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In Focus: New Cat 745 articulated truck and 986K wheel loader offer efficiency increases

Offering a 45.2-ton rated payload capacity, the new Cat® 745 articulated truck features a world-class cab design, completely re-engineered from the inside out using global operator feedback to advance comfort and ease of operation. The new external “spinal” ROPS structure boasts bonded rear quarter glass that eliminates the structural pillar to give the operator a dramatic improvement in visibility from the cab. Upon cab entry, the new “wake up” feature initiates machine displays as soon as the door is opened, while the lighter/stronger cab door offers shut assist for improved sealing against dust infiltration. The quieter cab design lowers inside sound levels by five decibels at the operator’s ear.

The 745 also features Cat Detect with Stability Assist. The new system audibly and visibly warns the operator if tractor or trailer unit has reached an angle threshold where it is in risk of tipping over. The class leading fully Advanced Automatic Traction Control is improved by technology that will proactively apply the differential locks prior to any wheel spin. Terrain-based throttle smoothing prevents the new truck from surging when an operator is traveling over extremely rough terrain and is unable to keep steady pressure on the accelerator pedal.

The cab incorporates new infrared glass to reduce solar heating inside the cab, while sliding side windows increase ventilation and allow easier communication with workers on the site. More vents positioned above and behind the operator enable the new automatic climate control (HVAC) system to more efficiently heat and cool the cab. Offering the ability to accommodate a wider range of operators, the new heated/cooled seat provides more setting adjustments to dial in personalized operator comfort, while a new flip up/down passenger seat offers added comfort cushioning. A ground-level switch controls new access lights illuminating the steps and hitch area for improved safety when entering the cab. New cab-mounted mirrors and integrated payload lights offer improved visibility around the truck as well as payload levels for the loader operator.

Innovative machine controls

Inside the cab, a new combined transmission and hoist lever gives operators efficient single-lever control over truck speed and body hoisting functions to minimize operator effort and automate repetitive operations. At the flick of a switch, operators can choose between manual or fully automatic assisted hoisting control, which automatically applies the Waiting Brake, sets the transmission in neutral and hoists the body to maximum angle at high RPM. A new push-button control allows the operator to easily set the machine speed and select transmission hold/waiting brake. Directional gear shifting protection requires bringing the machine to a stop before transitioning from forward to reverse and vise-versa.

The new touchscreen display offers intuitive navigation through the screens for simple machine control. The display enables the operator to monitor machine functions and personalize a variety of options. A new emergency stop brake switch next to the display offers a further level of operating safety.

Builds on solid C Series design

The new Cat 745 articulated truck incorporates all the field-proven features and performance of the C Series that deliver fast cycle times, high productivity and unmatched fuel efficiency for its class. Its powertrain is driven by the Cat C18 ACERT™ engine, rated at 504 net hp, which meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IV emissions standards. A new economy mode feature results in an average of five percent fuel consumption improvement in applications where a truck is not required to operate at full productivity.

The Cat CX38B High Density Power Shift transmission enhances performance and productivity, while permanent six wheel drive enables the truck to navigate even the most challenging terrain. Automatic retarding control manages machine retarding through a combination of engine, brake, gear selection and service brake application without operator intervention. Hill assist facilitates efficient stopping and starting on grades, while the Waiting Brake system, quickly engaged by a pushbutton on the control lever, temporarily applies the service brake during pauses in the work cycle.

In direct response to customer feedback, the lower portion of the front fenders is now made of a durable and flexible rubber sheet material. This change will help decrease maintenance and repair costs on sites where mud packing around the fenders could damage the lower section.

Cat Connect Payload technology for the new 745 truck allows customers to optimize operations and improve job site efficiency. The available Cat Production Measurement system gives operators the ability to measure and deliver accurate payload with the confidence to boost productivity, lower costs and reduce the risk of overload damage.

The new Cat® 986K wheel loader features a completely redesigned state of the art cab equipped with STIC™ steer and Cat Production Measurement which brings payload weighing to the cab so operators can work more productively and deliver accurate loads with confidence. Combining reliable, efficient loading with multiple lives, the 986K loader helps to improve the company’s bottom line.

