New Holland Construction Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Skid Steer Loader

Passes 200,000th mark in production of skid steer loaders

A pioneer in the skid steer loader market, New Holland Construction is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the company’s first skid steer loader, the New Holland L35, which was introduced in 1972.

“Thirty-five years ago, New Holland introduced the L35 skid steer loader—the first skid steer loader in the construction industry with ROPS and a vertical parallel lift boom system,” said Terry Sheehan, vice president, New Holland Construction. “The L35 skid steer loader exhibited the same stability, low center of gravity and large load capacity-to-equipment weight ratio which New Holland Construction skid steer loaders still maintain today.”

“The first New Holland skid steer loader literally forced the entire construction industry to try to match our vertical parallel lift system, while we maintained our patented Super Boom™ design, which allows New Holland Construction skid steer loaders to lift higher and further out than any other skid steer on the market, providing superior versatility and productivity to our customers,” Sheehan said.

220,000th unit

“Since the introduction of the New Holland skid steer loader in 1972, we have produced more than 200,000 skid steer loaders around the needs of our customers,” Sheehan said. “I’m proud to say that the 220,000th New Holland Construction skid steer loader will roll off our production line in 2007.”

“Bottom line, the New Holland skid steer loader was the best skid steer on the market when it was introduced in 1972, and it’s still the best skid steer on the market today”, Sheehan said. “Being a leader in product innovations and improvements for the past 35 years—and having produced more than 200,000 skid steer loaders during that time—is a milestone we can all be proud of here at New Holland Construction.”

35 years of innovation

Combining incredible stability with the superior reach of the Super Boom vertical lift linkage, New Holland Construction skid steer loaders provide more lift capacity per pound of total machine weight to move bigger loads, increasing productivity and improving the customer’s bottom line.

“The longer wheelbase of New Holland Construction Super Boom skid steers already provides the smoothest ride and lowest center of gravity on the market,” said David Daniels, brand marketing manager, New Holland Construction. “Operator comfort has been further improved with features that include a standard suspension seat and contoured arm rests for more elbow and forearm support during long hours on the jobsite.”

Daniels added that New Holland Construction has also introduced pilot controls on the five largest skid steer models (L170, L175, L180, L185 and L190), allowing operators who prefer pilot controls to work more productively and comfortably. “Our hydraulic pilot controls provide instant response and maximum control with minimum effort, resulting in precise control,” Daniels said. The left joystick controls steering and travel while the right joystick controls lift arm and attachment tilt.

Deluxe cab

One of the most visible changes between the L35 skid steer loader and today’s line of New Holland Construction skid steer loaders is the cab and operator’s environment. Marking the 35th anniversary, New Holland Construction has introduced a new deluxe cab design for the Super Boom skid steer loaders (models L150 through L190) and compact track loaders (models C175, C185 and C190). The deluxe cab features increased space, visibility, operator comfort and ease of operation for greater worksite efficiency.

“Our deluxe cab interior features full-covering, noise-absorbing trim for an even more comfortable, quieter place to work” Daniels said. “Available as an option, an additional sound-suppression package reduces noise levels by up to three decibels from the operator’s station for an even quieter cab environment.”

A large, convex glass door opens a full 90 degrees for easy entry and exit. When closed, the door provides superior visibility to all corners. The side windows feature detents that lock into position and remain stationary during operation. They can be easily removed without tools when it’s time for cleaning. The see-through roof panel provides a clear view to the bucket or attachment – even when positioned at full height. Like the side windows, the optional cab top window can be easily removed without tools for cleaning.

L175 skid steer

Earlier this year, in honor of the 35th anniversary of the New Holland skid steer, New Holland Construction introduced the L175 skid steer loader, which fits the fastest growing 2,000 lb SAE-rated load capacity category. Continuing New Holland Construction’s tradition of producing skid steers with the highest lift capacity to operating unit weight ratios available on the market, the L175 features a New Holland turbocharged engine rated at 60 gross horsepower and has a bucket breakout force of 4,300 lbs and an operating weight of 6,230 lbs.

“Like all New Holland Construction skid steer loaders, the L175 has one of the fastest boom and bucket cycle times in the industry,” Daniels said. “With a full ten-foot lift height and 29 inches of forward reach, the L175 reaches higher and farther than other similarly-sized skid steer loaders and, combined with incredible stability, the operator can move bigger loads to increase productivity and improve the bottom line.”

Special 35th anniversary edition model

A special custom black and silver 35th Anniversary skid steer loader model will be on display at numerous 2007 trade shows and exhibits in North America.

The nine skid steer loader models from New Holland Construction, which range from 16.5 to 80 gross hp, can tackle a variety of landscaping, construction, demolition or farming applications.