New Design for Cat 630K Series Wheel Tractor-Scrapers Includes Technology that Adds Productivity and Operator Convenience

Fri March 18, 2016
Aggregate Equipment Guide

The new Cat 630K Series wheel tractor-scrapers—631K and 637K—replace the previous 630G Series and feature a complete design update, including high-pressure steering, engine-over-speed protection, tire-spin reduction, differential-lock-engagement protection, and machine/ground-speed control, plus available systems such as Sequence Assist, Load Assist, Payload Estimator, and Cat Grade Control. Payload capacity of the open-bowl 631K and open-bowl twin-engine 637K is 34 cubic yards (26 m3) and 50 cubic yards (38 m3) for the coal-bowl 637K.

Redesign of 630K Series models also includes a number of features developed for other Cat K Series models: the Advanced Cushion Hitch uses new software to dampen end-of-stroke movement of the load cylinder for a smoother ride; hydraulic-system refinement simplifies the bowl quick-drop function; and draft-arm-overflow guards divert material away from the sides of the bowl.

In addition, a new Auto-Stall system assists in quickly bringing the transmission to operating temperature for faster transitions from torque-convertor drive. New cab interiors feature a redesigned dash, as well as visibility and operator-comfort enhancements. Maintenance improvements include a ground-level-service filter bank, and the 637K's Fuel Economy Mode adjusts shift points and power distribution for optimum fuel economy.

Engine over-speed protection automatically senses engine-over-speed conditions, based on the rate of acceleration, and applies the compression brake or service brakes with no operator input.

Tire-Spin Reduction automatically controls the slip of the tractor tires.

Differential-Lock-Engagement Protection prevents the operator from engaging the differential lock when damage could occur.

High-Pressure Steering requires significantly less steering effort, resulting in less operator fatigue that helps keep production steady throughout the shift.

Machine-Speed Limiter is used if site conditions require limiting machine speed for long intervals. The operator can select the top speed through the display, or top speed can be set through the Cat Electronic Technician. The system allows the machine to select the gear that works most efficiently for the load on the engine and transmission, typically resulting in a lower engine load factor and lower fuel burn, compared with selecting a top gear that requires the engine to operate at high-idle speeds.

Ground-Speed Control is used when top speed must be limited in short segments of the haul or for intermediate periods of time. The operator can set the desired top speed, and the machine selects the appropriate gear for conditions.

Sequence Assist is an available system that uses cylinder-position sensors to automate bowl functions, eliminating up to 14 manual commands in each cycle segment—load, haul, dump, and return—including control of the cushion hitch, transmission-hold feature, and ejector.

Load Assist, an optional feature, is designed to assist less-experienced operators achieve fast, consistent loads. Based on the speed of the machine, the system automatically adjusts cutting-edge height in order to manage wheel slip and to ensure consistent loading cycles.

Payload Estimator is another available system that calculates machine payload (in tonnes or tons) by measuring bowl-lift-cylinder pressure at the start of the haul segment. The system works most effectively when using Sequence Assist and achieves more than 95 percent accuracy (based on testing), compared with actual scale weights. Payload Estimator is included with the Sequence Assist system.

Cat Grade Control, when selected, "intelligently" controls the loading cycle to ensure that the machine does not cut below grade nor over fill in dump area, thus avoiding excess material movement and rework.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.