Caterpillar officially introduced its H Series wheel loaders, wheel dozers, compactors and work tools at a press event at its plant in Aurora, IL.
The plant, situated on 370 acres, was built in 1958 and employs some 2,900 workers. The facility features 45 robotic welders, monorail material movement, self-guided vehicles and Caterpillar solar gas turbines, which provide WLED electricity for the operation.
The Aurora operation manufactures the medium and large wheel loaders, compactors and wheel dozers in the new H Series that includes:
The 834H Wheel Dozer
The 834H wheel dozer from Caterpillar is engineered to deliver power, mobility and long life in large dozing applications. The new model retains the best features of its predecessor, including a high-efficiency hydraulic system, durable structures, low-effort electro-hydraulic controls and a comfortable cab.
It also features many updates including a high-performance, low-emissions engine, new cooling system technology, an additional blade option and other improvements that make the machine easier to operate and service.
The most significant change to the 834H is its engine, a new Cat C18 that delivers 498 net hp (372 net kW) at 1,800 rpm. The engine features ACERT Technology, a Cat emissions reduction solution.
Key elements of the ACERT Technology solution include the following:
• A cross-flow cylinder head that brings more clean air into the combustion chamber and improves air distribution, ensuring a cleaner combustion process.
• A waste-gated, water-cooled turbocharger that also improves air flow and reduces emissions.
• A mechanically-actuated, electronically-controlled unit injection system that delivers micro-bursts of fuel to the combustion chamber — just prior to and after the main injection — improving control over emissions.
• A 32-bit ADEM IV control system that manages the fuel injection process and other powertrain operations with precision and accuracy, reducing emissions, while boosting performance and maximizing component life.
This combination of technologies makes the engine in the 834H clean, quiet, fuel efficient and compliant with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 3 standards.
The engine incorporates other valuable improvements. Straight-thread o-ring connection points throughout the block replace the traditional pipe thread ports, delivering leak-free performance, despite the engine’s high internal pressures.
The one-piece, gray-iron block has generous ribbing for extra stiffness and heavy bearing bulkheads to improve rigidity and strength when the crankshaft turns. A pendulum absorber drive gear reduces torsional load throughout the gear train, improving reliability and wear life.
A newly designed head gasket, made of graphite and steel composite, seals the combustion chamber with better rigidity and wear capability. A one-piece, all-steel piston design maintains structural integrity, despite high compression ratios in the combustion chamber. Larger piston pins, connecting rods and rod bearings enhance durability.
Metallurgical improvements to the rod bearing also contribute to longer wear life. The accessory drive sits on a cast iron housing and has a serpentine belt with automatic tensioning to ensure proper performance over time.
An optional Cat compression brake, similar to a Jake brake on a truck engine, releases pressure in the cylinders to brake the machine.
Other Improvements
The 834H incorporates many other upgrades that improve performance, life, ease of operation and serviceability. Inside the cab, the controller has been redesigned to include a tilt/tip switch on the joystick for more convenient operation.
A new automatic blade positioning system also makes the operator’s job easier. It automatically lowers the blade when the machine is shifted forward and raises it in reverse, improving operator comfort and productivity. To further reduce fatigue, a kickout feature allows the operator to raise and lower the blade without having to hold the joystick in place.
The cooling system on the 834H also has been updated. The machine features a next generation modular radiator with copper-alloy cores, copper-brazed for high joint integrity. The tubes, side sheets, header plate and tank are made of brass for extra durability. This radiator provides better cooling capabilities and is easier-to service than previous designs.
Cooling capabilities also have been enhanced through the used of a demand fan that automatically adjusts fan speed to match coolant temperature.
Additional improvements to the 834H include a three-piece oil pan that can be dropped out of the machine without removing the engine, reducing the time required for oil changes. The wheel dozer also has high-efficiency filtration systems for engine oil and fuel to reduce the risk of contamination. Pressure taps for the electronic clutch pressure control transmission have been relocated to a convenient spot behind the cab for easier service access.
Options
The 834H can now be equipped with a 13.25-cu-yd. (10.13 cu m) semi-universal blade, designed to improve productivity in quarry and aggregates applications.
Optional high intensity discharge lights are available to enhance safety and visibility at night or in low light conditions. The wheel dozer can be outfitted with an optional product link system from Caterpillar. Product link uses satellite technology and the Internet to monitor machine location, service meter hour and product health information.
