Cat Updates M Series Wheel Loaders

Wed February 13, 2019
Caterpillar

The 2019 product update package for Cat M Series Medium Wheel Loaders (950M – 982M) includes technology advances that provide: lower operating costs via extended service intervals; enhanced operator comfort with new seats and suspensions; emissions control strategies to meet EU Stage V standards (EU only); added machine configurations (982M Forestry Machine and 982M High Lift); expanded productivity measurement tools; remote software update capability; and refinements in ground engaging tool and coupler systems. Periodic updates allow Caterpillar to bring new and improved features to market more quickly and more frequently than do conventional New Product Introduction (NPI) cycles.

Extended Service Intervals, Emissions Control

U.S. EPA Tier IV Final and EU Stage V models save maintenance costs by extending engine oil, engine oil filter and hydraulic oil filter change intervals from 500 hours up to 1,000 hours. Based on estimated comparisons of total engine and hydraulic fluids, filters, and sampling costs during a 6,000-hour period, costs can be potentially reduced by 16 to 23 percent. (For Tier III equivalent models, extended intervals apply only to hydraulic filters.)

In addition, several fuel and engine oil filters are being converted from spin-on to cartridge-type. Benefits of cartridge-type filters include fewer parts to replace at servicing (housing is retained), easier disposal of used elements, and less costly replacement parts.

Next Generation Seats and Suspensions

The "next generation" of seats and suspensions offers three trim levels — comfort, deluxe and premium plus — and feature high-visibility, seat-adjustment controls, as well as ride stiffness adjustments. A new "breakthrough" suspension for deluxe and premium plus trim levels increases dampening at the top and bottom of seat travel, providing additional suspension stability and avoiding hard stops at travel limits.

The ride stiffness of the seat suspension is adjustable to different settings, allowing operators to tailor seat dampening to individual preferences and to the application. This feature was previously included only with EH steering (joystick and wheel), but with the 2019 product update, it is now included with HMU steering wheel units with deluxe and premium plus seats.

Payload Management

The Cat Advanced Productivity application is a web-based tool used to visualize machine production-related data and complements Cat PAYLOAD, Cat Production Measurement 2.0. The tool is accessed from VisionLink and includes a user-customizable report dashboard, cycle-by-cycle downloadable data, and a list of features for truck and material identification lists.

Other key features include a new user interface (mobile friendly), time series data, multiple asset comparison, fleet or individual asset key-process-indicator target settings, and support for multiple machine types. Requirements for use include cellular Product Link, Advanced Productivity subscription, and authorized User ID.

Remote Flash Support

Remote flash support allows the dealer to push software update files to the customer's machine and authorizes the user to initiate installation via the dealer service portal. Any authorized user with CWS (Caterpillar Corporate Web Security ID) and a mobile device can initiate flash, which occurs in 30 minutes from initiation to completion. This service is provided at no cost to dealer for machines for machines with cellular Product Link, (standard on current 950 to 982 medium wheel loaders except the 950 GC), with remote-flash-compatible software. CWS authorization and mobile device required to initiate.

New 982M Configurations

New configurations in the medium wheel loader lineup include the 982M Forestry Machine and the 982M High Lift.

New configurations in the medium wheel loader lineup include the 982M Forestry Machine and the 982M High Lift. The new 982M Forestry Machine (logger) is capable lifting 28,000 lbs. (12,700 kg) with a pin-on mill yard grapple. Changes from the standard 982M include a larger tilt cylinder, upgraded rear frame, and heavier counterweight. Third party logging grapples and woodchip buckets are available.

The 982M High Lift, compared with the standard lift version, increases dump clearance under the bucket pin from 15 ft. 6 in. to 16 ft. 10 in. (4.7 to 5.1 m). Configuration changes from the standard 982M include a new lift arm, new tilt cylinder, new tilt link, and the counterweight from the 982M Aggregate Handler.

Advansys GET

The Advansys ground-engaging-tool system included in the product update is a Cat tip system designed with exclusive performance features that result in less drag and higher productivity. The new tip shapes place wear-resistant material in the most vulnerable areas, resulting in significantly longer service life. A stronger adapter nose results in up to 50 percent less stress, and improved adapter-nose geometry reduces sliding wear on adapter surfaces. The improved tip shapes shadow the adapter straps and welds for longer adapter life. New 980M/982M buckets are released with weld on adapters; 950M – 982M bolt-on adapters are interchangeable with the former J and K Series.

Additional Updates

Among the package of updates for medium wheel loaders is a new universal coupler for models 966M – 972M. The new coupler eliminates width interference with multiple tools and

a reduced offset increases breakout force by 4 percent.

New LED and Halogen work and roading light packages increase safety when working in dark conditions. Handrail high visibility films enhance awareness of handrail locations and are available from the Caterpillar dealership.

For more information, visit www.cat.com.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.