(Photo courtesy of Caterpillar)
Offering up to five per cent less fuel consumption and 15 per cent lower maintenance costs than the Cat 988K, the Cat 988 GC wheel loader is designed to maximize life-cycle value in moderate production applications up to 2,000 hours per year.
The machine is optimized as a 45-tonne (50-ton) truck match loader, with a 3,909 mm (12.8 ft) dump clearance. The 988 GC offers up to 670 tonnes/hour (740 tons/hour) productivity in shot rock truck loading applications and up to 527 tonnes/hour (581 tons/hour) for load-and-carry operations.
Built on the common Cat Large Wheel Loader platform, the vehicle’s full box section rear frame is engineered to resist torsional shock and twisting forces. Its front frame has also been designed to withstand larger loads than previous models and features a new lift arm design.
Equipped with a Cat C15 engine, which offers configurations to emit equivalent to EU Stage IIIA / U.S. EPA Tier 3 or meet EU Stage V / U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards, features include a cooling package with an on-demand fan strategy and two available fan speed settings for standard and high-ambient-temperature configurations.
Its Cat Advanced Power Electronic Control Strategy (APECS) transmission offers consistent, smooth shifting, productivity and efficiency improvements. Forward momentum and torque are maintained when shifting for greater momentum on grades. The transmission neutralizer pedal extends service brake life and allows full power during stationary loading.
Load sensing hydraulics direct hydraulic flow to implement and steering systems only when needed to optimize performance and efficiency. Beneficial for load-and-carry applications, the optional ride control adds an auxiliary accumulator to the lift circuit for a smoother ride. Maximum machine responsiveness is achieved through its Steering and Integrated Control (STIC) steering. Its Cat Comfort Series III seat with seat-mounted implement pod that moves with the seat is designed to enhance comfort and reduce operator fatigue. Operation is through an intuitive operator interface, touchscreen display and easy-to-use soft detent implement controls. Machine vibration feedback to the operator is reduced using cab isolation mounts and seat air suspension, and an optional air cooled and heated seat is available for increased operator comfort.
To help keep people and assets safe, the 988 GC can be equipped with Cat Detect technology that enhances awareness of the environment around working equipment.
Bucket payload is aligned with the 988K models with a range of Cat performance series buckets available with capacities from 6.3 to 7.6 cubic metres (8.3 to 10 cubic yards).
