NEWS & REPORTS Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar® Introduces 980K Wheel Loader
980K
with New Cab, Engine, Load-sensing Hydraulics & Optional Lock-up Torque Converter The all-new Cat® 980K Wheel Loader offers high productivity, reliable performance and excellent fuel efficiency and an engine certified to meet Stage IIIB emissions standards in Europe. Major improvements include a new cab, load-sensing hydraulics, a 25 percent increase in lift force and a 16 percent increase in tilt force over the 980H. The loader also features new electro-hydraulic steering with either joystick or steering wheel control, plus Performance Series Buckets and an optional lock-up torque converter. The 980K is equipped with the new Cat C13 ACERT™ engine with peak net power of 274 kW at 1600 rpm. The loader accommodates buckets from 4.00 to 12.20 cubic meters and is a productive and cost effective tool in quarry, aggregates, construction and other high-volume applications.
New operator station Operators will work comfortably and productively in the 980K. New steps that have a greater inclination angle than the H Series provide easy access to the cab. A wider door opening, well-placed grab bars and a new front-hinged door that can be opened and closed while seated allow for easy entry and exit.
Issue 04 | 2011
A streamlined four-post ROPS design and a new operator position that has been moved slightly forward enhance visibility to the front and sides, while a standard rear-view camera with large color monitor enhances visibility to the back of the machines. Interior noise level has been reduced 50 percent compared to the previous model and now is 72 dB. The 980K comes standard with a new low-effort electrohydraulic joystick steering system. Joystick steering permits operators to work in the most ergonomically neutral position with both arms resting comfortably on wide, well-padded, adjustable armrests. A high-backed seat with lumbar support further enhances ergonomics. The Cat joystick steering system has an exclusive forcefeedback feature that automatically increases joystick effort as ground speed increases. This improves steering control and comfort, especially at higher speeds. The joystick moves side to side; its angle mirrors the machine’s articulation angle. An optional electro-hydraulic steering wheel system will be available from the factory several months after the 980K goes into production. It, too, senses ground speed and automatically adjusts steering effort to improve controllability and comfort at higher speeds. Full machine articulation can be accomplished by
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