The 2019 package for the Cat 950 and larger M-Series Medium Wheel Loaders includes technology advances that lower operating costs via extended service intervals; new seat and suspension, raising operator comfort levels; new productivity measurement tools; remote software update capability; plus, refinements in ground engaging tool and coupler systems. Periodic updates allow Caterpillar to bring new and improved features to market more quickly and frequently than conventional product introduction cycles.
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Drain intervals. U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final models save maintenance costs by extending engine oil, engine oil filter, and hydraulic oil filter change intervals from 500 hours up to 1,000 hours. Based on estimated comparisons of total engine and hydraulic fluids, filters, and sampling costs during a 6,000-hour period, costs can be potentially reduced by 16 to 23 percent. In addition, several fuel and engine oil filters are being converted from spin-on to cartridge-type. Benefits of cartridge-type filters include fewer parts to replace at servicing (housing is retained), easier disposal of used elements, and less costly replacement parts.
Cab comfort. The next generation of seats and suspensions for Cat M-Series loaders offers three trim levels—comfort, deluxe and premium plus—and features high-visibility, seat-adjustment controls, as well as ride stiffness adjustments. A new breakthrough suspension for deluxe and premium plus trim levels increases dampening at the top and bottom of seat travel, providing additional suspension stability and avoiding hard stops at travel limits. The ride stiffness of the seat suspension is adjustable to different settings, allowing operators to tailor seat dampening to individual preferences and to the application. This feature was previously included only with EH steering (joystick and wheel), but as of the 2019 product update, is now included with HMU steering wheel units with deluxe and premium plus seats.
Payload management. The Cat Advanced Productivity application is a web-based tool used to visualize machine production-related data and complements Cat Payload, Cat Production Measurement 2.0. The tool is accessed from VisionLink and includes a user-customizable report dashboard, cycle-by-cycle downloadable data, and a list of features for truck and material identification lists.
Other key features include a new user interface (mobile friendly), time series data, multiple asset comparison, fleet or individual asset key-process-indicator target settings, and support for multiple machine types. Requirements for use include cellular Product Link, Advanced Productivity subscription, and authorized User ID.
Remote flash support. Feature support allows the dealer to push software update files to the customer’s machine and authorizes the user to initiate installation via the dealer service portal. Any authorized user with CWS (Caterpillar Corporate Web Security ID) and a mobile device can initiate flash, which occurs in 30 minutes from initiation to completion. This service is provided at no cost to the dealer for machines with cellular Product Link, (standard on current 950–982 medium wheel loaders except the 950 GC), with remote-flash-compatible software. CWS authorization and a mobile device are required to initiate.
Advansys GET. The Advansys ground-engaging-tool system included in the M-Series loader update is a Cat tip system designed with exclusive performance features that result in less drag and higher productivity. The new tip shapes place wear-resistant material in the most vulnerable areas, resulting in significantly longer service life. A stronger adapter nose results in up to 50 percent less stress, and improved adapter-nose geometry reduces sliding wear on adapter surfaces. The improved tip shapes shadow the adapter straps and welds for longer adapter life. New 980M buckets are released with weld on adapters; 950M bolt-on adapters are interchangeable with the former J and K Series.
New LED and Halogen work and road light packages increase safety when working in dark conditions. Handrail high visibility films enhance awareness of handrail locations and are available from Caterpillar dealers.