Caterpillar held a press event last week introducing several new Tier 4 Final products. The event was held at the company’s Edwards Training and Demonstration Center near Peoria, Ill., and was attended by Rock Products assistant editor Josephine Smith.
The new M-Series medium wheel loaders – 966M, 966M XE, 972M and 972M XE – have Tier 4 Final ACERT engines equipped with a combination of proven electronic fuel, air and after-treatment components. The XE Advanced powertrain first introduced with the 966K XE continues with the 966M XE as well as the new 972M XE model. The XE technology results in 25 percent lower fuel consumption on average compared to machines with traditional torque converters, simplifies operation with a two-pedal design and provides high performance at all speeds, notes the company. The 972M XE excels at truck loading and is a three-pass match for many of the larger on-highway trucks used in North America. The 966M/972M will roll out in North America in the first quarter of 2014.
The new Cat C-Series articulated dump trucks – 725C, 730C and 730C EJ ejector – feature new engines with more power, advanced transmission control, enhanced operator amenities, new serviceability features, and for the 730C and 730C EJ models, automatic traction control. The 725C has a rated payload capacity of 26 tons, and the 730C and 730C EJ models are rated at 31 tons. Cat will showcase the 730C as well as the 725C bare-chassis model at ConExpo-Con/Agg in March. The 730C will be available in January and the 725C rolls out in February.
The new Tier 4 Final compliant 770G and 772G off-highway trucks will be introduced in first quarter 2014. The trucks have been designed with major advancements in emissions control technology, transmission and traction control systems; frame, drive train and cooling system enhancements; added operator amenities; and serviceability improvements. With nominal rated payload capacities of 40 and 52 tons, respectively, the new trucks use Cat C15 (770G) and C18 (772G) engines, with net power ratings of 477 (770G) and 550 (772G) hp.
Also revealed at the press briefing was Cat Connect Solutions, a new framework for construction technologies and services that helps customers monitor, manage and enhance operations and gain more control of the jobsite; D Series skid steer/multi terrain/compact track loaders; ten new Cat E-Series hammers designed for use with mini excavators, skid-steer loaders and backhoe loaders; Cat MP318 and MP324 Multi-Processors; and a Tier 4 used equipment migration solution.
Furthermore, there was a 988K wheel loader dealer and customer field follow panel with Tower Rock Stone Co., St. Genevieve, Mo. The wheel loader was introduced earlier in the year at Bauma.