Cat TH306D Ag Handler Combines Compact Maneuverability with Powerful Performance and Operator Convenience

New to the Cat® Ag Handler range is the compact TH306D, specifically designed for farm operations that require a highly maneuverable machine that fits easily inside small buildings or livestock sheds and also has the power and lift capacity of a conventional telehandler. The new TH306D—capable of taking on a range of tasks, such as loading trucks, moving grain, stacking bales, and farm maintenance—features a hydrostatic transmission, powerful hydraulics, exceptional ride comfort, easy serviceability, and the exclusive, adaptive Caterpillar Longitudinal Stability Indicator.

Advertisement

The TH306D's narrow frame dimensions and compact turning circle provide exceptional agility in congested spaces, and its ample load-handling capability—lift height of  5 800 mm (19 feet), maximum forward reach of  2 800 mm (10.1 feet), and rated load capacity of 2 800 kg (6,173 pounds)—allows the new model to take on the toughest jobs. Adding versatility to these basic specifications is the TH306D's ability to handle a range of work tools, including pallet forks, lumber forks, bale handler, manure forks, and a choice of buckets.

Optimized Z-bar linkage ensures excellent coupler rotation and speed, ideal for bucket work, and a standard manual coupler or optional hydraulic coupler, both with the Cat IT interface, make tool changes fast and easy. Also, a standard auxiliary hydraulic circuit is plumbed to the boom head for powered work tools. The TH306D's hydraulic system also uses cylinder-snubbing technology, which cushions the impact of the telescoping boom sections.

Powering the TH306D is a fuel-efficient, 3.6-liter, four cylinder engine producing 74.4 kW (100 gross horsepower) which meets EU Stage IV and U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards or Stage IIIA and Tier 3 equivalent for lesser and non-regulated regions. The DOC/SCR system requires no maintenance other than a simple, periodic refill of DEF (diesel exhaust fluid). The new model's hydrostatic transmission provides two F/R ranges that can be selected on-the-move, and the transmission is designed to provide smooth, powerful performance, whether using front-mounted work tools or towing heavy loads. The four-wheel-drive TH306D uses heavy-duty axles with planetary-reduction hubs, front limited-slip differential. In addition, a wide selection of tires allows tailoring the TH306D to its application for optimum performance and tire life.

The TH306D features a durable gear-pump hydraulic system that provides fast response for all boom functions. The adaptive Longitudinal Stability Indicator system has a passive mode that allows the hydraulic system to continue operating normally, without cutting out, when the machine is in gear with the parking brake off. This intelligent feature eliminates the need to press an over-ride switch or to reverse out of material to re-engage hydraulic functions.

Operator environment

The TH306D's operator station is designed for comfort and convenience, with an in-cab sound level at a quiet 75dB (A).  For optimum convenience, the multi-function joystick incorporates transmission controls and controls for auxiliary hydraulic functions. A powerful climate-control system maintains cabin temperature at comfortable level no matter the weather, and visibility is enhanced by the TH306D's low boom-pivot point and elevated cab. An available rearview camera and peripheral sensors further enhance the operator's job-site awareness.

The available Advanced Display system provides the operator ready access to added information, including load charts, maintenance schedules, and rearview-camera images. The display also allows setting hydraulic response levels, driving modes, and reversing-fan intervals. When selecting different work tools, the display automatically shows the appropriate load charts. In addition, programmable codes provide theft deterrence.

For added operator comfort, the available intelligent-boom-suspension feature, activated by a joystick switch, ensures that the boom automatically follows the contours of the ground— preventing work tools from scraping the ground—as long as the switch is pressed. This feature also complements the available ride-control system, which cushions boom movement in rough terrain when the TH306D is traveling at speeds of 5 km/h (3 mph) and above.

Maintenance and technology

To simplify regular maintenance, diagnostic checks can be made via the display screen. Routine maintenance items, such as fill points, washer bottle, and air cleaner, are accessible from ground level, and the longitudinal placement of the engine and the large hood provide easy access to the engine, cooling package, and hydraulic components. Filters are mounted vertically to facilitate spill-free changes and have micron ratings that ensure protection against the smallest particulate contaminants.

The TH306D's large cooling package is designed to meet the needs of the agricultural industry. The hydraulic, reversing, demand fan assists in keeping the vertically positioned cooling cores free of debris and can be programmed to operate at optimum intervals. The result is a machine that can work efficiently and reliably in all ambient temperatures.

LINK technologies like the optional Product Link™ system, wirelessly connect owners to their equipment, providing access to valuable machine date such as location, hours, fuel consumption, idle time, events and diagnostic codes for analysis and reporting via the online VisionLink® user interface. LINK information assists with fact-based decision making to help increase efficiency and lower owning and operating costs.