EARTHMOVING & EXCAVATION
CATERPILLAR DEBUTS RANGE OF NEW EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT
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o wrap up 2021, Caterpillar introduced several new products and technologies including the 120 GC Motor Grader, the 651 Wheel Tractor-Scraper, the 900-series Medium Wheel Loaders, and the D4 Dozer. The company is focused on upgrades in machine efficiency, maintenance, and operator comfort, as well as the latest technologies.
966, 966 XE, 972, 972 XE WHEEL LOADERS
These next-generation wheel loaders bring a host of standard technologies to the 7- to 9-tonne (8- to 10-ton) wheel loader line to boost operator efficiency. The 966 and 972 models deliver consistently high bucket fill factors to increase productivity by up to 10 percent. Their design extends fluid and filter change intervals to lower maintenance costs by up to 20 percent compared to the previous models. The Caterpillar designed and manufactured continuous variable transmission (CVT) of the 966 XE and 972 XE loaders to improve fuel efficiencies up to 35 percent. All four models in the updated loader series feature standard Cat Payload with Assist for accurate weighing of bucket payloads, so operators can load to target the first time, every time. Real-time data is fed to the operator display and allows manual tip-off function to improve final bucket adjustments and truckload accuracy. The new Cat Autodig with Auto Set Tires delivers high bucket fill factors for the wheel loaders. It fully automates bucket loading to improve fill factors and decrease loading time. Working
The new loaders feature Caterpillar’s next generation of ride control that works as a shock absorber to improve ride quality over rough terrain.
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heavyequipmentguide.ca | JANUARY 2022
in conjunction with Autodig, Auto Set Tires promotes proper loading techniques to reduce tire slip and wear. The system integration of the CVT powertrain, engine, hydraulic and cooling systems as part of the 966 XE and 972 XE results in increased performance and fuel efficiency. Without the torque converter of mechanical drive systems, these loaders independently control engine rpm and machine speed to provide efficient digging, fine control, and operation. The CVT design brings smooth, fast accelerations and high speeds on grade. Machine maneuvering on grade is enhanced through speed-hold and anti-rollback features. These models have maintenance intervals extended to 1,000 hours and 500-hour service intervals have been eliminated. An integrated optional Autolube reduces daily maintenance and increases component service life, and easy access to hydraulic and electric service centres makes servicing the loaders fast and easy. Combined, these design updates reduce maintenance costs up to 20 percent for the Cat 966 and 972 models and up to 25 percent for 966 XE and 972 XE loaders. The new loaders feature Caterpillar’s next generation of ride control that works as a shock absorber to improve ride quality over rough terrain. The cab includes sound suppression, seals, and viscous mounts to decrease noise levels. And a wide door that unlocks remotely from the ground, plus inclined steps, together improve cab ingress/egress. The cab windshield extends from floor-to-ceiling to improve forward visibility, while a standard rear-vision camera and large mirrors with integrated spot mirrors give all-around visibility. Cat Detect radar, which alerts operators to hazards, and a multi-view (360-degree) vision system are options that provide an extra level of monitoring. Available in capacities ranging from 2.8 to 14.0 m3 (3.75 to
