Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/217452
product report | by Marcia Gruver Doyle MGruver@randallreilly.com Cat will intro M Series loaders throughout 2014; expands XE lineup C at will introduce its M Series wheel loaders throughout 2014, a lineup that includes the 972M XE, which is joining the 966M as an XE designated model. In addition to the XE models, the M Series will include an additional size, the modified 12-ton 982M, plus upgrades to the 950, 962, 966, 972 and 980 size machines. Caterpillar calls the M Series fifth generation machines in the tiered regulation environment, which started with the Tier 1 G Series, says Bill Campbell, senior market professional, medium wheel loaders. With the exception of the XE models – which offer 25 percent fuel efficiency gains – Cat says the M series have 10 percent better fuel efficiency than its predecessor K Series. First out of the gate will be the 966M and 972M, which will be in production in the first quarter of 2014. They will be followed by the 980M and 982M, expected this spring, followed by the 950M and 962M at the end of next year. The M Series offer significant engine and transmission advancements, according to Campbell. All engines are now Tier 4 Final, and feature the Cat Regeneration System, which Cat announced allows engines above 175 horsepower to be sold in lower-regulated countries without modification (see page 13). The medium wheel loaders now have a standard lock-up clutch torque converter matched with engine power and hydraulics, part of Cat's attack plan for improved performance and fuel efficiency. "Fuel efficiency is death by a thousand The Cat 966M XE carries on the XE features announced in the K Series, and along with the rest of the M Series, offers pronounced engine and transmission upgrades. 52 December 2013 | EquipmentWorld.com cuts," says Campbell. "You have to do several things to accomplish it." The M-Series planetary transmission has a new split-flow oil system and uses multi-viscosity oil, also aimed at fuel economy. 966M and 972M New disc-type differential locks improve tractive ability in common applications for medium-size loaders: heavy construction, aggregates, sand and gravel and batch plants. The 966M and 972M come standard with front axle differential locks, manually activated by a switch on the cab floor. Fully automatic front and rear axle diff locks are optional, and operate by measuring differences in axle speeds, requiring no operator input to activate. Bevel gear shrouds on the axles reduce churning losses from rotating components. The axles also have external caliper disc parking brakes mounted to the input shaft of the front axles, which Cat says offer higher capacity than the drum brakes used on the 966K and 972K. A main mono-block hydraulic valve on both machine sizes weighs less and has 40 percent fewer leak points than predecessor machines. The new ride control system now has two accumulators, allowing it to be more effective over a greater payload range. With the addition of a second remote valve, auxiliary third and fourth hydraulic functions can be easily added. New larger displacement hydraulic implement pumps continuously and automatically respond to operator performance preferences. Operators can remotely unlatch the door while on the ground,