Case showcases methane, electric loaders at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020

By |  March 12, 2020
Case Construction Equipment showcased its methane-powered ProjectTETRA wheel loader at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020. (Photo: Case Construction Equipment)

Case Construction Equipment showcased its methane-powered ProjectTETRA wheel loader at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020. (Photo: Case Construction Equipment)

Case Construction Equipment is featuring its methane-powered ProjectTETRA wheel loader and fully electric Case 580 EV backhoe loader, also known as Project Zeus, at ConExpo-Con/Agg, which is taking place March 10-14 in Las Vegas.

ProjectTETRA

According to the company, ProjectTETRA, first introduced at Bauma 2019, demonstrates the viability of alternative fuels in construction equipment and the feasibility of using fuel generated from waste products and renewable sources to perform loading/earthmoving operations.

ProjectTETRA is powered by a methane, 230 hp engine produced by Case’s sister brand, FPT Industrial. The machine features a color touchscreen display, facial recognition start-up, payload measuring systems, job site maps, weather screens, lighting settings, Bluetooth radio and telephone connectivity, and environmental controls.

The cab also features a series of new screens on the adjacent pillar that provide front and rear camera feeds, key machine operating parameters and customizations based on operator preference.

“This is the first opportunity for North American contractors and operators to see ProjectTETRA, and our primary objective at ConExpo is to get feedback from attendees about the viability of biomethane and compressed natural gas in different markets,” says Brad Stemper, North American product line leader for excavators and wheel loaders at Case. “We foresee initial adoption of this technology in waste and agricultural applications that have the ability to produce their own biomethane – but also see potential with utilities and municipalities which offer incentives for alternative power earthmoving equipment that helps them lower their carbon footprint and run more efficiently.”

ProjectTETRA’s performance would be similar to the 821G in the current Case wheel loader lineup, the company adds.

Project Zeus

Case Construction Equipment also introduced Project Zeus, its 580 EV electric backhoe loader, at ConExpo-Con/Agg.

According to the company, the power and performance of the 580 EV is equivalent to other diesel-powered backhoes in the Case product line and provides considerably lower daily operating costs while also producing zero emissions.

The backhoe loader features ProControl and Comfort Steer. It also includes a spacious cab with enhanced joystick controls. The 580 EV is powered by a 480-volt, 90-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged by any 220-volt/three-phase connection.

“The 580 EV is a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability, the evolution of earthmoving equipment and truly practical innovation that drives real savings and competitive advantages for backhoe owners,” says Leandro Lecheta, head of construction equipment for North America at CNH Industrial. “Operators will experience the same digging, lifting and craning performance achieved in a diesel-powered machine in a quieter, emissions-free work area.”


For Pit & Quarry’s full coverage of ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020, visit our show page with the latest news, features and developments in equipment and technology.

Allison Kral

About the Author:

Allison Kral is the former senior digital media manager for North Coast Media (NCM). She completed her undergraduate degree at Ohio University where she received a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. She works across a number of digital platforms, which include creating e-newsletters, writing articles and posting across social media sites. She also creates content for NCM's Portable Plants magazine, GPS World magazine and Geospatial Solutions. Her understanding of the ever-changing digital media world allows her to quickly grasp what a target audience desires and create content that is appealing and relevant for any client across any platform.

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