Cat introduce next-generation small wheel loaders
New machines feature advanced technologies to simplify operation, improve safety and boost profitability
THE innovative next-generation Cat 926, 930 and 938 wheel loaders offer a range of new technologies and features designed to boost productivity by simplifying machine operation. Adding flexibility by design, the versatile Cat small wheel loaders offer industry-specific configurations to efficiently handle a range of applications, including aggregates. Customized models can be equipped direct from the factory or through aftermarket upgrade kits installed by a Cat dealer.
Delivering efficient power, the Cat exclusive adaptive engine rev/min feature automatically adjusts engine speed based on operator input to optimize productivity and minimize fuel burn. Systems are optimized and sized to run at standard lower engine rev/min for these next-generation small wheel loaders. The productive and efficient 1,200–1,500 rev/min working range makes the loaders more fuel efficient, while larger pumps run at slower speeds for less wear and longer service life.
An industry first, these new wheel loaders feature four customized powertrain operating modes: Utility, Torque, Hystat and Ice. Designed for hydromechanical tool use or pick-and-place work with implement power and speed, Utility vehicle mode delivers fine ground speed control with engine rev/min throttle lock, whilst Torque mode saves up to 5% on fuel by ‘freewheeling’ around corners and on downhills. Hystat mode provides engine braking with aggressive deceleration, acceleration and no travel until the throttle is applied, whilst Ice mode offers soft directional shifts and extended coast-out for improved control in snow-clearing applications.
New auto-wheel torque control lets the machine do the work by automatically controlling torque to the wheels and adjusting rimpull control to reduce tyre spin. Improving traction on difficult terrain, the new loaders feature standard front axle differential lock with optional limited rear slip differential. On the 926 and 930 loaders, the differential lock is simply controlled on-the-go by the operator with the joystick. The new 938 loader comes as standard with automatic differential lock, as well as manual control.
Cat Payload comes standard on these new wheel loaders with a 250h demo mode to test before subscribing. Payload provides on-the-go weighing to help operators hit exact targets to avoid overloading, underloading or misloading materials.
Simple in-cab pushbutton kickout settings for upper, lower and tilt allow operators to match bucket position to the task, helping to maximize bucket cutting edge life. Conveniently controlled by a joystick button, a new bucket shake feature provides precise metering of materials in batching or spreading applications and cleans the bucket.
Incorporating automotive style and amenities, the new next-generation cab elevates operator comfort and improves visibility to increase safety. Smaller cab pillars, increased window area, heated and electric rear-view mirrors with lower parabolic, and standard rear-view camera combine to improve operator visibility around the machine. New options include a multi-view camera delivering a bird’s-eye view around the loader, and rear object detection with visual and audible alarms provides additional alerts to the rear of the machine.
New auto-temperature control with defrost button provides consistent operating comfort in a range of ambient temperatures. Auto-lighting with daytime running lights conveniently illuminates the machine’s lights when the sun goes down. An optional beacon mounted atop the cab gives a visual alert when the operator is not inside the cab or wearing the seatbelt to improve safety.
The next-generation small wheel loaders expand Cat Command for Loading to the global market. Advancing safety and productivity, Command for Loading offers remote control of the loader to remove the operator from hazardous conditions. New for this model series, the command console offers efficient line-of-sight machine operation through the console’s ergonomic control layout of loader functions. The command station positions the operator in a virtual cab with familiar controls and machine displays for remote, non-line-of-sight loader control. Elevating efficiency and productivity, one operator can control multiple machines, one at a time, at different sites from a single command station.
The customizable in-cab display delivers an easy view of operating parameters. Using Operator Profiles, up to 50 different operating profiles can be set through the display, which the loader can recall when an operator starts the machine. The new loaders now come with two steering options – new force feedback joystick steer control and a low-effort steering wheel – to further customize machine configuration. New joystick steering allows the loaders to travel at speeds reaching 25 miles/h (40 km/h) as a result of the force feedback feature that stiffens at higher speeds and softens as speed decreases.
Additionally, the new loaders offer the option of joystick or single-axis levers, and both come with a range of programmable options to meet operator preference. Included with joystick controls, the versatile jog dial offers quick, on-the-go speed, throttle lock, auxiliary hydraulic flow, and wheel torque adjustments as well as screen navigation and creep speed control.
With standard parallelism, the optimized Z-bar linkage digs like a Z-bar but acts like a tool carrier, increasing versatility and visibility. The design provides coupler and high-lift options for all new models. The patented positive-pressure fusion coupler interface eliminates wear and maximizes performance with reduced work tool offset. A full range of work tools for the new loaders includes optimized forks with mechanical parallel lift and performance series buckets featuring an aggressive rack angle for load retention and a 10% boost in fill factors.
The new machine design improves visibility to the implements. An aggressive rack angle affords full cutting-edge and superior bucket corner visibility, whilst excellent fork tip visibility at ground level and full height allows the operator to confidently load and unload materials, while an optional cranked tine further enhances forward visibility.
Engine oil and filters and fuel filter service intervals increase to 1,000h for the next-generation small wheel loaders. Over 10,000 operating hours, this saves 45% in engine oil, 67% in fuel filters, and 45% on air filters, substantially lowering service costs and improving loader uptime. Full return filtration on the Hystat, implement and steering systems keeps the hydraulic oil cleaner and improves system reliability.
All daily service items are now within easy reach, and the new cabin filter is serviced from ground level, shortening service time and improving safety. Optional integrated autolube with adjustable grease frequency helps to maximize component life and minimize costs through proper greasing of hinge points, whilst available tyre pressure and temperature monitoring with adjustable safety limits help to extend tyre life and minimize costs.
