Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/217452
The medium M Series loaders 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. which activates a gas strut to swing open the door. In addition, the angle of the steps up to the cab has been increased to 15 degrees, giving a more stair-like quality to cab entry. In the cab, the lower glass panel has been extended to improve visibility to the left side of the machine. Larger convex mirrors improve rear visibility. A color touch screen display received a thumbs-up in customer demos, says Campbell. "We're now all used to touch screens and we found great acceptance with this with our field follow operators," he says. The new Cat Connect Solutions system allows users to access several pieces of machine data, including fuel consumption, average fuel rate, total idle time, fuel consumed at idle and total operating hours. Expansion of the XE Cat sized the 300-horsepower 972M XE to get the attention of North American users, offering more oomph than the 277-horsepower 966M XE. The first XE model, the 966K XE, received one of Equipment World's 2013 Innovation According to Campbell, the XE maAwards for its 25 percent fuel efficiency gains, compared to machines chines have an average premium of 7 percent over the cost of a standard with traditional torque converters. unit, a cost Cat says can be returned With a bucket capacity range of in fuel savings within three years on 3.75 to 13 cubic yards, the 972 M high fuel use applications. EW XE internals mirror what was introduced with the 966K XE, using an integrated Cat continuously variable transmission system that works with a hydraulic pump and motor (variator unit). The variator unit is designed to provide smooth and continuous gear ratio change between engine speed and machine speed while greatly reducing the heat load generated by the drive train when the machine is under heavy load. The continuously variable gear ratio of the variator also enables the engine to run at a more efficient operating range independent of machine ground speed, Cat says. In addition, XE machines have a simplified two-pedal design, which Cat informally labels "go" and "stop." Machine speed is modulated by the right "go" pedal, Cat says it gave the M Series steps a and rimpull and brakes are modumore staircase feel, increasing the step angle to 15 degrees. lated by the left "stop" pedal. EquipmentWorld.com | December 2013 53