Cat upgrades 992 mining loader
New generation large mining spec wheel loader up to 48 per cent more efficient, Cat claimedCaterpillar has revamped its best-selling 992 mining spec loader to offer increased productivity and significantly greater payload-per-fuel efficiency than the predecessor 992K model.
The new 992 is powered by Cat's new C32B engine with U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V and Tier 2 equivalent emission engine options to suit different market requirements around the world. That combined with several powertrain design enhancements to the transmission, axles and final drive, Caterpillar estimates the 992 will deliver a 20 per cent longer interval for planned component replacement.
The 992 is available in both standard and high-lift configurations and delivers the lowest cost-per-tonne when paired with fleets of Cat 775, 777 and 785 trucks, Cat said.
Standard-lift payload capacities reach 23.1 tonnes for quarry face applications and 27.2 tonnes for loose material handling; while high-lift capacities reach 20.4 tonnes for quarrying and 24.5 tonnes for material handling.
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Improvements galore
Cat has added a handful of new technology and features to the 992 to offer significantly improved efficiency, performance, rimpull and capacity. In fact, the 992 has been proven to deliver up to 48 per cent greater payload-per-fuel efficiency during field testings in comparison to the 992K. The new 992 achieved a four-pass run with 90.7 tonne trucks, versus five passes with its predecessor.
The 992 also provides up to 9.5 per cent more rimpull during digging and up to 20 per cent more breakout force, Cat said.
Some new features that contributed to the improved productivity include a new Z-bar linkage and a new on-demand throttle mode that Cat said optimises payload-per-fuel efficiency without slowing production.
New standard automatic retarding controls disable the impeller clutch, enable the lockup clutch, and use the implement and fan pumps retarding to slow the machine on grade. The available advanced automatic retarding controls with engine brake feature offers full control of the loader’s speed on grade to maintain a desired hold speed.
Optional new Autodig Components that automate critical digging cycle elements further improve productivity and efficiency while reducing tyre wear, Cat said. To stop slippage before it happens, a tyre slip prevention feature reduces rimpull before the tyres are set and increases rimpull when downward force is applied to the tyre.
The tyre set function detects pile contact and automatically lifts against the pile to set the tyres and increase available traction. A lift stall prevention feature automatically manages rimpull in-dig to prevent hydraulic stall while lifting through the face, so the 992 spends less time in the pile.
An optional Payload Overload Prevention function allows operators to achieve target pass-match across a range of material densities without the risk of overload. With the overload value fully adjustable based on the target payload, this feature can be configured to automatically stop or slow the lift function when the overload value is exceeded.
Improvements to the setback and strike plane angles, a longer bucket floor, and a stronger and larger bottom section increase the bucket fill factor by 10 per cent, Cat said. The taller side plate with level top surface helps to improve visibility beyond the bucket edge to the material pile.
An operator-coaching feature empowers operators to exceed productivity targets by measuring and providing feedback to teach proper operating techniques. Among other operating techniques, this feature shows how to properly shorten travel, avoid unracking in-dig, enter the pile with a level bucket, reduce the dump height, and use the kickout.
Better comfort
Cat has also redesigned the 992’s cab for increased visibility and better control. Its taller windshield increases the glass surface area by 25 per cent for greater visibility while 50 per cent more legroom in the cab provides more comfort to the operator.
The new 992 controls feature electrohydraulic speed-sensing steering with force feedback. Two 10-inch colour LED monitors display machine control and operating functions while a separate 8-inch screen provides a dedicated viewing feed of the standard rearview camera, which can be upgraded to include 270-degree vision and object detection.
Lower cost of ownership
Cat has extended major component life and improved service access on the new 992 to reduce maintenance costs by 10 per cent. Automatic lubrication to Z-bar linkage pins with robust guarding helps to prolong machine life. Two large openings per machine side offer quick and convenient access to the improved cooling package, reducing cleaning time.
Improved hydraulic systems filtration and pump prognostics for the implement pump reduce machine downtime. The loader also displays the remaining life of the engine air filter, allowing technicians to plan ahead for machine servicing.
The service center has been relocated to the left-hand side of the machine for better access to maintenance items. S·O·SSM fluid sampling ports are safely accessed from ground level and filters are organised by type and change interval to increase maintenance efficiency.
For more information about the new Cat 992 Wheel Loader, visit cat.com.
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