Development of a Hydraulic Excavator for the World Market

The recently announced Model 225 Excavator is Caterpillar Tractor Co.'s initial entry into the hydraulic excavator market. The development program for this machine was designed, from the beginning, to achieve a machine well suited not only to the United States but to overseas markets. Major features of the vehicle, and how these features were affected by unique aspects of the development program, are discussed.