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Caterpillar have unveiled an array of newand upcoming earthmoving machines,including two G-Series off-highway rigid

dumptrucks, four E-Series hydraulic excavators,three K-Series wheel loaders and the D8Ttrack-type tractor dozer. The design of all thenew machines has been driven by feedbackfrom customers, with a focus on five key areas:quality; operator comfort; fuel consumption;productivity; and safety. The result is a line upof new models that offer enhanced operatorsafety, reduced noise levels, improvedperformance, lower fuel consumption andgreater efficiency.

G-Series rigid dumptrucksThe new Cat 773G and 775G off-highway truckswent into production earlier this year following24,000h of field validation trials in both hot andcold climates. The machines have beendesigned to meet US EPA Tier 4 Final emissionsstandards while delivering improved levels ofperformance. Thanks to a combination of newdrivetrain strategies and a 5% power increaseover the previous F-series models, the 54- and64-tonne payload class trucks can hold ahigher gear when climbing 10% grades inmost applications. A new and simplified rangeof body options and liners is also available forthe G-Series trucks, including a Quarry body forthe 775G.A number of new components and control

changes help boost efficiency. Key amongthese is the next generation of Caterpillartransmission control, called the AdvancedProductivity Electronic Control System (APECS),which is designed to enhance productivity,fuel efficiency, drivetrain durability and machinecontrol. For example, to balance fuel savingsand production, two different economy shiftmode selections allow the customer to adaptperformance to the needs of the task in hand.Advanced control systems also integrate the

optional engine compression brake withautomatic retarder control to allow fasterdownhill travel and reduced cycle times –

without increased fuel consumption. To meet Tier 4 Final emissions regulations

in the US, the 773G and 775G’s Cat C27 ACERTengine includes the Caterpillar’s NOx-reductionsystem and diesel oxidation catalyst. In the EUand other areas, the engines will be configuredto meet EU Stage II emissions standards.To help the operator work safely and

efficiently, the trucks feature a new cab with acentrally positioned seat, which provides more

space for the operator and allows access andegress from either side. The access system isequipped with stairs illuminated by LED lights.In addition, the new cab provides a 4dB(A)

reduction in noise (equivalent to a 50% reductionat the operator’s station) and features fullyautomatic temperature control. An enhancedcab pre-cleaner is available as an option tofurther increase air quality and extend the lifeof the HVAC components.For easy access by maintenance technicians,

both the 773G and 775G have a ground-levelelectrical service centre and diagnostics porton the front bumper. Likewise, fluid levelindication, fluid fill ports and fluid filters aregrouped for fast and efficient servicing. Filterservice intervals for the steering, hoist/brakeand transmission/torque converter have beenincreased from 500h to 1,000h.In addition, the Cat VIMS 3G data-collection

system, which allows the customer to accessprognostic and diagnostic information, is nowfitted as standard.

E-Series excavatorsOperating in the 25–30-tonne, 29–32-tonne,36–39-tonne and 48–53-tonne weight classes,respectively, the new Cat 324E, 329E, 336E and349E hydraulic excavators all use Cat ACERTengine technology to meet EU Stage IIIBemissions standards while offering greaterhorsepower, improved productivity and up to a5% reduction in fuel consumption over theirpredecessors, the 324D, 329D, 336D and 345D.

Caterpillar introduce G-Series dumptrucks, E-Seriesexcavators, K-Series wheel loaders and the D8T dozer

New Cats UnveiledThe 64-tonne payload Cat 775G rigid dumptruck

The 29–32-tonne class Cat 329E hydraulic excavator

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Both the 324E and 329E are powered by theCat C7.1 engine, offering 145kW and 173kW ofpower, respectively, while the 336E is poweredby a 236kW C9.3 engine, and the 349E by a317kW C13 unit.Performance enhancements for the 329E

model include 13% more net horsepower,reduced fuel consumption and 5% more liftingpower. These improvements, coupled withhydraulic refinements, new amenities in theoperator’s station and new safety andserviceability features, help ensure highproductivity and lower operating costs.The 329E’s diesel particulate filter, part of its

emissions-control system, can be regeneratedto remove accumulated particulate matter ineither automatic or manual mode. Theautomatic mode initiates the regenerationprocess when conditions for cleaning areoptimal. This process requires no operatorintervention and does not interrupt work cycles.In manual mode, regeneration is initiated by theoperator at the touch of a button, allowing thecleaning process to proceed with regard toapplication-specific circumstances.The 329E reduces fuel consumption through

