Cat has designed a wheel loader specifically for quarry and mining applications
With robust constructions created for several life cycles, the most recent loader has been constructed to give up to 5% less fuel consumption and up to 15% cheaper maintenance expenses than the Cat 988K. Its front frame has been updated to support heavier loads and boasts a new lift arm design, while its complete box section rear frame is built on the standard Cat Large Wheel Loader platform, and resists torsional stress and twisting forces.
The 988 GC is optimised as a 45-tonne truck match loader with a 3,909 mm dump clearance delivering efficient loading up to the Cat 775G truck. With bucket payload matched to the 988K, the new 988 GC offers up to 670 tonnes per hour productivity in shot rock truck loading applications and up to 527 tonnes per hour for load-and-carry operations.
The 988 GC has a C15 engine at its core and a cooling package with an on-demand fan strategy and two fan speed settings for standard and high ambient temperature setups to provide improved heat rejection. The Cat torque converter with standard lock-up clutch also minimises recycling times, increases travel times, lowers system heat, and eliminates losses in load-and-carry operations. The machine also has a gearbox with the Cat Advanced Power Electronic Control Strategy.
Cat designed the 988 GC with features to ensure lower maintenance costs, such as advanced filtration to increase the hydraulic system's performance and dependability. These also include centralised ground level grease points and ground level sight gauges to make daily checks of the oil level and grease easier, on-board diagnostics to warn the operator of problems before system failure, and the support of Product Link and VisionLink to improve preventative maintenance and servicing effectiveness. On both sides of the engine compartment, there are openings that provide easy access to the ground or a platform for maintenance.
The Cat Comfort Series III seat with seat-mounted implement pod, an intuitive operator interface, touchscreen display, and soft detent implement controls, machine vibration feedback, Steering and Integrated Control steering, as well as an optionally available air-cooled and heated seat, are all features that Cat has included to support operators in their activities. The Z-bar front lift arm design, which improves vision to the bucket edges and work area to simplify operations, will also catch the attention of customers. With a selection of Cat performance series buckets available with sizes ranging from 6.3 cu/m to 7.6 cu/m, the bucket payload is likewise in line with the 988K models.
