M-Series ushers Tier 4 Final design to Cat’s small wheel loaders


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Segment-specific solutions, developed for K-Series models, remain available for the M-Series models to enhance overall versatility. The Aggregate Handler solution includes additional counterweight for greater stability, long-life Performance Series buckets, and optional axle- and gear-box breathers for negotiating settling ponds.

Caterpillar’s new 926M, 930M and 938M models build on K-Series predecessor loaders—924K, 930K and 938K—with engineering refinements that include new power and exhaust treatment packages meeting Tier 4 Final emission standards, plus standard or optional features aimed at improved value, operator comfort and safety. With the M-Series introduction, the nomenclature for the smallest model in the family changes from 924 to 926, reflecting the increased capabilities of the new model, compared with those of the 924H and 924Hz. All three new models have increased engine power and higher tip loads than machines they replace.

COMPLIANT POWER

A new Cat C7.1 Acert engine powers M-Series wheel loaders and has a Clean Emissions Module designed to require no operator intervention and causing no work cycle disruption. The module uses a fit-for-life diesel particulate filter (DPF) and a selective catalytic reduction system, which requires only the addition of diesel exhaust fluid. DFP regeneration occurs passively at a low temperature.

A step-less, four-range, electronically controlled, intelligent hydrostatic drive system features operator selected power-train modes, including a conventional Hystat mode with aggressive engine braking; refined Torque Converter mode allowing the machine to free wheel down hills and around grades; and, an Ice mode setting tuned to maximize control in slippery underfoot conditions. Testing shows the Torque Converter mode—the factory default setting—can save up to 5 percent additional fuel in load-and-carry applications.

M-Series loaders offer hybrid-type fuel savings by using new power modes, selected via the soft touch button panel: Standard mode offers the same power as K-Series models in ranges 1, 2 and 3 and features a Power-By-Range logic that boosts the available power in range 4 for improved roading speed on uphill grades. In this mode, the engine runs at a lower maximum speed (1,600 rpm versus 1,800-rpm high idle) with no compromise in peak ground speed. The 200-rpm reduction in engine speed nets fuel savings when compared with K-Series models. Testing shows up to 5 percent fuel savings in composite-work cycles and up to 10 percent in specific applications, such as roading and long load-and-carry applications. The lower maximum engine speed also significantly reduces in-cab sound levels.

Performance mode boosts engine speed to 1,800 rpm to achieve maximum engine power in all speed ranges. More power is available for multi-function work, and the resulting increases in hydraulic speed and power allow higher production.

GENERATION II LINKAGE

The Caterpillar patented, Generation II Optimized Z-bar loader linkage on the M-Series models delivers the performance and breakout forces of a traditional Z-bar linkage with the parallelism and load-handling capability of a tool carrier. The Generation II lift-arm design, launched with late-model K-Series machines, enhances overall forward visibility, and the redesigned torque tube on standard lift linkages maximizes visibility when the linkage is above the level-arm position. Higher tipping load ratings for the M-Series small wheel loader models, versus the K-Series, also allow the new models to comfortably handle heavier payloads.

Electro-hydraulic controls, combined with independent, dedicated, load-sensing variable-displacement pumps for the implement and steering circuits carry over from the K-Series. The M-Series hydraulic system enhances multifunction performance and allows features such as fine-mode control for fork and material handling work; push-button programming of lift, tilt, and lower kick-outs; and, electronic dampening at cylinder-end stroke and kick out positions. Controls also allow a new feature, Perfect Parallelism, which uses input from rotary sensors in the linkage to provide level lift with ± 2-degree accuracy for improved site lines to fork tips and higher performance in material handling applications.

SAFETY AND CUSTOMIZATION

The M-Series small wheel loaders also have optional features designed to enhance productivity, operator safety, and serviceability. A lighting package includes front and rear LED auxiliary work lights; engine-bay LED lights to illuminate routine service points, such as oil and coolant levels; and, fuel area illumination. A new radar-enabled Object Detection System provides visual and audible alarms to warn the operator of objects close to the rear of the machine. The advanced operator station introduced with K-Series models is further refined for all-day operator comfort and safety. Larger external mirrors feature a lower parabolic section that allows visibility to the rear tires at ground level.

Operators can customize M-Series controls by using the new, redesigned secondary display, standard on European models. The secondary display is now larger, providing more customization and information. New features include coded start and operator profiles, application profiles, service-mode and preventive maintenance alerts, independent flow adjustment for third and fourth hydraulic functions, directional-shift response, ride-control activation speed, automatic-lubrication intervals, bucket-float activation, feather-catch mode, rack snubbing, multiple camera inputs, Perfect Parallelism, diesel exhaust fluid level, and remaining time until fuel fill.

Cat Product Link

The Caterpillar telematics solution allows customers, dealers, and enterprise users to determine the location, operation, and condition of connected Cat products. Product Link helps lower owning and operating costs, and the system offers daily operations support and information for business decisions. Through the solution’s detailed asset management, customers can see fuel status, work time versus idle time, and upcoming service needs. Included in M-Series models is a three-year subscription to the web-based VisionLink interface, via cellular or satellite connection, for generating summary reports that assist in effective fleet management.

Product Link facilitates M-Series small wheel loader servicing, its Service Mode and Preventive Maintenance Alerts tracking scheduled maintenance. An optional Integrated Autolube system allows automatic greasing of linkage pin joints, including bucket pins, articulation hitch, steering cylinders, and rear axle trunnions. The diesel exhaust fluid tank is easily accessible on the right side of the machine. M-Series models are compatible with bio-fuel blends up to B20. — www.cat.com/requestCatinfo


Clean Emissions Module

M-Series loaders’ CEM exhaust treatment package protects interior components, minimizes the aftertreatment footprint and simplifies maintenance. No major redesign was necessary to accommodate this system into new machines as the space claim required did not change from Cat’s Tier 4 Interim design.95 Catii 400

In order to ensure sufficient NOx reduction, a small amount of excess diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is injected into the exhaust stream. It may pass through the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR, lower left chamber) catalyst as ammonia. To prevent excess ammonia from entering the atmosphere, the exhaust gas flows through an Ammonia Oxidation Catalyst (AMOX, top left chamber) where the compound reacts with oxygen in the presence of this catalyst to form nitrogen and water.

The Pump Electronics Tank Unit (lower left in schematic) stores, controls and supplies the appropriate quantity of DEF from the fluid tank to the injector. The SCR process uses the DEF to reduce NOx emissions in the exhaust. The SCR consists of a catalyst, AMOX, and Pump Electronics Tank. It uses a small amount of DEF to convert NOx emissions in the exhaust to nitrogen and water. DEF is a solution of urea (one part) dissolved in deionized water (two parts). Grades used in Cat engine systems must meet the requirements outlined in the ISO 22241-1 standards.

The diesel particulate filter (DPF, top right chamber) prevents exhaust stream particulate matter from release into the atmosphere. The particulate matter, or soot, is trapped inside the DPF until it is oxidized during regeneration. The diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC, lower right chamber) uses a chemical process to reduce hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the exhaust stream. No maintenance is required because the DOC is a “flow-through” device.