Construction Equipment has had a banner year with Field Tests in 2013, putting more machines in the dirt in these past 12 months than in any similar period of time prior.
We’re the only publication that partners with professional operator-trainers to evaluate new-machine performance. Manufacturers don't pay us; we choose the machines we want to evaluate. Our 10-year relationship with the Apprenticeship and Skill Improvement Program, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, enables us to do the tests. The operators are fair in their judgment, and they are professionals. In addition, they are just plain fun to be around.
Even the best operator comments wouldn’t help without the able reporting of our editor, Walt Moore, and senior editor, Frank Raczon. These two gentlemen oversee each evaluation, ensuring accuracy and collecting the insights and observations for each report.
As a year-end treat, here are our 2013 Field Tests, in no particular order. Each has a video report, too. When you’re in the market for a piece of construction equipment, a review of our online Field Tests is a natural first step in your acquisition process. You can also compare them with other machines of similar specifications using our online comparison tool.
Here is the Class of 2013.
Bobcat T590 compact track loader: 2,100 pounds rated operating capacity; 66 horsepower.
Caterpillar 336E H excavator: 82,000 pounds operating weight.
Doosan DX350LC-3 excavator: 77,000 pounds operating weight.
Volvo L90G wheel loader: 173 horsepower; 29,000 pounds operating weight.
John Deere 644K Hybrid wheel loader: 229 horsepower; 40,436 pounds operating weight.
Kawasaki 95Z7 wheel loader: 388 horsepower, 75,790 pounds operating weight.