is fully tilted. The D3 Series host machine recognizes the attachment and unlocks special display screens that allow the operator to select how the blade is controlled.

Selecting the attachment-control mode changes the standard joystick functions (left for travel, right for boom and bucket) and allows the left joystick to continue to control travel, while the right joystick now operates blade functions - tilt (moving the joystick side-to-side), lift (moving the joystick fore and aft), and angle (rotating the thumb wheel forward or rearward). 

The ASSIST feature enhances operator proficiency to achieve smoother grades with fewer passes by coordinating machine and blade movement to attain flat surfaces, allowing the operator to concentrate on building or cutting material to achieve the desired Grade.

The new Cat GB120 and GB124 SMART Grader Blade attachments are available for Cat D3- Series Skid Steer Loaders and Compact Track Loaders. As with the SMART Dozer Blade attachment, the D3 host machine recognizes the grader blade and unlocks special display screens that provide options for attachment control, allowing the joysticks to be repurposed to perform attachment functions. 

Cat Grader Blade SMART Attachment.

The ASSIST feature allows selecting either the Cross Slope Right pattern or Cross Slope Left pattern and maintains the cross-slope setting, independent of the machine’s operating angle. If the Cross Slope Right pattern is selected, the forward/backward movement of the right joystick controls the right side of the blade by raising and lowering the attachment’s right lift cylinder. The machine/attachment will control the left side of the blade to maintain the desired cross-slope, allowing the operator to focus on the right side of the blade. 

Standard blade width is 78 inches (1,990mm) for model GB120 and 96 inches (2,440mm) for GB124. With optional wings extended, width is, respectively, 85 inches (2,150mm) and 103 inches (2,605mm). Blade tilt for both models is 15 degrees, blade lift is 6 inches (150mm), and maximum cut depth is 4 inches (100mm). Independent caster wheels rotate 360 degrees and provide support for forward and reverse grading.

The new Cat BH130 SMART Backhoe Attachment is designed for Cat D3 Series Skid Steer Loaders, Compact Track Loaders, and Multi Terrain Loaders. The new attachment significantly increases the versatility of these small machines, allowing them to take on a range of tasks, including utility trenching, digging footings, and forming and maintaining drainage ditches. In addition, the backhoe is compatible with Cat 3-ton excavator attachments, and its auxiliary-hydraulic system allows pairing with hydro-mechanical work tools, including hammers, thumbs, augers, and vibratory compactors. 

The backhoe features integrated electro-hydraulic controls, which are operated using the host machine’s joysticks, eliminating the need to remove the door and allowing the operator to work from the safety and comfort of the cab. Attachment control mode allows existing joysticks to be used for boom, stick, bucket and swing functions. 

Maximum digging depth with the BH130 is 9.75 feet (2,970mm) and reach at ground level from the swing pivot pin is 13.25 feet (4,040mm). Stabilizer spread in the working position is 71 inches (1,815mm), and total side-shift travel is 33 inches (825mm). Operating weight of the backhoe is 2,325 pounds (1,055kg).