AN expanded range of crawler excavators through an 'alliance' with Sumitomo Construction Machinery of Japan and the upgrading of the wheeled and crawler models manufactured at the Crepy-en Valois plant in France are said to have reinforced Case's position as a leading worldwide player in the industry.

The agreement with Sumitomo, announced in 1998, represents a major step forward towards strengthening the respective technologies of the two companies. And, coupled with the strength of the Case dealer network, it enables the company to offer 15 models with more than 70 different machine variants to meet customers' requirements for maximum productivity and commercial success.

The five new 'Alliance' crawler models - the Case 90 Series - have been designated as 9007, 9013, 9021, 9033 and 9046 with operating weights of 7, 13, 21, 33 and 46 tonnes respectively. They feature two engine types - Isuzu power for the 9007, 9013 and 9021 with Mitsubishi six-cylinder turbocharged engines installed in the 9033 and 9046 models.

"These fuel-efficient and emission-compliant engines produce power outputs spanning 40 kW to 216 kW while bucket capacities range from 85 litres to 2,700 litres," says Derrick Butterfield, marketing communications manager.

"Key features of these machines include power boost, anti-drift valves, two and three-speed travel (selected by a floor-mounted foot switch) and a superb operator working environment," he adds.

The current '88' Series models, also badged 'Alliance', comprise 588, 788 Plus, 988 Plus, 1188 Plus, available in both tracked and wheeled configurations, and the two top-of-the range 1288 and 1488 tracked models offer customers a variety of operating weights from 12 tonnes up to 37 tonnes. All are powered by Case engines with outputs spanning 68.6 kW up to 151.5 kW. Backhoe bucket capacities range from 370 litres to 2,000 litres.

Butterfield continues: "These machines feature the latest improvements: new 'green' engines (already available on the 1488 Powersensor), increased power output on some models, and further improvements to the Powersensor, electronic management system. Special 'Comfort' models are also being offered, featuring new levels of operator comfort for increased productivity.

"With the '88' Series, Case also continues to build on its 30-year experience in 'customer applications' (special adaptations), providing solutions to even the most specific needs of its customers: rail-road excavators, telescopic cabs, pylon or gantry-mounted rehandling units, demolition rigs and many more."

Case Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of agricultural and construction equipment and offers a broad array of financial products and services.

Case, which is headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin, had 1998 revenues of $6.1 billion. It sells its products in 150 countries through a network of approximately 4,900 independent dealers.

Case recently appointed Pico Engineering Services Company as its distributor in Cairo, Egypt. Other distributions in the region include Al Shirawi Enterprises in Dubai, UAE.