Offering lower fuel and maintenance costs, the new Cat 988 GC wheel loader meets production targets at a low cost per hour. Product Specialist Noel Sabandal explains how this machine can help customers move more material for their money.
The new loader offers up to 5 per cent less fuel consumption and up to 15 per cent lower maintenance costs than the Cat 988K. Designed to meet moderate production requirements with customer operating up to 2000 hours per year, the 988 GC is capable of delivering production within 6 per cent of the 988K in truck loading applications, says Cat Load and Haul Product Specialist Noel Sabandal.
Easy to operate and maintain, the new 988 GC is optimised as a 45-tonne truck match loader. Its 3909mm dump clearance delivers efficient loading up to the Cat 775 truck.
With bucket payload matched to the 988K, the new 988 GC offers up to 670 tonnes per hour productivity in shot rock truck loading applications and up to 527 tonnes per hour for load-and-carry operations.
“The highly durable structures of the new loader are built for multiple life cycles and to withstand the toughest loading conditions,” Noel says. “It is built with a full box-section rear frame that resists torsional shock loads and twisting forces, while its front frame has been redesigned to withstand larger loads and features a new lift arm design.”
Reliable and efficient
Reliability and efficiency are at the heart of the new 988 GC with the field proven Cat C15 engine, which offers configurations to emit equivalent to EU Stage IIIA / U.S. EPA Tier 3 or meet EU Stage V / U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards.
“The 988 GC’s cooling package offers higher heat rejection with an on-demand fan strategy and two available fan speed settings for standard and high-ambient-temperature configurations,” Noel says.
“The Cat torque converter with standard lock-up clutch eliminates losses, lowers system heat, improves travel times, and reduces cycle times in load-and-carry operations. Improving service life and serviceability, Cat oil disc brakes provide superior heat dissipation and performance.”
Load sense hydraulics maximise performance by directing hydraulic fluid flow through the implement and steering system only when needed, resulting in lower fuel consumption and consistent performance and efficiency, along with lower system heat.
“Beneficial for load-and-carry applications, the optional axle oil cooler and ride control adds an auxiliary accumulator to the lift circuit for a smoother ride,” Noel adds.
Easy, comfortable operation
Maximum machine responsiveness is achieved through its Steering and Integrated Control (STICTM) steering, featuring up to 47 per cent quieter operation. Its Cat Comfort Series III seat with seat-mounted implement pod that moves with the seat enhances comfort and reduces operator fatigue. Operation is simplified through the intuitive operator interface, touchscreen display, and easy-to-use soft detent implement controls.
“Machine vibration feedback to the operator is reduced using cab isolation mounts and seat air suspension, and an optional air-cooled and heated seat is available for increased operator comfort,” Noel explains.
Simple integrated technologies help to increase the 988 GC’s productivity and efficiency. Helping to monitor, manage, and enhance jobsite operations, Product LinkTM offers wireless access to essential operating data for valuable insight into how the machine is operating.
Noel points to safety features such as the standard rear Cat vision, which enhances visibility behind the 988 GC, allowing the operator to work safely and confidently.
“To help keep people and assets safe, the 988 GC can be equipped with Cat Detect technology that enhances awareness of the environment around working equipment,” he says.
The Z-bar front lift arm design provides excellent visibility to the bucket edges and work area to simplify operation. Bucket payload is aligned with the 988K models with a range of Cat performance series buckets available with capacities from 6.3 to 7.6 cubic metres.
Displaying data in real time to improve productivity and reduce overloading, optional Cat Payload provides on-the-go weighing* for materials hauled and loaded. An optional Advanced Productivity subscription provides comprehensive actionable information to help manage and improve operational productivity and profitability.
Reduced maintenance
“In addition, the new loader’s design includes features to increase machine uptime and reduce maintenance costs by up to 15 per cent compared to the 988K,” says Noel.
Advanced filtration extends performance and reliability of the hydraulic system. Ground level or platform access to grouped service points delivers convenient servicing. Providing easy access to important daily service checks, access doors are located on both sides of the engine compartment. Centralised ground level grease points combined with ground level sight gauges simplify daily greasing and oil level checks for major machine systems.
Its on-board diagnostics alerts the operator of machine issues so that problems can be resolved before failure. Information captured by Product Link can be remotely monitored via my.cat.com, the Cat app, or VisionLink® to help further advance preventative maintenance and servicing efficiency.
More information about the new Cat 988 GC Wheel Loader can be found by contacting a Cat dealer or visiting www.cat.com
