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A new two-speed converter drive, six-speed mechanical drive transmission was designed for a 14 cu yd tractor scraper to provide an efficient and easily controlled power train. Included with a description of the system is a review of the development history, along with a summary of some new features utilized in this design.

A single-shaft, simple-cycle gas turbine engine has been developed to power 200 kw alternators for standby power and for applications where heat is needed. The engine was designed to be sold and serviced by distributors of earthmoving and industrial machinery. Where feasible, design practices of industrial piston engine powered generator sets were incorporated to facilitate installations of combinations of engine types, and to limit novel and unfamiliar features of the basic turbine engine to those that were considered essential. Individual components and complete engines, initially developed by a research group, have been subjected to a wide variety of laboratory tests to measure performance and develop reliability.

ISO and SAE static sound power test methods are currently used for construction machinery. The European Economic Community sound committee has been developing a drive-by or simulated work cycle test method using a hemispherical array of microphones. The EEC method is inconsistent due to the changing test surface (moist sand) and the variables of outdoor testing: temperature, wind, and precipitation. The in-place-dynamic test method described provides a disciplined way to evaluate machines with moving track or wheels and operating hydraulic systems. The machine is slightly elevated, resting on stands, so that the wheels are off the ground or the tractor weight is off the track chain. Data obtained from track-type tractor, track-type loader, and wheel loader machines supports the validity of using an indoor, in-place-dynamic test instead of a moving, outdoor test. Results also show that using sound intensity instrumentation permits the option of testing in an untreated, indoor facility.

Two new Caterpillar Wheel Loaders have been developed in the 1.2 cubic meter (1.5 cubic yd.) and 1.5 cubic meter (2.0 cubic yd.) bucket capacity categories. This paper provides a review of the design objectives and summarizes the design features included to meet worldwide manufacturing and marketing requirements.

Caterpillar recently introduced its first backhoe loader - a significant extension to the existing product line of construction equipment. It is a highly versatile machine entering a well-developed marketplace. This paper describes design considerations, the development program, and vehicle design features associated with the 416 Backhoe Loader.

A new Caterpillar Wheel Loader has been developed to provide a loader in the 2 cubic meter (2.5 cubic yard) bucket capacity-category. This paper provides a review of the machine design objectives and summarizes the design features included to meet worldwide manufacturing and marketing requirements.

THIS authors sees a need, in the near future, for commercial vehicles with engines of 1000 to 1200 hp - powerplants that yield high outputs but require limited space. He sees an immediate need for more and more horsepower per cubic inch of piston displacement and per unit of space for the engine. He directs attention to six design potentials which may supply the answer: (1) the gas turbine; (2) supercharging; (3) aircooled diesels; (4) higher engine speeds; (5) 2-stroke diesel improvement; (6) compound engines. He also links the future development of the internal-combustion engine with basic improvement of components through simplification, calling for the elimination of extraneous gadgetry.