As a kid, I never went to summer camp. But I imagine it to be a lot like Case Construction Equipment's 500-acre Tomahawk, Wis., facility — perhaps minus the equipment. Along with eating meals at the Cook Shack, staying in a rustic cabin and feeding fish at the lake, I learned the ins and outs of new Case machines from the product experts themselves and was able to get up close and personal with the equipment.

Case invited 21 construction industry editors from various publications to attend its June media event to get the scoop on its new product introductions. Equipment operators demonstrated the new machines in “The Bowl” — a large area with plenty of dirt — while the group watched from the bleachers above to see the equipment in action. Product managers discussed and pointed out the unique features on each piece of new equipment so we could see the product improvements first hand.

One new line introduced is the E Series wheel loaders — the 721E, 721E/XT and 821E. Featuring a new cab, the wheel loaders are designed for operator comfort. “The operator environment on these new wheel loaders has been designed with ergonomics and operator comfort in mind and includes plenty of user-friendly controls, creature comforts and productivity features,” says Dave Wolf, brand marketing manager for Case. “We know from experience that a comfortable operator is more alert, responsive and productive.”

Case also unveiled its E Series of compact wheel loaders, which replaces the Case D Series 2. The series features a new Versa-Boom linkage designed for excellent reach, visibility and precise parallel lift, as well as increased bucket roll back for greater material retention. Including models 21E, 221E and 321E, the line features two-speed hydrostatic transmission that allows travel speeds up to 12.4 mph. An optional high-speed transmission on the 221E and 321E can deliver speeds of up to 21.7 mph.

The company also expanded its line of compact track loaders with the addition of the 420CT and the 440CT, rated at 56 and 82 net hp, respectively. The dozer-style undercarriages on the compact track loaders were designed with customer input and built for minimum exposure to material and moisture. An angled track frame and material scrapers decrease mud and material buildup. Steel-embedded tracks roll on rubber instead of steel for a longer-lasting track and a smoother ride. The 400 Series of loaders are built for great flotation and low ground pressure, which not only allows contractors to get back on the jobsite quickly after a rain, but also reduces surface damage and soil compaction.

While I didn't leave Wisconsin with any of the super-sized mosquito bites I'd been warned about, I did leave with an appreciation of Case's commitment to meeting its customer demands, as well as the company's passion for being the best “Professional Partner” it can be.