New Stage V compliant compact loaders from Caterpillar

Latest 926M, 930M and 938M models now offer enhanced attachment visibility, operator comfort and performance 

CATERPILLAR have launched several new design enhancements for their M-Series small wheel loader (SWL) line – the 926M, 930M and 938M – focusing on improved attachment visibility, greater operator comfort and increased machine performance.

Integrating large wheel loader features into the Cat SWL models, the performance-enhancing upgrades deliver improved operating efficiency, reduced maintenance and increased loader longevity. Caterpillar have also updated their 926M, 930M and 938M loading shovels to meet the upcoming EU Stage V emissions legislation. 

The SWL line’s new Fusion quick-coupler system has been designed to improve visibility to the attachment in materials-handling applications. With its electro-hydraulic coupler application system activated from the cab, the single piece cast coupler frame, with relocated actuation cylinders, is said to increase attachment visibility by up to 85% while maintaining the benefits of the fusion system.

The compact M-Series loaders also feature a new adjustable materials-handling arm which delivers increased visibility, simple adjustments and easy transportation with a general-purpose bucket.

A new cast torque tube design for the Cat 930M and 938M models has been developed to increase operator visibility to the attachment when it is in a raised position. Caterpillar say the new standard lift arms on the machines now offer 100% more fork tip/heel visibility and 50% more bucket edge visibility for improved operating efficiency. 

As well as the lift-arm and quick-coupler system updates, according to Caterpillar, the new 930M compact loader resets the benchmark in SWL machine performance and refinement. 

Powered by Caterpillar’s C7.1 ACERT engine, the machine, which also meets US EPA Tier 4 Final (EU Stage IV) emissions standards, delivers a 5% boost in gross horsepower, a 5% increase in breakout face and a 5% higher full-turn tipping load when compared with the previous 930M model. 

In addition to the performance upgrades and refinements, Cat have introduced an optional aggregate handler package for the 930M. This offer customers lower owning/operating costs compared to running a larger wheel loader. 

Key features commonly found on large and medium Cat wheel loaders have now been added to the smaller revised M-Series range. Operators have the option to equip their SWL units with Cat Production Management (CPM), Autolube, tyre pressure monitoring (TPM) and hydraulic load check valves.

CPM is an advanced ‘on-the-go’ payload weight measuring system that ensures the right amount of material is loaded; reducing the number of cycles while maximizing efficiency and jobsite productivity.   

The Cat Autolube system is now a fully integrated option in the compact M-Series wheel loaders and ensures machinery pivot points are automatically greased to reduce daily maintenance needs.

To increase tyre longevity on the loading shovels, tyre pressure monitoring (TPM) can now be added and viewed in the cab’s secondary display. It allows the operator to see current tyre pressures on the machines and the system provide alerts if tyre pressures drop too low or increases too high, which can affect stability and increase tyre wear and fuel burn if not noticed or corrected.

For increased operator comfort and safety, new fabric designs have been introduced to improve airflow for the range of seating options on all Cat SWL models. All seats also incorporate high visibility orange seat belts that allow crew members to see if the operator is wearing a seatbelt.

Among the seating options available is the top-of-the-line leather/fabric air-suspension Premium Seat, which is fully adjustable with a high backrest, headrest, air lumbar support, armrests and cushion tilt.

The heated air-suspension Deluxe Seat is fully adjustable, fabric covered and has mid-backrest, headrest, mechanical lumbar support, armrests and a cushion tilt. The fully adjustable, fabric covered, mechanical suspension Standard Seat features a mid-backrest, headrest and armrests.

New LED lighting options to provide operators with better visibility when working in the dark are now available on the Cat 926M, 930M and 938M models. Featuring integrated LED indicators, high-performance LED front roading lights improve light coverage in dipped and main beam modes.

Operators can also choose a new auxiliary lighting package, which includes lighting inside the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) fill tank compartment for better visibility in low light conditions.