Army requirements drive new ‘multifunction’ design

New Holland has developed a new ‘multifunction' variant to its 25,4 tonne E245B crawler excavator in response to an order from the Italian army. The company says the new machine may also be of interest to civilian contractors, thanks to its patented 4-piece boom.

According to New Holland, the Multifunction E245B is well-suited to demolition work, with the boom offering vertical reaches of up to 12,8 m and the ability to carry a 1,5 tonne attachment. In addition, the same boom configuration can be used for long-reach digging applications.

The firs batch of 24 Multifunction machines are currently undergoing final testing at New Holland's San Mauro Torinese, Italy plant before the Italian Army takes delivery.

A new Holland spokesman said, "We are especially pleased with the outcome of the final test of the E245B Multifunction excavators for the Italian Army which confirms the high quality and technological content of our products. The successful outcome of the test will enable us to complete the consignment of 24 excavators on time, for delivery during 2009"