a combination of features, including: electronicadjustment of engine operation to preciselymeet load demand; constant engine speed(electronically controlled); a variable-speedcooling fan that runs only when required;‘one-touch’ idle control for reducing enginespeed to low idle; and an engine-shutdownsystem that stops the engine after it has idledfor a pre-set time.As well as a powerful two-pump, pilot-

operated implement hydraulic system thatdelivers both fast response and fuel savings, anew main-control valve enhances oil-flowefficiency, while a new electric regenerationvalve in the boom circuit and a hydraulic typein the digging-arm circuit minimize hydraulicflow for further fuel savings.The machine’s robust, grease-lubricated

undercarriage features a press-fit master link(as opposed to a slip-fit type) to improvedurability, while a new three-piece guiding guard(optional) assists in maintaining trackalignment.A selection of booms and digging arms

allows the 329E to be tailored to specificapplications. Choices include three booms(reach, super-long reach and mass-excavation)and four appropriately sized digging sticks, allof which use castings and forgings in high-stress areas. Cat New Generation buckets for the E-

Series range feature new geometry, with theleading-edge pushed forward for more efficientfilling, higher production and greater control.The buckets also feature improved wearresistance for corners and side cutters. In-cab sound levels for the 329E have been

reduced by 4dB(A), and the new LCD monitoris 40% larger, has higher resolution, andpresents a simpler, easy-to-use menu, aswell as serving as a display for the rear-viewcamera system.Seat choices include new heated and air-

cooled options, and the climate-control system

incorporates new outlets with positive filtration.Full adjustment of the operating consoles anddual 12-volt power outlets further enhance theoperator’s environment.The optional Cat Grade Control system for

depth and slope uses internal front linkagesensors to provide real-time bucket-tip position,resulting in less grade checking, fewer cyclesto attain grade, and reduced fuel consumption.The system can be expanded to full three-dimensional capability by adding Cat AccuGradetechnology.Visibility from the 329E’s cab is enhanced by

powerful working lights (standard halogen orhigh-intensity-discharge). For operator safety,a falling-object-guard structure (FOGS) can bebolted directly to the ROPS cab, while anti-skidsurfaces together with new ISO-complianthand rails help prevent slips.Wide service doors and a new hood design

provide easy access to the engine and coolingcompartments for maintenance and service.The cooling package is easy to clean, featuringa charge-air cooler and air-conditioningcondenser that tilt out from the side-by-sidehydraulic-oil cooler and radiator. Fuel and

engine-oil filters are accessible from groundlevel, and Quick-Evac ports allow efficientchanging of engine and hydraulic oils.

K-Series wheel loadersLike the E-Series excavators, the new Cat966K, 972K and 980K wheel loaders feature newdesigns and engines certified to meet Stage IIIBregulations in the EU. Designed to offer highproductivity and excellent fuel efficiency, theloaders have a new operator station, newelectro-hydraulic steering with either joystickor steering-wheel control, Performance Seriesbuckets and a more efficient drive train.The 966K and the 972K are designed to

accommodate buckets ranging in capacityfrom 2.50 to 9.90m3 and both are powered bythe new Cat C9.3 ACERT engine, which deliverspeak net power of 201kW and 217kW,respectively, at 1,800 rev/min. The 980Kaccommodates buckets from 4.00 to 12.20m3

and is equipped with the new Cat C13 ACERTengine, which offers peak net power of 274kWat 1,600 rev/min.Caterpillar’s new Performance Series

buckets come standard on the K-Seriesmachines. Developed especially for productionloading, these buckets are designed to deliverfaster fill times, greater fill factors and bettermaterial retention, reducing cycle time andimproving productivity and fuel efficiency. For operator comfort and safety, all three

K-Series machines feature new steps thatare less steeply inclined than on their H-Series predecessors, to provide easier accessto the cab. A wider door opening, well-placedgrab bars and a new front-hinged door that canbe opened and closed while seated also allowfor easy entry and exit.A streamlined four-post ROPS design and

a new operator position that has been movedslightly forward provide enhanced visibility tothe front and sides, while a standard rear-viewcamera with large colour monitor enhancesvisibility to the back of the machine. Two ‰

