Tapping into the midsized market

In a move aimed at strengthening its presence in the construction and utility equipment markets, Ingersoll-Rand Co. has introduced a flurry of products focused specifically toward reaching the midsized construction contractor. While this isn't a new market segment for Ingersoll-Rand, it does expect to tap into a larger portion of this $4.6 billion segment by significantly expanding this area of its product portfolio.

"To reach this midsized market, we intentionally designed our new product line to align with the size and capacity range typically used by this customer group in their applications," said Terry Dolan, vice president for sales and marketing for the Davidson, N.C.-based company.

Dolan said the company was looking to leverage what he called its three powerhouse brands--Ingersoll-Rand, Bobcat and Club Car--to really understand the midsized market it was going after. As part of this process, the company looked at what it was currently able to offer throughout its internal channels and what it needed to do to build its product portfolio up to meet the demands of the market.

Under the Ingersoll-Rand brand, the company introduced the WL-350 and WL-440 wheal loaders. The loaders are powered by 3.1 L, four-cylinder, direct injection 2011 Deutz diesel engines rated 60 and 73 hp, respectively. They feature a rear-mounted engine packaged with Bondioli & Pavesi Fira radiator, Mann+Hummel air cleaner and a two-speed Bosch Rexroth hydrostatic drive system. The drive is rear-mounted and powers ZF axles with limited slip differential and [+ or -] 12[degrees] of rear oscillation. The loaders have dynamic braking, 40[degrees] articulated steering through a Casappa gear pump steering system, Unideck dash gauges and a hydraulic quick coupler. Maximum dump height for the two machines is 8.3 and 8.6 ft. and standard bucket capacity is 1.2 and 1.4 cu.yd. The wheel loaders are manufactured in Langenburg, Germany, and sourced through Ingersoll-Rand's Mocksville, N.C. facility.

Also manufactured in Langenburg, are the new ZX-75 and ZX-125 hydraulic excavators. The zero tail swing excavators are powered by four-cylinder turbocharged 1012 and 2012 Deutz diesel engines rated 72 and 94 hp, respectively. The 3.1 and 4.0 L engines drive two independently powered hydraulic track drives, in both steel or rubber track configurations, through Bosch Rexroth pumps, valves and final drive motors. The motors are incorporated within a planetary reduction gearbox for added protection, Ingersoll-Rand said.

A Casappa swing motor provides the excavators' 360[degrees] rotational capability, while Schaeff-Terex cylinders power the boom and bucket functions, controlled by the operator through a Bosch Rexroth joystick. Maximum dig depth is 13.9 ft. and 15.3 ft. Operating weight is 16,538 and 27,563 lb., respectively.

Ingersoll-Rand also upgraded its BL-275, BL 370 and BL-570 backhoe loaders. The new B Series loaders, Ingersoll-Rand said, are ideal for application in utility installation, landscaping, rental, general construction and repair work thanks to being designed as a dedicated loader backhoe machine with a permanent backhoe rather than a bolt-on attachment. This creates a stronger and tougher machine, the company said. In addition, on the BL-275 model, the backhoe has a side-shift design that allows it to operate in confined areas, said Ingersoll-Rand.

All three backhoe loaders am equipped with Kubota liquid-cooled diesel engines rated 31.5, 46 and 56 hp at 2800 and 3000 rpm. The BL-275 is powered by a 1.12 L, three-cylinder D1105 engine; the BL-370 has a 2.2 L, four-cylinder V2203 diesel; and the BL-570 is powered by a 2.2 L, four-cylinder turbocharged V2003 engine. The engines are packaged with AKG radiators and Denso alternators.

The engines power Bosch Rexroth hydrostatic systems that provide four-wheel drive and all-wheel steering. Braking is dynamic and the machines are also equipped with Tuthill parking brakes. Two-way flow auxiliary hydraulics operate the loader and backhoe buckets. Dig depth for the machines ranges from 10.5 to 12 ft. and breakout force ranges from 4250 to 9297 lb.

Ingersoll-Rand manufactures the B series backhoe loaders at its facility in the Czech Republic.

The Ingersoll-Rand midsize machine line-up has been further boosted by the new VR-638 telescopic tool carrier. The tool carrier is available in three variations: a cost-effective rental model, a deluxe open canopy style and a fully loaded owner-operator version. In all configurations the VR-638 includes a side-mounted 4.4 L, four-cylinder Tier 2 Perkins 1104-44T turbocharged diesel engine rated 100 hp. Other components include Mann+ Hummel air cleaner, two-speed Sauer-Danfoss hydrostatic drive, Carraro axles and Titan tires.