Pushing dirt requires slow, steady power, while lifting & carrying needs speed and agility. Using the same hydraulics system to do both, interchangeably and seamlessly, requires practical innovation.

“The challenge is that you’re trying to operate two completely different functions, on opposite ends of the spectrum.” explained Emory Frey, Lead Engineer for Hydraulic Systems. “One is very smooth and controlled, the other is fast and productive.”

It’s particularly relevant to the work we’re doing on Project Minotaur, which will bring dozer and CTL functionality to a variety of new job sites by uniting it in a single machine.

“You might say we have to de-tune the machine to get to the slow & steady for dozer mode versus the more aggressive system of our current CTLs,” Emory said.

The solution, still under wraps, involves proprietary software that switches from the CTL to the dozer mode, though it also has to swap functionality within the hydraulic system.

“It’s an integrated system, combining electrical and software programming with the hydraulic functions of the pumps and loader/control values,” Emory added.

One of the keys to practical innovation is building on expertise and proven technologies, and Minotaur is no exception.

“I’d say it’s an extension of what we offer,” said Emory, “building on the innovation from when we first launched switching from H pattern to ISO on our current CTLs. Minotaur allows us to bring new functionality to the game.”