Weighing less and shorter than the Cat 988K loader, the new 986K loader serves as a true replacement to the legacy 988F model, offering a low cost per ton option that meets the operation’s production needs. The 986K loader is right sized and perfectly matched to load Cat 40 to 61 ton articulated and rigid frame trucks to maximize productivity. Its new aggregate handler configuration includes an 11-square-yard bucket and additional counterweight to offer high volume loading of processed aggregates, so highway trucks can be loaded in fewer passes.

Built for performance

The new 986K wheel loader features Cat STIC steer that combines directional selection, gear selection, and steering into one single joystick. For repetitive tasks such as loading trucks, the joystick control requires significantly less operator energy output compared to steering wheel control to reduce fatigue and increase productivity.

With its standard and high life linkage options, the loader offers optimal pass match for efficient loading of Cat trucks. It delivers four pass loading of the Cat 740 and 745 articulated and 770 rigid frame trucks, and the high-lift configuration offers five pass loading of the Cat 772 and six pass loading of the 773 rigid frame trucks. Caterpillar’s proven Z-bar loader linkage offers excellent visibility to the bucket edges and work area and delivers aggressive digging capabilities and high breakout forces.

Meeting U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final (EU Stage IV) emissions standards, the highly responsive Cat C15 ACERT™ engine offers a net power rating of 373 hp. The loader’s Auto Engine Idle Shutdown maximizes fuel efficiency by reducing engine idle time. Load sensing hydraulics enhance machine performance and efficiency by directing hydraulic fluid flow through the implement and steering only when needed.

Comfortable operation

The loader’s completely redesigned cab improves operator comfort and productivity. Operators safely enter via left or right hand stairs built at a reduced 45 degree angle access and maintain three points of contact at all times. The STIC steer armrest easily folds up, allowing the operator to quickly enter the cab. Isolation cab mounts and an air suspension seat reduce vibration transmitted to the operator for increased comfort, while the enclosed, pressurized and sound suppressed structure reduces noise levels to the operator’s ear.

Ergonomic placement of switches and information display helps to advance comfortable, productive loader operation. The simple, intuitive control interface features touch screen display to allow even less experienced operators to quickly learn machine operation. The large front and side windows plus standard rear vision camera offer excellent visibility of the working area to improve operating safety.

Integrated technology improves efficiency

Integrated electronics on the new 986K loader provide flexible levels of information for both the operator and company. The loader comes ready with Cat Production Measurement (CPM), the most advanced payload weight measuring system on the market. Offering quick, on-the-go weighing of material in the bucket, CPM allows operators to manage target payload by minimizing under and overloading, which reduce efficiency and increase fuel consumption.

Cat Product Link™ takes the guesswork out of loader management and maximizes uptime by offering remote monitoring through VisionLink® to stay informed of machine systems. With its easy to navigate user interface, VisionLink tracks machine utilization, fuel usage and payload summaries, and this technology grants key company personnel access to valuable reports, analysis and histograms to improve fleet management. Scheduled service event reminders and fault code alerts can also be sent to key service and management personnel to improve machine uptime availability.

Service made easy

Reducing downtime and long-term operating costs, the 986K wheel loader features extended service intervals for both fluids and filters. Grouped service points are quickly and safely accessed from ground level or a platform. Swing out doors on both sides of the machine provide unobstructed access to the engine compartment for servicing components. Grease fittings for difficult to reach components are conveniently grouped to provide quick preventative lubrication, while the optional autolube automatically injects grease into linkage pin joints at regular intervals. The machine’s electrical service center, accessed from ground level, includes remote jump start, main and engine circuit breakers, emergency engine shutdown, stairway light switch, and battery disconnect.

The new 986K wheel loader is backed locally by the Cat dealer support network. Valued partners, Cat dealers provide preventative maintenance programs, guaranteed maintenance contracts, best in class parts availability, operator training and genuine Cat remanufactured parts.

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