The machine also comes equipped with all the brackets and wiring necessary to install the computer aided earthmoving system (CAES) from Caterpillar. CAES is an automated production tool that combines onboard sensors, advanced control systems and GPS technology to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
The 988H Wheel Loader
Caterpillar has introduced the 988H wheel loader, a versatile machine that delivers high productivity and long life in stockpile as well as face-loading applications.
The new model retains the best features of the 988G, including its fabricated box boom linkage, electro-hydraulic controls and spacious cab. It also incorporates improvements that reduce emissions, increase fuel efficiency and make the wheel loader easier to maneuver, transport and service.
New Engine Meets EPA Tier 3 Regulations
The most significant change to the 988H is its engine, a new Cat C18, rated at 475 net hp (354 net kW). The engine features ACERT Technology, a Cat emissions reduction solution. Key elements of the ACERT Technology solution include the following:
• A cross-flow cylinder head that brings more clean air into the combustion chamber and improves its distribution, ensuring a cleaner combustion process.
• A waste-gated, water-cooled turbocharger that also improves air flow and reduces emissions.
• A mechanically actuated, electronically-controlled unit injection system that delivers micro-bursts of fuel to the combustion chamber — just prior to and after the main injection — improving control over emissions.
• A 32-bit ADEM IV control system that manages the fuel injection process and other power train operations with precision and accuracy, reducing emissions, while boosting performance and maximizing component life.
This combination of technologies makes the new Cat C18 engine clean, quiet, fuel efficient and compliant with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 3 standards.
The engine incorporates other valuable improvements. Straight-thread o-ring connection points throughout the block replace the traditional pipe thread ports, delivering leak-free performance, despite the engine’s high internal pressures.
The one-piece, gray-iron block has generous ribbing for extra stiffness and heavy bearing bulkheads to improve rigidity and strength when the crankshaft turns.
A pendulum absorber drive gear reduces torsional load throughout the gear train, improving reliability and wear life. A one-piece, all-steel piston design maintains structural integrity, despite high compression ratios in the combustion chamber. Larger piston pins, connecting rods and rod bearings enhance durability.
Metallurgical improvements to the rod bearing also contribute to longer wear life. All-steel wet cylinder liners provide added wear and strength characteristics. A serpentine belt on the front of the engine features automatic tensioning to ensure proper performance over time.
An optional Cat compression brake, similar to a Jake brake on a truck engine, releases pressure in the cylinders to brake the machine.
Additional Linkage Option Extends Versatility
Like its predecessor, the 988H incorporates a fabricated box boom linkage, rather than the steel plate lift arms used on traditional loaders. This feature increases breakout force, lift capacity and dump clearance. It also enhances visibility to the corners of the bucket and offers increased torsional strength for long life.
Three linkages are available for the 988H — a new 12.7-ft. (3.88 m) option, plus the existing 11.8-ft. (3.6 m) and 13.9-ft. (4.25 m) booms. The new linkage complements the other options, while providing increased maneuverability and transportability.
It is recommended for load-and-carry applications and also is well suited for loading trucks in the 35- to 40-ton (32 to 36 t) size class.
The H-Series model offers many other standard features that improve performance, life and serviceability. A three-piece oil pan can be dropped out of the machine without removing the engine, reducing the time required for oil changes. High-efficiency filtration systems for engine oil and fuel reduce the risk of contamination.
The advanced next generation modular radiator improves cooling capabilities and is easier to service than the previous design. Cooling capabilities and operating efficiency also have been enhanced through the use of a demand fan that automatically adjusts fan speed to match coolant temperature.
Remote-mounted electronic clutch pressure control pressure taps improve serviceability. An electronic fuel-priming pump makes the priming process easier.
Options for the 988H include an improved ride control system that reduces machine bounce, prevents spillage during load-and-carry applications and improves operator comfort.
Optional high-=intensity discharge lights enhance safety and visibility at night or in low light conditions.
Two optional automatic lubrication systems are available to reduce maintenance time and maximize component life.
Buckets for the 988H can be equipped with Cat K-Series ground engaging tools for better tip retention, easier penetration and longer life. The loader also can be outfitted with an optional product link system from Caterpillar. Product link uses satellite technology and the Internet to provide machine location, service meter hour and product health information.
For more information, visit www.cat.com. CEG
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