Caterpillar upgrades small wheel loader range with new tech

Cat 926, 930 and 938 gets industry leading tech including customized powertrain operating modes

Caterpillar has unveiled its upgraded small wheel loader range with improved productivity, safety and comfort features.

Making its debut at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG construction expo in Las Vegas in March this year, the three new models now come with a range of new features including innovative drivetrain technology, auto wheel torque control, multi-view camera, new machine design for increased visibility and more.

New drivetrain tech

In what Caterpillar claimed is an industry first, these new wheel loaders feature four customized powertrain operating modes:

Utility mode - designed for hydromechanical tool use or pick-and-place work with implement power and quick speed, utility vehicle mode delivers fine ground speed control with engine RPM throttle lock.

Torque mode- saves up to five per cent on fuel by “freewheeling” around corners and on downhills.

Hystat mode - provides engine braking with aggressive deceleration, acceleration and no travel until the throttle is applied.

Ice mode - for snow-clearing applications, ice mode offers soft directional shifts and extended coast-out for improved control.

New auto wheel torque control automatically controls torque to the wheel and adjusts rimpull control to reduce tire spin.

The new loaders feature standard front axle differential lock with optional limited rear slip differential, helping to improve traction on difficult terrain. On the 926 and 930 loaders, the differential lock is simply controlled on-the-go by the operator with the joystick. The new 938 loader comes standard with automatic differential lock, as well as manual control.

Increased precision

Cat Payload comes standard on these new wheel loaders with a 250-hour demo mode to test before subscribing. Payload provides on-the-go weighing to help operators hit exact targets to avoid overloading, underloading or misloading materials.

Simple in-cab push button kickout settings for upper, lower and tilt allow operators to match bucket position to the task, helping to maximise bucket cutting edge life.

A new bucket shake feature, conveniently controlled by a joystick button, provides precise metering of materials in batching or spreading applications and cleans the bucket.

Improved safety

The new next gen cab features automotive styling and amenities for better operator comfort and safety. Smaller cab pillars, increased window area, heated and electric rear-view mirrors with lower parabolic, and standard rear-view camera combine to improve operator visibility around the machine. New options include a multi-view camera delivering a bird’s-eye view around the loader, and rear object detection with visual and audible alarms provides additional alerts to the rear of the machine.

New auto temperature control with defrost button provides consistent operating comfort in a range of ambient temperatures. Auto lighting with daytime running lights illuminates the machine’s lights when the sun goes down. An optional beacon mounted atop the cab gives a visual alert when the operator isn’t inside the cab or wearing the seatbelt.

The next gen small wheel loaders also feature Cat Command for Loading that offers remote control of the loader to remove the operator from hazardous conditions. New for this model series, the command console offers efficient line-of-sight machine operation through the console’s ergonomic control layout of loader functions.

The command station positions the operator in a virtual cab with familiar controls and machine displays for remote, non-line-of-sight loader control. One operator is able to control multiple machines, one at a time, at different sites from a single command station.

Efficient operation

The in-cab display is customisable and delivers an easy view of operating parameters. Using Operator Profiles, up to 50 different operating profiles can be set through the display, which the loader can recall when an operator starts the machine.

Two steering options are available with the loaders–joystick steer control and steering wheel. New joystick steering allows the loaders to travel at speeds reaching 40km/h as a result of the force feedback feature that stiffens at higher speeds and softens as speed decreases.

Additionally, the new loaders offer the option of joystick or single axis levers, and both come with a range of programmable options to meet operator preference. Included with joystick controls, the jog dial offers on-the-go speed, throttle lock, auxiliary hydraulic flow, and wheel torque adjustments as well as screen navigation and creep speed control.

With standard parallelism, the optimized Z-bar linkage digs like a Z-bar but acts like a tool carrier, Caterpillar said, increasing versatility and visibility. The design provides coupler and high lift options for all new models.

The loaders can be used with a wide range of work tools including optimised forks with mechanical parallel lift and performance series buckets.

A new machine design improves visibility to the implements, allowing operators to confidently load and unload materials.

Easy servicing

Engine oil and filters and fuel filter service intervals increase to 1000 hours for the next gen small wheel loaders. Over 10,000 operating hours, this saves 45 per cent in engine oil, 67 per cent in fuel filters, and 45 per cent on air filters, substantially lowering service costs and improving loader uptime, Caterpillar said.

Full return filtration on the Hystat, implement and steering systems keeps the hydraulic oil cleaner and improves system reliability.

All daily service items are within easy reach, and the new cabin filter is serviced from ground level.

Optional integrated autolube with adjustable grease frequency helps to maximise component life and minimise costs through proper greasing of hinge points. Available tire pressure and temperature monitoring with adjustable safety limits help to extend tire life and minimise costs.

For more information on the next-gen wheel loaders, visit Caterpillar’s website.