Caterpillar unveil new M-Series wheel loader models

Latest Cat 980M and 982M machines designed to offer improved productivity and fuel efficiency

CATERPILLAR have launched two new M-Series wheel loaders, the 980M and 982M, both of which feature Stage IV ACERT engines and a combination of proven electronic, fuel, air and after-treatment components.

The all-purpose 982M joins the company’s medium wheel loader line-up. Benefitting from an enhanced drivetrain, reinforced frames and a longer linkage, the new 982M model, with payloads ranging from 9 tonnes to 11.4 tonnes, is suitable for loading the largest European on-highway trucks in quarry yards, small rigid trucks in quarry pits and large articulated trucks on construction sites.

With a full range of bucket sizes and types, as well as other work tools, the 982M wheel loader is said to provide a new option in this size class.

The 980M and 982M powertrains both have lock-up clutch torque converters as standard and have been matched with the engine power and hydraulics to improve performance and fuel efficiency. These rugged planetary transmissions have a new split-flow oil system and use new multi-viscosity oil to improve fuel economy.

The 982M wheel loader comes standard with a heavy-duty 17in planetary transmission. Deep system integration of the new features and further axle and hydraulic improvements result in 10% lower fuel consumption, on average, compared with the 980K.

The 980M and 982M hydraulic systems have also undergone significant design changes. The main hydraulic valve is now a mono-block with an integrated ride-control section. The mono-block design reduces weight, has 40% fewer leak points and is common across all M-Series models.

The new ride control system now has two accumulators, making it more effective over a greater payload range and increasing productivity and operator efficiency. An auxiliary third hydraulic function can be easily added in the factory or in the field with the addition of a second remote valve.

The 982M machine has larger lift and tilt cylinders than the 980M model (pictured) due to newer longer lift arms for the larger payloads it is designed to handle.

Hydraulic system components on the 980M and 982M are protected by full-flow and kidney-loop filtration. A filter in the hydraulic tank return line filters all of the oil returning to the tank.

Improved operator efficiency was a key design criterion for the 980M and 982M machines.
For example, a switch has been added to the electronic service centre for unlatching the door remotely; a gas strut then swings the door open all while the operator is safely on the ground.

The angle of the steps up to the cab has been increased to an optimal 15 degrees, which allows operators to walk up as if they were using stairs rather than climbing more vertically. Grab handles have also been repositioned so a secure three points of contact can be maintained at all times.

Operator and exterior sound pressure/power levels for the 980M and 982M wheel loaders are 72 dB(A) and 112 dB(A) respectively. Elsewhere, new larger convex mirrors help improve visibility to the rear and integrated spot mirrors provide visibility close to both sides of the machine.