Caterpillar has announced Cat M Series wheel loader product update (950M-982M) with an aim to provide reduced maintenance costs, improved operator comfort, payload management enhancement and new configurations
The 2019 product update package for Cat M series medium wheel loaders also include emissions control strategies to meet EU Stage V standards (EU only), added machine configurations (982M forestry machine and 982M high lift), expanded productivity measurement tools, remote software update capability and refinements in ground engaging tool and coupler systems.
The aim is to bring new and improved features to market more quickly and more frequently than do conventional new product introduction (NPI) cycles.
Extended service intervals, emissions control
The US EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V models save maintenance costs by extending engine oil, engine oil filter and hydraulic oil filter change intervals from 500 hours up to 1,000 hours. Based on estimated comparisons of the total engine and 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, many fuel and engine oil filters are being converted from spin-on to cartridge-type. Benefits of cartridge-type filters include fewer parts to replace at servicing, easier disposal of used elements, and less costly replacement parts.
Next Generation seats and suspensions
A new suspension for deluxe and premium plus trim levels aims to increase 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 2019 product update, it is now included with HMU steering wheel units with deluxe and premium plus seats,? said the company.
Payload management
The Cat advanced productivity application is a web-based tool used to visualise machine production-related data and complements Cat PAYLOAD, Cat Production Measurement 2.0. The tool is accessed from VisionLink and includes a user-customisable report dashboard, cycle-by-cycle downloadable data and a list of features for truck and material identification lists.
Other important features include a new user interface, time series data, multiple asset comparisons, 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 authorised user ID.
Remote flash support
Remote flash support allows the dealer to push software update files to the customer?s machine and authorises the user to initiate installation via the dealer service portal. The authorised users with Caterpillar corporate web security ID (CWS) and a mobile device are able to initiate flash, which occurs in 30 minutes from initiation to completion. This service is provided at no cost to the dealer for machines for machines with cellular Product Link, with remote-flash-compatible software.
New 982M configurations
New configurations in the medium wheel loader lineup include the 982M forestry machine and the 982M high lift. The new 982M forestry machine (logger) aims to lift 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.
The 982M high lift, compared with the standard lift version, focuses on increasing dump clearance under the bucket. 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.
Additional updates
Among the package of updates for medium wheel loaders is a new universal coupler for models 966M-972M. The new coupler eliminates width interference with multiple tools and a reduced offset increases breakout force by four per cent.
