Caterpillar unveil updated M-Series wheel loader range
Latest loading shovels designed to deliver reduced maintenance costs and enhanced operator comfort
CATERPILLAR say their newly upgraded M-Series wheel loaders – Cat 950M to 982M – all meet EU Stage V emissions standards and have been designed to provide greater productivity, improved operator comfort and reduced maintenance costs.
Several new configurations and software tools have also been added to the revised Cat M-Series range, including remote flash support that allows the dealer to upload the latest software to the wheel loader via a service portal.
Extended service intervals and meeting the latest emissions legislation were key design goals on the updated M-Series range. The machines now have extended engine oil, engine oil filter and hydraulic oil filter changes, from 500h to 1,000h, whilst several fuel and engine oil filters have been converted from spin-on to cartridge-type units. Key benefits of cartridge-type filters include fewer parts to replace at servicing, easier disposal of used elements and less costly replacement parts.
The next-generation of seats and suspensions on the updated M-Series loaders is being offered in three trim levels – comfort, deluxe and premium plus – all featuring high-visibility, seat-adjustment controls, as well as ride stiffness adjustments. The ride stiffness of the seat suspension is also adjustable to different settings, allowing operators to choose their own seat dampening to meet individual preferences and the application.
Payload management is via the Caterpillar Advanced Productivity web-based tool which complements Cat Payload and VisionLink. The Advanced Productivity software includes a user-customizable report dashboard, multiple asset comparisons, time series data and fleet or individual asset key-process-indicator target settings.
New configurations in the M-Series line-up include the 982M High Lift model, which has been designed to increase dump clearance under the bucket pin from 15ft 6in (standard lift version) to 16ft 10in. Configuration changes from the standard 982M include a new lift arm and tilt cylinder, and counterweight from the 982M Aggregate Handler.
Another first for the updated wheel loaders is the Advansys ground-engaging tool system, which is a Cat tip unit designed with performance-enhancing features that result in less drag and higher productivity. There is also a new universal coupler for the 966M and 972M models, as well as new LED and halogen lighting packages for increased safety.
