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Case introduces first-of-its-kind Compact Dozer Loader - the Minotaur DL550

Staff Report,

8 Aug 2022

North American model features innovative chassis-integrated C-frame and six-way blade for true dozer performance in a compact tracked loader guise

Case Construction Equipment has announced a new compact dozer loader, calling the new Minotaur DL550 as an “industry-first equipment category”.

The new model, which is currently introduced in the North American market, weighs 8t and offers an engine power output of 114hp. According to Case, it delivers “true dozing and grading performance, as well as powerful site loading capabilities” and is compatibility with hundreds of attachments.

“A single platform has never delivered this level of versatility, power and precision — all culminating in an entirely new product category created by Case: the compact dozer loader,” said the company’s announcement.

Jeff Jacobsmeyer, product manager at Case, added: “The Minotaur is truly a fleet of one, that is second to none. Business owners and fleet managers looking for a compact solution that delivers countless benefits in a single footprint will immediately see the versatility this exciting new machine brings to their fleets and will quickly understand what a ‘compact dozer loader’ is capable of accomplishing.

“It’s what the industry has asked for. Customer input has been a major part of the design and engineering process since the first concepts were discussed, and the result is an entirely purpose-built, intentionally designed machine proudly built in the US.”

The hallmark of the Minotaur DL550 is the chassis-integrated C-frame with six-way dozer blade, says Case. The C-frame is hydraulically couples into both the chassis of the machine, as well as the attachment coupler. This design provides the stability and smooth operating plane of a small dozer while ensuring that all operating power is channelled through the whole body of the machine. This establishes greater performance and long-term reliability than the simple combination of a dozer blade attachment to a traditional compact track loader, said Case.

The Minotaur also comes standard with Case Universal Machine Control, which makes the machine ready for any of the major three providers of machine control technology, which are sold separately. It’s also available with an optional, industry-exclusive, fully integrated ripper for tearing up tough terrain to simplify dozing and earthmoving operations.

The C-frame can be detached to allow the operator to use it as a loader with a heavy-duty bucket, or with hundreds of common loader attachments equipment owners already have in their fleet.

The Case Minotaur DL550 compact dozer loader holds 29 patents and has pushed through more than 10,000 hours of field tests, in addition to countless customer clinics and typical lab and engineering testing, the manufacturer revealed.

Jacobsmeyer added: “We’ve put this machine through hell and back — pound for pound, there’s no machine like it that delivers the dozing power and precision, as well as the dynamic loading performance. This ground-breaking, all-new machine demonstrates Case’s commitment to delivering real-world innovation rooted in customer need.”

The Minotaur DL550 is built on a dozer-style undercarriage and pushes with more than 11t of drawbar pull. The machine is available with three different track options to meet operator preference and jobsite profiles: 14-inch single-grouser steel tracks; 18-inch triple-grouser steel tracks; and 17.7-inch rubber tracks.

The 90- or 96-inch six-way blade connected to the integrated C-frame is the same blade featured on the Case 650M dozer and gives the operator a full range of dozer controls and movements. The machine’s electro-hydraulic controls also deliver responsiveness like full-sized Case dozers, with the ability to adjust blade, steering and shuttle sensitivity to smooth, moderate or aggressive to meet the operator’s preference. Blade responsiveness can be further dialled in to operator preference by independently setting the speed of the blade tilt, lift and angle.

In its loader configuration, the Minotaur DL550 features a 2.5t rated operating capacity (50% of tipping load) with 5.8t of breakout force. It features a vertical lift pattern and operates in the ISO control pattern. It also features advanced electro-hydraulic control capabilities where operators can easily dial in total machine responsiveness to low, moderate or aggressive; or independently set tilt, lift and drive speed, as well as loader arm and drive control to best meet the demands of the work.

Case added that it builds the machine standard from the factory with enhanced high-flow auxiliary hydraulics for running the most demanding and high-powered attachments — such as mulching heads and cold planers. Minotaur’s enhanced high-flow hydraulics can deliver up to 41.6 GPM at 4,100 psi via the ¾-inch hydraulic quick couplers.

The new model also comes with the CASE SiteConnect Module, which improves the volume, flow and integration of data to the Case SiteWatch telematics platform for real-time monitoring and management of maintenance and service intervals, as well as the analysis of equipment utilization and performance.
Making maintenance easier, the Case Minotaur DL550 has groundline access to grouped service points and checks like every machine in the Case line-up. Service intervals and machine operating information are easily accessed in the machine’s eight-inch LCD display in the cab.

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