Caterpillar launches several new wheel loaders and excavators

Since Caterpillar started its Next Gen series, more and more upgraded wheel loaders and excavators have become available. Up-to-date are the 966 and 972 wheel loaders and their XE versions, as well as the partially electric 988K XE. Among hydraulic excavators, the new Cat 336 stands out.

In the updated 966- and 972-series wheel loaders, several standard technologies increase operator efficiency. Consistently high bucket fill factors increase productivity by up to 10%, and significantly extended service intervals (from 500 to 1,000 hours of operation) reduce maintenance costs by some 20%. But it can get even better: on the new Cat 966 XE and 972 XE, Caterpillar's in-house designed and manufactured Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) driveline makes these wheel loaders up to 35% more fuel efficient than previous Powershift models, resulting in even lower maintenance costs by up to 25%. 

Efficient use

The updated wheel loaders use Cat Payload with Assist as standard. The accurate weighing of bucket contents allows operators to finish faster when loading tippers and the like. Load data is transmitted in real time to the operator's display for manual tip-off. The new Cat AutoDig with 'Auto Set Tires' ensures consistently high bucket fill factors and the shortest possible loading times. 'Auto Set Tires' significantly reduces tire slippage. The operator can further set custom profiles for customer-specific applications. 

Faster and more productive

The new 988K XE offers an overall efficiency increase by 25% and of loading applications by up to 49% compared to the regular 988K. Economy mode and faster cycle times reduce the fuel consumption of the durable Cat C18 engine. The result of the proven electric drives is up to 10% faster descents, greatly improved tractive effort and increased hydraulic breakout force, boosting production by 5%. The updated design offers an optional counterweight to increase stability. A new Go-Pedal for the 988K XE features three dynamic braking levels. Standard Tyre Slip Prevention reduces skidding and tire wear. New optional Cat Autodig features can speed up digging cycles by up to 10 percent. Elevator Stall prevention technology automatically controls traction during digging. 

Greater efficiency can be learned

By learning proper operating techniques using the new Cat Operator Coaching, machine efficiency goes up resulting in up to 15% shorter cycle times and 10% better bucket fill. The operator can use the new joystick control (STIC™) in the process. This provides up to 47% quieter operation and offers precise machine control with minimal arm movement. By modulating the left pedal from 100 to 25%, the new draft control system (RSC) lowers the risk of wheel slip without reducing hydraulic efficiency. The loader's new positive flow control (PFC) hydraulic system increases bucket feel and responsiveness. 

Next Gen Cat 336 renewed

With its powerful hydraulic system, the new Cat 336 crawler excavator offers high digging forces and ditto slewing torque. The 336 owes its high reliability to its strong construction and the 4 million proven operating hours of the Cat C7.1 diesel engine. Three engine modes match power to job requirements while saving fuel. Power mode delivers maximum power for demanding tasks, while Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions to reduce fuel consumption. Eco mode does this by reducing engine speed to a constant 1500 rpm.

The Cat Payload weighing system, Grade Assist and 2D Grade with depth and grade indication increase machine productivity. Auto Hammer Stop alerts operators after 15 seconds of continuous hammering and shuts off the hammer after 30 seconds to prevent wear. Auto Dig Boost and Auto Heavy Lift increase bucket penetration and lift capacity with 8% and Lift Assist helps operators prevent the machine from tipping.