Continuing the legacy of advanced operator comfort and ergonomics on previous designs, the new 440 and 450 will still offer adjustable seat-mounted joystick controls. The controls swivel with the operator to perform loader and backhoe functions and enable Dual Mode operation, which offers efficient machine repositioning and allows the operator to sit at an angle while controlling the machine to improve visibility.
A new option for the 440 and 450 is a traditional pod-mounted joystick option that positions the advanced electronic joysticks on rear pod control towers to give operators a familiar interface. It also includes a dedicated electronic joystick for loader control that integrates a forward/neutral/reverse (FNR) rocker switch. Along with the standard FNR lever positioned on the steering column, this option gives operators more flexibility in control preferences.
Standard for all new backhoe loader canopy configurations, a new soft key display aligns with the interface used on Cat 416 – 430 models to provide a familiar and reliable interface for operators. For all cab configurations, the 440 and 450 models feature an upgraded Cat touchscreen display, enhanced with the latest intuitive interface to enable machine control customization and allow operators to achieve greater precision. The touchscreen now includes a speedometer on the home display to provide operators with real-time ground speed information.
Loader modulation and response settings on the touchscreen enable the operator to independently adjust modulation for the lift and tilt cylinders, matching machine behavior to specific tasks like material handling with forks or other Cat attachments. For the machine’s excavator, hoe modulation and response control allow operators to independently adjust settings for each hydraulic function – swing, boom, stick and bucket – to tailor machine performance to specific preferences and job requirements. A new material handling mode delivers precise, efficient operation by reducing hoe modulation and response speed and synchronizing all hydraulic functions.
Also new for cab configurations, a convenient QR code is integrated directly into the touchscreen display, so operators can quickly access Cat Operator Training on their mobile device. Operator Training’s comprehensive library of instructional videos and guides covers key operating techniques, maintenance best practices and advanced machine features to empower operators to maximize machine performance and longevity. In-Vehicle Health Monitoring (IVHM) provides operators with insight into upcoming service intervals and allows them to view specific maintenance tasks and access additional information.