New Cat 9- and 11-tonne wheel loaders surface
New medium wheel loaders more productive and cost less to maintain compared to its predecessors, Caterpillar saidCat’s new 980 and 982 medium wheel loaders have been released on to the market that Caterpillar says offer 10 per cent more productivity and reduce maintenance costs by up to 12 per cent when compared to the previous 980M, 980L and 982M models.
The new models are able to achieve the new productivity levels and cost savings due to a new technology platform and several feature enhancements, Caterpillar added.
The Standard Cat Payload with Assist comes standard on all 980 and 982 series loaders and provides accurate weighing of bucket payloads, so operators can load to target the first time every time. It includes low-lift-weigh and manual tip-off functions.
An Optional Cat Advanced Payload function expands the system’s functionality with Lists-Management, Multitask- & Manual-Add Modes and Tip-off assist. Compatible with third-party scale house software, it can wirelessly integrate the machine in the scale-house process with Dispatch-for-Loading.
A new Cat Autodig with Auto Set Tires function promotes proper loading technique to significantly reduce tire slip and loading time. It can automate the complete bucket loading cycle to deliver consistently high bucket fill factors.
Application-Profiles is another standard feature on the new machines that allows multiple machine parameters to be set for a specific application with the press of a button.
Selectable on-screen Job Aids, along with a streamlined new controls layout, promotes ease of operation.
Comfort and safety
Caterpillar has equipped the new wheel loader models with a wider door, stair-like steps and grabrails for easier and safer access to the cabin.
A new adjustable suspension seat comes in Comfort, Deluxe and Premium levels that includes heated and heated/cooled options for improved year-round comfort. Seat belts are now monitored, with fleet managers able to opt for the installation of an external beacon warning system that alerts supervisors should an operator fail to wear their seat belts during machine operation.
Cab comfort is further enhanced by increased legroom and lower noise and vibration levels thanks to seals and viscous cab mounts. Next generation ride control acts as a shock absorber to improve ride comfort over rough terrain.
A new dashboard and high-resolution touchscreen display provide intuitive and user-friendly loader control. The seat-mounted electrohydraulic joystick steering system is ergonomic and requires minimal arm movements to operate accurately, hence increasing comfort and loading accuracy, Caterpillar added.
A conventional steering wheel is also available on the 980.
The new loaders now feature a push-to-start system that requires a valid Operator-ID to start the engine. Operator ID works with a passcode input on the display or with the optional Cat Bluetooth™ key. It can act as a machine security system with programmable operating restrictions.
The floor-to-ceiling windshield improves forward visibility of the work area, while the standard rear-vision camera along with convex and spot mirrors help to enhance visibility around the machine. Cat Detect and a Multi-view (360-degree) vision system are available extras to provide an extra level of monitoring around the loaders for a safer operation.
Maintenance savings
With the new 980 and 982 wheel loaders, Caterpillar has extended the maintenance intervals for the hydraulic oils and filters, in a bid to help operators reduce costs and downtime.
All models offer convenient access to hydraulic & electrical service centers and grouped lube points for fast and easy servicing.
Remote Servicing and Remote Troubleshoot functions on the new Cat medium wheel loaders allow technicians to remotely diagnose and fix any issues that may arise, hence helping operators save time and money by eliminating the need for technicians to have to physically travel to the job site.
Remote Flash ensures the wheel loaders are operating with the most up-to-date software while working around the production schedule. Update files are pushed to the machine in the background and installation can be initiated from the Cat Remote Services Web Portal by the customer, reducing impact on production schedules.
The web portal also allows fleet managers to manage fleet loader location, hours and maintenance schedules, and allows dealer service requests to be made from a mobile device.
Work tools
The Cat 980 and 982 loaders come with Cat Performance Series buckets that balance bucket shape against the machine’s linkage for higher fill factors and better material retention, Caterpillar said.
The new Cat 980 can be equipped with the optional Fusion™ Quick Coupler, which delivers quick bucket changes without the operator having to leave the cab. Contractors can also choose from several purpose-built special configurations including Industrial & Waste, Forestry, Steel-mill, and Block-handler to optimise loader performance in specific applications.
Visit cat.com.au for more information on the Cat 980 and 982 medium wheel loaders.
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