Caterpillar Introduces Next Generation Cat 440 and 450 Backhoe Loaders

Caterpillar’s new 440 and 450 backhoe loaders feature C3.6 engines, advanced hydraulics, and Product Link technology for enhanced performance and operator control.

The next generation Cat® 440 and 450 backhoe loaders feature improved machine performance, an advanced hydraulic system and increased versatility compared to previous models. Offering more operator choice and advanced machine control, these new models also feature the efficient Cat C3.6 engine and the latest Product Link™ technology.

Improved Performance

A solid performer, the Cat C3.6 engine meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emissions standards with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC). Compared to the previous 440 design, the gross power rating increases by more than 9% to 130 hp (97 kW), while the 450 maintains its robust 145 hp (108 kW) gross power rating.

The updated models feature a load - sensing piston pump that delivers full hydraulic lifting and digging forces at any engine speed. The variable flow pump automatically adjusts hydraulic power to meet work demands, enhancing operating efficiency. Caterpillar’s advanced hydraulic system allows operators to adjust the loader and backhoe auxiliary flow to match attachment specifications, program the loader bucket kick out and return - to - dig functions and enable parallel lift.

Advanced Control

Continuing the legacy of advanced operator comfort and ergonomics on previous designs, the new 440 and 450 will still offer adjustable seat - mounted joystick controls. The controls swivel with the operator to perform loader and backhoe functions and enable dual mode operation, which offers efficient machine repositioning and allows the operator to sit at an angle while controlling the machine to improve visibility.

A new option for the 440 and 450 is a traditional pod - mounted joystick option that positions the advanced electronic joysticks on rear pod control towers to give operators a familiar interface. It also includes a dedicated electronic joystick for loader control that integrates a forward / neutral / reverse (FNR) rocker switch. Along with the standard FNR lever positioned on the steering column, this option gives operators more flexibility in control preferences.

Standard for all new backhoe loader canopy configurations, a new soft key display aligns with the interface used on Cat 416 – 430 models to provide a familiar and reliable interface for operators. For all cab configurations, the 440 and 450 models feature an upgraded Cat touch screen display, enhanced with the latest intuitive interface to enable machine control customization and allow operators to achieve greater precision. The touch screen now includes a speedometer on the home display to provide operators with real - time ground speed information.

Loader modulation and response settings on the touch screen enable the operator to independently adjust modulation for the lift and tilt cylinders, matching machine behavior to specific tasks. For the machine’s excavator, hoe modulation and response control allow operators to independently adjust settings for each hydraulic function — swing, boom, stick, and bucket. A new material handling mode delivers precise, efficient operation by reducing hoe modulation and response speed and synchronizing all hydraulic functions.

The 440 and 450 models will be available to North American customers in the fourth quarter of 2025.