Caterpillar held a special media event in Peoria, Ill., unveiling updated designs for several machines. The event was attended by Don Marsh, editor of Rock Products’ sister publication Concrete Products.
Designed specifically for bulk material handling and scrap recycling applications, the new Cat MH3295 material handler is designed for high production, with an operating weight in its heaviest configuration of 219,056 lb. and developing 533 net-flywheel horsepower (397 kW).
The mainframes and track-roller frames combine with a choice of two heavy-duty front linkages (barge and scrap) to ensure reliable performance and long-term durability. The MH3295’s powerful hydraulic system is designed for precise, responsive control, and the hydraulic cab-to-ground riser provides optimum safety for the operator.
Caterpillar media representative Mark Sprouls noted the growth of material handlers for barge unloading over past 15-20 years: Producers are turning more to the machines because of the dwindling pool of qualified cable crane operators.
Caterpillar also released the 2016 product update to the Cat M Series medium wheel loader product line (950M, 962M, 966M, 972M, 966M XE, 972M XE, 980M and 982M). Dedicated to responding quickly to our customers’ needs, these product updates enable Caterpillar to bring new features and product improvements to market more rapidly and with greater frequency than the traditional machine development cycle. The 2016 product updates include all new Cat Connect Technologies, additional safety features and reduced operating costs.
The machines now feature a green roof light indicating seat belt engagement. Also, the 982 aggregate handler version is engineered to allow operators a smaller machine with comparable productivity. For instance, a quarry operator loading on-highway dumps at two full plus a partial bucket (24-26 tons) with a 980 could use an Agg Handler 972, loading the same truck with three full buckets.
Look for full product updates in upcoming issues of Rock Products.