Carolina Cat hosted a three-day, hands-on event in Cherokee, N.C., from Oct. 23 to 25. Days one and two were for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians; the third day was for local contractors and other customers. About 75 companies came out to test the latest in Cat equipment over the event's three days.

The customers were able to get in the seat and operate many of the newest and latest Caterpillar machines. The machines included dozers, 30-ton excavators, mini-excavators, the 140 motorgrader and compact track loaders.

The Next Generation of Cat excavators are built to increase operating efficiency, lower fuel and maintenance costs and improve operator comfort with unique combinations of purpose-built features designed to achieve productivity and cost targets.

With the Next Generation Cat 140 motorgrader, options from the cab to controls are in the user's hands, along with better fuel economy and maintenance costs to lower overall operating expenses. With a choice of levers and a steering wheel or joysticks, this model gives customers options to fit their needs.

The Cat mini-excavators with new stick steer has easy-to-operate, user-friendly controls and an intuitive Next Generation monitor that provides customizable machine operator preferences with easy-to-read information. CEG

Denny Ensley (L) of Housing & Community Development for the Cherokee Indians, gets an overview of the new D Series Cat compact track loaders from Steve Norton of Carolina Cat.  

Manuel Maples (L), director of infrastructure for the Cherokee Indians, shown with Steve Norton and Mark Kincer, both of Carolina Cat.  

Steve Mitchell (L) of Carolina Cat is going over what’s new on the Cat excavator with Ryne Sampson and Charlie Cook.  

Trying out the Cat 140 motorgrader.  

The Cat D5K2 dozer with traction control, power pitch and improved blade control make the machines more productive, precise and efficient. The large, spacious cab provides a comfortable work area.  

The Cat 308 CR mini-excavator delivers maximum power and performance in a mini size to help you work in a wide range of applications.  

The guests were able to try out several models of mini-excavators.  

There was a wide range of Cat machines available to test out.  

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