Caterpillar® updates 950M through 982M Wheel Loaders for better comfort and payload management.
The product update package for Cat® M Series Medium Wheel Loaders (950M – 982M) includes technology advances that provide: lower operating costs via extended service intervals; enhanced operator comfort with new seats and suspensions; added machine configurations (982M Forestry Machine and a 982M High Lift); expanded productivity measurement tools; remote software update capability; and refinements in ground engaging tool and coupler systems.
Extended service intervals
These Tier 3 models save maintenance costs by extending hydraulic oil filter change intervals from 500 hours up to 1,000 hours. Based on estimated comparisons of hydraulic fluids, filters, and sampling costs during a 6,000-hour period, costs can be potentially reduced by 16 to 23 per cent.
In addition, several fuel and engine oil filters are being converted from spin-on to cartridge-type. Benefits of cartridgetype filters include fewer parts to replace at servicing (housing is retained), easier disposal of used elements, and less costly replacement parts.
Next Generation seats and suspensions
The “next generation” of seats and suspensions offers three trim levels—comfort, deluxe, and premium plus—and feature high-visibility, seat-adjustment controls, as well as ride stiffness adjustments. A new “breakthrough” suspension for deluxe and premium plus trim levels increases dampening at the top and bottom of seat travel, providing additional suspension stability and avoiding hard stops at travel limits.
The ride stiffness of the seat suspension is adjustable to different settings, allowing operators to tailor seat dampening to individual preferences and to the application. This feature was previously included only with EH steering (joystick and wheel), but with the product update, it is now included with HMU steering wheel units with deluxe and premium plus seats.
Payload management
The Cat Advanced Productivity application is a web-based tool used to visualize machine production-related data and complements Cat PAYLOAD, Cat Production Measurement 2.1. The tool is accessed from VisionLink™ and includes a user-customizable report dashboard, cycle-by-cycle downloadable data, and a list of features for truck and material identification lists.
Other key features include a new user interface (mobile friendly), time series data, multiple asset comparison, fleet or individual asset key-process-indicator target settings, and support for multiple machine types. Requirements for use include cellular Product Link™, Advanced Productivity subscription, and authorized User ID.
New 982M configurations
New configurations in the medium wheel loader line up include the 982M Forestry Machine and the 982M High Lift. The new 982M Forestry Machine (logger) is capable of lifting 12 700 kg with a pin-on mill yard grapple. Changes from the standard 982M include a larger tilt cylinder, upgraded rear frame, and heavier counterweight. Third party logging grapples and woodchip buckets are available.
The 982M High Lift, compared with the standard lift version, increases dump clearance under the bucket pin from 4743mm to 5143 mm. Configuration changes from the standard 982M include a new lift arm, new tilt cylinder, new tilt link, and the counterweight from the 982M Aggregate Handler.
Advansys GET
The Advansys ground-engaging-tool system included in the product update is a Cat tip system designed with exclusive performance features that result in less drag and higher productivity. The new tip shapes place wear-resistant material in the most vulnerable areas, resulting in significantly longer service life. A stronger adapter nose results in up to 50 per cent less stress, and improved adapter-nose geometry reduces sliding wear on adapter surfaces. The improved tip shapes shadow the adapter straps and welds for longer adapter life. New 980M/982M buckets are released with weld on adapters; 950M – 982M bolt-on adapters are interchangeable with the former J and K Series.
New LED lighting packages
The Updated M series now can be configured with Premium Lighting packages that include Led roading lights with LED Stop/tail and turn lights with a premium LED work lighting package that includes 4 over Cab lights and 2 on the Rear hood to create increased field of view of up to 20° out and 10° down out to 15mt with 1200lumens.
For more information visit www.cat.com/en_AU/products/new/equipment/forest-machines.html