The technological advancements Caterpillar demonstrated with the Next Gen excavator range now come into play in the comprehensively updated Cat wheel loader line-up. One of the first such machines in the country is Graeme Bagrie Contracts’ new Cat 980, loading out at Waitohu Quarry. Fully Loaded
the dealer. Cat Advanced Payload extends the features available within the standard Cat Payload system to include additional information such as truck IDs and material types, and the ability to track two loading processes simultaneously. A further Advanced Payload feature is Tip-off Assist, which is designed to provide accuracy on the last pass. In mitigating accidental overloading, it saves quarry operators’ and truck drivers’ time, meaning the truck doesn’t have to go around and tip off again to get rid of excess material. “The ability for us as a machine distributor to upgrade the feature sets of our customers’ machines is very important to us. It extends both the return on investment for our customers, along with the real-world usability of these machines far beyond what might be expected from them when they first arrive on site.” Back at the Waitohu Quarry, Rhys is looking forward to utilising Graeme Bagrie Contracts’ new Cat 980 for some time to come to help load out the daily average of 100-plus trucks that swing in through the gate. “Performance consistency is a big deal for us here, and our Cat gear gives us that,” says Rhys. “With so many truck movements to account for on any given day, we really can’t afford for a machine to be down unexpectedly. Investing in new equipment and keeping it well maintained is a big part of making sure we avoid that situation if we can.” Rhys and his team expect plenty of hours out of their equipment. The new Cat 980 has been on-site since February and, at time of writing, is just about to undergo its first scheduled service. “The Cat 966K that this new machine replaced was purchased in 2015 and had clocked over 10,000 hours when we sold it. I would anticipate the same amount of life out of the new 980, if not more,” says Rhys. “We are loyal to Cat because their equipment helps us get the job done in the best way possible. With such great machinery being backed by a solid distributor in the shape of Terra Cat, it’s a win-win for us. Add to that the advances in the latest Cat Next Gen equipment, and we know we’re making an investment that is only going to help improve our bottom line.”
“Once again, the design nous that Caterpillar demonstrated with the Next Gen excavator range comes into play in the updated Cat wheel loader line-up. An increase in parts commonality means that there is less wastage, with standardised filters now being used across the range.”
Tim says that scheduled maintenance intervals have also been extended, eliminating service downtime and lowering costs. This goes to help improve productivity over the lifetime of the machine.
Caterpillar’s design and build teams have ensured engineering and technology combine to give operators the absolute best value wheel loaders money can buy. For example, over and above the suite of systems already on offer in the new Next Gen Cat 980 and 982 series wheel loaders, Terra Cat is also looking forward to introducing Cat Advanced Payload to the local wheel loader range from the 966 model and larger as standard. “The beauty of the technology systems in the new Next Gen wheel loader models are that they effectively future- proof these machines and give us the ability to update the onboard software to incorporate new features as they become available,” says Tim. “This will prove especially relevant to New Zealand quarry customers when we are able to commence the roll-out of an on-board job dispatch system with weighbridge connectivity, along with a factory installed full certified for trade Cat Advanced Payload system in our new Cat 980 and 982 series loaders. This will prove a gamechanger for quarry operations without weighbridges.” The Cat Payload system calculates material weight in real time by using data from sensors that measure bucket position and loader frame position, as well as hydraulic pressure. Bucket payloads are transferred to the truck cumulative payload weight as soon as an estimated weight is calculated. The wheel loader operator can see the cumulative payload weight and receive overload alerts if the bucket weight exceeds the payload limit. Tim says all Cat 966 model wheel loaders and up will eventually be able to have Cat Advanced Payload installed by
R hys Ellis from Graeme Bagrie Contracts has been utilising one of the first Cat Next Gen wheel loaders to arrive in New Zealand at the busy Waitohu Quarry, just a few kilometres inland from Otaki on the Kapiti Coast. The Cat 980 joins a fleet of other Cat gear at Waitohu, including Cat dump trucks, Cat 345C and Next Gen Cat 352 excavators, and a Cat 980H wheel loader already onsite. Rhys says the new machine offers him a big step up in terms of operator comfort and usability. “The cab has an improved view out which is always good to have. Also, the Next Gen machine bucket cylinders are well designed meaning you can see ‘through’ them when you’re loading which, again, is a good safety feature when you’re alongside the trucks,” he says. Rhys also says the cab is a comfortable place to be on long days at the controls, offering features such as an E-H joystick steering with force feedback for precision control, intuitive, ergonomic controls, and a bright and clear touch screen multifunction display. The Cat 980’s ride control system with dual accumulators also provides excellent ride quality and lowers cab vibrations, which helps mitigate fatigue. But it’s the technology under the bodywork that really advances the latest machines in Cat’s wheel loader line-up. “The Cat M Series wheel loader range already featured class leading reductions in fuel burn and the new Cat 980 and 982
wheel loaders enhance this even further through a range of improvements,” says Terra Cat Industry Manager Tim O’Meara. “Cat Next Gen wheel loaders are proof positive that there is still a lot of room for clever enhancements to traditional drivetrains beyond alternative power sources. Through incremental improvements and gains achieved with more modern technologies, Caterpillar is creating more efficient and economical engines.” In fact, the new Cat Next Gen 980 and 982 wheel loaders are up to 10% more productive with up to 12% lower maintenance costs when compared to the previous 980M and 982M models. Improving the machine’s productivity certainly counts towards overall fuel savings. This is exactly what the new Cat Autodig with Auto Set Tires system is designed to do. This system promotes a proper loading technique to significantly reduce tyre slip and loading time. It can automate the complete bucket loading cycle to deliver consistently high bucket fill factors for up to 10% more productivity. Application Profiles are also a new feature allowing the operator to cycle between pre-set machine settings for roading, truck loading and re-handling. These can be personalised to the operator with their unique operator ID. Tim also points to Caterpillar’s dedication to ensuring more parts commonality across the wheel loader line-up as a way the manufacturer has achieved lower running costs and less waste.
For more information on Cat Next Generation Wheel Loaders
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