Loaded with simple but smart technology and delivering precision, safety, comfort and efficiency the new Cat® 980 and 982 medium wheel loaders build on a legacy of 60 years of market leadership.
Product specialist Dick Mars details the introduction of the most advanced line of Cat medium wheel loaders ever.
Offering premium performance in the 10 to 12-ton wheel loader class, Caterpillar has loaded the new machines with a range of fully resolved technologies to deliver up to 10 per cent more productivity but also lower maintenance costs by up to 12 per cent compared with previous 980M and 982M models.
“These exciting new machines include an expanded technology platform to increase machine performance and improve operating efficiency,” Mr Mars said.
“The design builds on the amazing foundation established by this famous line of machines and delivers improved precision, excellent levels of operator comfort and work site safety features all designed to contribute to your business’ success.”
Standard Cat Payload with Assist is included on the new 980 and 982 series wheel loaders meaning accurate weighing of bucket payloads so operators can manage loading targets first time and every time.
“This technology was first introduced on the M Series and includes low-lift weigh and manual tip-off functions,” Mr Mars explained.
“Caterpillar also offers the optional Advanced Payload™ that expands the system functionality with List Management, Multitask and Manual Add modes and auto Tip-Off which all build on the proven M Series platform.
“There’s also new Assist features including Cat AutoDig with Auto Set tyres to promote correct bucket loading techniques and help the operator reduce tyre slip and loading times,” he said.
“The system is capable of automating the bucket loading cycle which means consistently high bucket fill factors and that can add up to 10 per cent more productivity,” Mr Mars added.
The new models also introduce Application Profiles to set multiple machine parameters to optimize the settings for the work being done by the operator – and all at the touch of a button.
Customised profiles can also be easily created to fit customer specific cases. “Moreover, selectable on-screen Job Aids, together with a new streamlined control layout promote ergonomic driven comfort – all of which means operators of all calibres can be more productive,” Mr Mars added.
The 980 and 982 feature an all new, larger operator’s cab with a wide door and stair like steps with safety handrails for easy access and egress.
A real bonus for day long productivity is the new next generation design adjustable suspension seat available in comfort, deluxe and premium levels and has heating and cooling options for year-round performance.
Seatbelts are now monitored and the system can be complimented with an exterior beacon allowing supervision and to enhance job-site safety.
“Tall operators will certainly appreciate the new cabin’s increased legroom while sound suppression, improved seals and viscous cab mounts help lower noise and vibration levels providing a superior work environment,” Mr Mars said.
“The M Series design ride control continues on these models with the same dual accumulator system to provide even better shock absorption and that means even better ride comfort on rough work sites with empty, full or part filled buckets.”
In the cabin a new dashboard design features a new high resolution 8” touchscreen display with intuitive, user-friendly loader controls. Delivering precision control, the seat mounted electro-hydraulic joystick steering system requires minimal arm movement which can reduce operator fatigue and help ensure shift-long accuracy.
A conventional steering wheel is optional on the 980 model.
Cabin air-conditioning is automatically controlled making it set and forget for the operator.
The new 980 and 982 loaders feature a push-to-start system requiring a valid operator ID to start the engine.
“Operator ID works with a passcode input on the display or via the optional Cat Bluetooth™ key,” Mr Mars said.
“This can act as machine security as it can be programmed with operating restrictions if required.”
The cabin itself features a floor to ceiling windscreen for excellent forward visibility of the work area while a standard fitment rear vision camera together with convex and remote-controlled spot mirrors help enhance visibility around the machine perimeter to improve job site safety.
“Cat Detect radar is available for hazard alert while a multi-view, 360 degree vision system is available as an option for next level monitoring around the loader perimeter,” Mr Mars said.
MAINTENANCE SAVINGS
Designed with reduced maintenance costs in mind, the new 980 and 982 feature extended hydraulic fluid and filter change intervals. Ground level access to the hydraulic and electrical service centres and grouped lubrication points makes for fast and easy servicing.
Mr Mars said remote services technologies on the wheel loaders can save service trips to the jobsite and ensure the machine maintains peak performance.
“Remote troubleshoot connects the machine to the Cat Dealer’s service centre via a mobile network and that will assist in diagnosing fault codes without the need for an on-machine cable connection.” Other great technology such as Remote Flash ensures the loader is operating with the most up-to-date software.
“This means update files are pushed to the machine in the background following customer or dealer initiation via the Cat Remote Services Web Portal meaning there is no interruption to production schedules,” Mr Mars said.
“The web portal connects the owner or fleet manager to the machine and helps to manage the equipment fleet or a single machine’s location, watch hours and maintenance schedules and also allows dealer service requests to be made from a mobile device,” Mr Mars explained.
WORK TOOLS
Adding to the new loaders’ performance capabilities is the range of Cat Performance Series buckets which ideally match the bucket design with the loader’s linkage providing higher bucket fill factors and better material retention than other bucket designs with the same rated capacity.
“Cat Performance Series buckets are integral to a ‘complete’ machine design and are a significant contributor to the performance and efficiency of the loader,” Mr Mars said.
The new Cat 980 can also be equipped with the optional Fusion Quick Coupler allowing rapid bucket changes without leaving the cabin.
The new medium wheel loaders are also available with several purpose-built special configurations to add durability and further performance in sectors including industrial and waste, forestry, steel mill and block handling.
For more information about the Cat 980 and 982, visit the local Cat dealer.
NSW/ACT WesTrac 1300 881 064
VIC/TAS William Adams 1300 923 267
Western Australia WesTrac 1300 881 064
QLD/NT Hastings Deering 131 228
South Australia Cavpower 08 8343 1600
NZ TERRA 0800 93 39 39