Caterpillar raises the bar with next-gen compact loaders

Building on the success of Caterpillar’s M-series compact wheel loaders, the new Next Generation Cat 906, 907, and 908 wheel loaders feature a reengineered operator’s station, leveraging exclusive Cat technologies to improve operator experience, Caterpillar said.

In addition to cab upgrades, the new loaders also feature a new engine, upgraded powertrain, improved hydraulics and new structures to cater to many applications.

Caterpillar’s new compact loaders feature sealed and pressurised cabs and maintain previous design functional aspects like raised floor pedals and two doors to make cab cleaning easier.

Larger standard side mirrors, optional parabolic lens electric and heated mirrors, and optional front and rear cameras offer optimum visibility. New single-piece front and rear windshields offer 60 per cent better wiper coverage.

The controls are seat-mounted for better ergonomics. A multifunction joystick controls travel direction and speed, proportional auxiliary flow, differential lock, and constant hydraulic flow without operators removing their hand from the joystick. Customers are also able to choose from a range of seats, including a new premium heated and ventilated seat.

A key feature on the new loaders which is a first in its size class, according to Caterpillar, is the in-cab-programmable kickouts with high-definition rotary sensors mounted to the loader arms designed to protect operators from unwanted shock and vibration due to buckets striking the ground or hitting dump stops at max height.

Proper kickout operation also saves up to 20 per cent of bucket cutting edge life, Caterpillar said. Without having to leave the cab, the operator is able to set upper, lower and attachment kickout positions at the touch of a button. Cylinder snubbing is also enabled to provide the operator with added protection.

The heart of the new cab design is the Next Generation control monitor, which offers a range of real-time machine operating information. It allows the operator to configure hydrostatic transmission response, auto engine idle shutdown and a utility powertrain mode that provides operators with a more intuitive means of controlling ground and engine speed, ideal when working with hydromechanical attachments.

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Specifically designed for Cat products, the new Cat C2.8 engine delivers the same 74hp gross power as the previous engine but with 13 per cent more torque, resulting in roading performance and tractive effort improvements, Caterpillar said.

The Cat C2.8 meets EU Stage V and U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards with alternative emissions packages available. Its shift-on-the-go transmission offers increased roading speeds of 40 km/h, while larger fuel tank capacities of 30 per cent for the 906 and 12 per cent for the 907 and 908 deliver extended work cycles.

When working in dusty environments, the new reversing-fan option assists in keeping cooling cores clean for more efficient temperature control.

Through an in-cab soft-touch button, the system can be turned off, set to operate in an automatic mode or momentarily activated by the operator. Automatic mode uses the factory-setting to reverse direction for 10 seconds every 10 minutes. Frequency and duration of automatic reversing can be changed easily by the operator via the new control monitor.

To meet demand for increased multifunctionality with lift and tilt while powering hydromechanical tools, these Next Generation wheel loaders feature a new standard pressure compensated valve that allows operators to simultaneously control implements and operate hydromechanical attachments.

Increased working auxiliary pressures make work easier and improve steering to reduce operator fatigue.

The optional skid steer coupler has been modified to improve visibility through the coupler when setting fork tines. In conjunction, realignment of the compact wheel loader fork carriage improves forward visibility. Bucket capacities have been increased across the range.

New for this class size, an optional Cat 908 high-lift configuration is available, perfect for customers operating in agricultural and industrial and waste markets. When combined with the reversing fan option, the high-lift configuration offers farmers increased operating efficiency and reliability, Caterpillar said.

Efficient, high-illumination LED lights options are now available for both working/roading and under-hood-service lights to better illuminate work areas in low-light conditions.

Task-focused LED under-hood lighting simplifies servicing in poor ambient light.

Find out more at Cat.com.au