Payload management, display module lead Cat smaller loader series upgrades

Engineering enhancements to the EPA Tier 4 Final Caterpillar M Series Small Wheel Loaders—926M, 930M and 938M models—plus K Series 924K, 930K and 938K models span standard and optional features that boost productivity, improve operating ease, and increase uptime reliability.

A new secondary display module option for all models improves operator interface and navigation, and affords a host of payload management and service options. The new touchscreen display features a QWERTY keyboard, making it easier for the owner/operator to navigate through the menu and input text like coded start operator or application profiles, plus service-mode and preventative maintenance alerts. The display is configured to reduce the amount of time for information entry and eliminates the arrow keys required by previous versions for navigation and data inputting.

Addition of the touchscreen display and Product Link Elite enables Cat to extend its Payload Management technology to the small loader series. The system’s tip-off capability confirms to the operator that there is sufficient weight in the bucket before leaving the pile, increasing machine productivity. When active on 924K, 926M, 930K/M, or 938K/M models, the operator has the ability to place the proper amount of material in the mixer, hopper or truck the first time—reducing the number of cycles and maximizing productivity.

Payload Management allows the operator to set target loading weight and monitor the cumulative amount of material loaded into a truck or hopper, which helps to prevent overloading. Additionally, the system printer gives the operator the ability to print up to three copies of a recorded weight ticket. Since Payload Management is fully integrated into the machine, the site manager can track important statistical information like amount of material moved and number of trucks loaded with the use of VisionLink.

 

MACHINE RELIABILITY

Enhancements to Cat Auto-Lube include the replacement of rubber hoses and swivel joints with steel lines running to the bucket pins, improving system durability. New secondary zerks enable the operator to manually grease circuits as needed. Technicians can add grease quickly to the new main manifold, which serves every circuit on the loader, or grease specific individual circuits independently.

Auto-Lube is fully integrated into the new secondary display and Cat VisionLink, which automatically sends diagnostic codes to the operator and designated key personnel like fleet managers to help with troubleshooting. Should the grease reservoir run low or other system issue arises, a pop-up banner is shown on the secondary display notifying the operator of the problem, so it can immediately be addressed.

To increase tire longevity, tire pressure monitoring, a first to market, is now a fully integrated option for small M Series loaders. With a quick glance at the secondary display, the operator can easily see current pressures for each tire, ensuring they are properly inflated to reduce uneven wear and maximize tire life. The system can be configured to provide warnings to dealers through Electronic Technician and the operator via the secondary display if tire pressures drop too low or increase too high. Since tire pressure monitoring is a fully integrated system, fleet managers can use VisionLink to track air and temperature in each machine from a remote location.

COMFORT, POWER

An updated, deluxe cab design offers a new standard binder/clipboard storage area for securing papers and manuals, while an extra 1.2 ft.3 of lockable storage can be optionally mounted to the bottom side of the cab for securing tools, grease guns, gloves and other items. Climate controlled with heated rear glass and external mirrors for rapid defrost, the quiet cab design boasts seat-mounted controls featuring a low effort joystick for lift and tilt functions.

The M Series small loaders feature Cat C7.1 ACERT engines with clean emissions module requiring no operator intervention—avoiding work cycle disruptions. The operator has the option of selecting standard mode operation that reduces maximum engine speed to 1,600 rpm without compromising peak ground performance, resulting in a 5–10 percent fuel savings. Full performance mode operation boosts engine speed to 1,800 rpm for maximum power plus increased hydraulic speed and power. — Caterpillar Inc., www.cat.com/requestCatinfo