New Generation extreme-duty HEX bucket

The 972K wheel loader accommodates bucket capacities from 2.90m3 to 9.90m3

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rear work lights are located in the rear grille andcan be activated to illuminate the area behindthe machine in low-light conditions, while fourhalogen work lights illuminate the work area.The three models come as standard with a

new seat-mounted, low-effort, electro-hydraulicjoystick steering system, allowing the operatorto work in the most ergonomically neutralposition. The joystick steering system has anexclusive force-feedback feature thatautomatically increases joystick effort asground speed increases. This improves steeringcontrol and comfort, especially at higherspeeds.An optional electro-hydraulic steering wheel

system will also be available, and this too willsense ground speed and automatically adjuststeering effort to improve controllability andcomfort at higher speeds. Full machinearticulation will be achieved by rotating thewheel through approximately 330 degrees.Outside the cab, a window washing platformwith full-coverage grab bar around the roof capis now fitted as standard.Improved hydraulics include a new load-

sensing system that automatically directs theright amount of flow to the implements basedon operating conditions. As a result, fuelconsumption is reduced because the hydraulicpumps only produce the required flow. Heatgeneration is also reduced, which decreasescooling requirements and average fan speed,thereby resulting in additional fuel savings.The new hydraulic system also allows

parallel flow to the lift, tilt and auxiliaryhydraulics, so the functions can be performedsimultaneously. In bucket loading, for example,the operator can lift and tilt at the same timefor faster, smoother, more fuel-efficient loading.On the 980K, the lift and tilt forces have beenincreased by 25% and 16%, respectively,reducing bucket loading times and increasingfill factors.Drivetrain components on all three machines

have been designed to optimize productivity andfuel efficiency. A new torque converter thatincreases rimpull in all gears boostsperformance, especially on grades, and all three

loaders have new transmission-shift logic fordownshifting into first gear, based on themachine’s torque requirements instead ofground speed, thus allowing operators to usethe automatic transmission mode from firstthrough to fourth gears. The result is fasteracceleration, better ramp-climbingperformance and improved shift quality. Tofurther enhance productivity, ride control isstandard on the new loaders. For ease of maintenance the K-Series

machines retain the one-piece tilting hood firstintroduced on G-Series models. However, therear portion of the hood now incorporates aclamshell design that allows quick access to theengine-oil dipstick, oil fill, fuel fill and coolercores for cleaning. Two ground-level servicecentres are provided for hydraulic and electricalcomponents.

D8T dozerThe new Cat D8T dozer builds upon thereputation of its predecessors, retaining keyfeatures such as differential steering forinfinitely variable turning control with full

power to both tracks and a suspendedundercarriage for optimum traction in uneventerrain, but with additional new performance-enhancing and cost-reducing features, includingan enhanced auto-shift system that can reducefuel consumption by as much as 6% in certainapplications.The machine is powered by a 2321kW Cat C15

ACERT engine, which meets EU Stage IIIBemissions standards, and features an all-newcooling system that incorporates a single-unit coolant radiator, hydraulic-oil cooler andair-to-air after-cooler positioned in an easilyserviced single-plane design. Complementingthe new cooling system is a ROPS-mounted air-conditioning condenser that is fully protectedfor use in high-debris applications.Ground-level service centres provide access

to the battery disconnect and engine shutdownswitches as well as optional lighting switches,while new lighting packages, steps and grab bars provide safer machine access andegress.The D8T comes equipped with integrated

harnesses that allow for easy dealer installationof an AccuGrade machine control and guidancesystem, either when the machine is purchasedor at a later date as business requirementschange.The machine also is available with a new

Caterpillar grade-control option – a factory-integrated machine control and guidancesystem designed to guide the blade to thedesired design contours and enhance overallmachine productivity with features such asAutoCarry, Automatic Ripper Control, AutoBlade Assist and Grade Protection. The chassis-mounted system moves the traditional blade-edge positioning technology to the top of the cab,thereby helping to reduce receiver damage,enhancing visibility for the operator andeliminating receiver/antennae, masts andcables.The D8T also offers optional key-off

regeneration, as well as a delayed engineshutdown timer and an engine idle shutdowntimer. QM

Special Report

Lift and tilt forces have been increased on the 980K wheel loader

Reduced fuel consumption is a key feature of the D8T