Caterpillar adds medium wheeled loaders

With payloads ranging from nine tonnes in shot rock to 11.4 tonnes in aggregate applications, target applications include loading the largest on-highway trucks in quarry yards and large articulated trucks on construction sites.

The 980M and 982M powertrains both have lock-up clutch torque converters as standard. The rugged planetary transmissions have a new split-flow oil system and use new multi-viscosity oil to improve fuel economy. The 982M comes standard with the heavy duty 17-inch planetary transmission. System integration of the new features and further axle and hydraulic improvements result in up to 10% less fuel consumption compared to the 980K, Caterpillar claims.

The manufacturer says that changes to the axles contribute to lower fuel consumption due to lower oil levels and bevel gear shrouds, which reduce churning losses from rotating components. They also have new external caliper disc parking brakes mounted to the input shaft of the front axles. Caliper parking brakes have higher capacity than the drum brakes used on the 980K. Since they are external, they do not have the inefficiencies of enclosed wet parking brakes due to brake discs running in oil, nor is there any oil to change. The results are reduced fuel and maintenance costs.

The 980M and 982M hydraulic systems also have significant design changes. The main hydraulic valve is now a mono-block with an integrated ride control section. The mono-block design reduces weight, has 40% fewer leak points and is common across all M Series models. The new ride control system now has two accumulators, which enables it to be more effective over a greater payload range, increasing productivity and operator efficiency, it is claimed. An auxiliary third hydraulic function can be added at the factory or in the field with the addition of a second remote valve.

Improvements to operator efficiency include a new switch at the electronic service centre to open the door remotely while the operator is safely on the ground. The climb to the cab has been made easier too, with steps rather than a ladder and more grab handles.

A new multipurpose colour touch screen display dramatically simplifies the operator interface; with machine controls, rearview camera and a new Cat Connect feature known as Cat Production Measurement. Some controls have been relocated to this new display eliminating the need for additional switches and controls; reducing cab clutter. 

Cat Production Measurement enables operators and managers to access machine data including payload, fuel consumption, engine idle time and operating hours. With this information, both the operator and the manager are able to monitor productivity from the cab and in the office.

Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk