Caterpillar's new 992 Wheel Loader boasts improvements to productivity and payload-per-fuel efficiency following recent tests.
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A new Caterpillar wheel loader is on the market following the industry leader’s release of the new 992 Wheel Loader model.
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Caterpillar says its new 992 wheel loader was designed to meet demand for high-production equipment with increased payloads.
The Cat 992 large mining loader is far improved from the previous 992K model; with operators benefiting from up to 48 per cent greater payload-per-fuel efficiency and up to 32 per cent greater productivity.
Maintenance costs are reduced by up to ten per cent in the new model, which is powered by a new Cat C32B engine – built to meet US EPA Tier 4, EU Stage V and Tier 2 equivalent emission regulations.
Cat says the standard-lift payload capacity for the unit reaches 23.1 tonnes for quarry face applications and 27.2 tonnes for loose materials. High-lift capabilities reach 20.4 tonnes and 24.5 tonnes in the respective applications.
Powertrain design enhancements in the transmission, axles and final drive, along with the C32B engine and a new Z-bar linkage, have made the 992 more durable, with a 20 per cent longer interval for planned component replacements.
Testing of the 992 saw it demonstrate up to 48 per cent greater pay-per-fuel efficiency in applications where a four-pass match to 90.7 tonne trucks was completed; in contrast to the five 992K wheel loaders required to complete the same task.
An influx of power in the engine is reflective in its performance capabilities with the 992 providing 9.5 per cent more rim-pull during digging and up to 20 per cent more breakout force, to improve overall productivity for the operator on the worksite.
A host of new controls and functions have been added to make the 992 as productive and efficient as possible, including an on-demand throttle mode that can be employed without slowing production.
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The 992’s standard-lift payload capacity is 23.1 tonnes for quarry face applications, and 20.4 tonnes for high-lift operations there.
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According to Cat ‘new standard automatic retarding controls disable the impeller clutch, enable the lockup clutch, and use the implement and fans pumps retarding to slow the machine on grade. The available automatic retarding controls with engine brake feature offers full control of the loader’s speed on grade to maintain a desired hold speed’.
Additional options include Autodig components that automate critical digging cycle elements, while the optional ‘Payload Overload Prevention’ function helps reduce the risk of overload on the 992’s large bucket.
The feature’s overload value is fully adjustable and can be altered according to the target payload and can be configured to automatically stop or slow the lift function when the value is exceeded.
Tyre slip prevention features reduce slippages in worksites by reducing rim-pull before the tires are set and increases the rim-pull when downward force is applied on the tyre.
Other improvements have been made to the setback and strike plane angles, while a longer bucket floor and stronger and bigger bottom section has also increased the bucket fill factor by ten per cent.
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A Payload Overload Prevention function is available as an option on the 992 wheel loader.
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The 992 wheel loader’s cab has been redesigned to offer operators increased visibility and control, with up to 50 per cent more leg room and a taller windscreen increasing visibility by 10 per cent.
The cabin features two 254mm colour LED monitors and a dedicated 203mm screen that screens from the machine’s rear view camera, but this can be upgraded to an optional 270-degree and object detection camera.
The automatic lubrication to the Z-bar linkage pins helps deliver a more reliable operation while improvements to the hydraulic systems filtration and pump prognostics also reduce machine downtime.
Cleaning the wheel loader is also a simpler task with a front walkaround platform giving easier access to clean the cab windows and two large openings on each side of the machine allow quick access to the improved cooling package.
The service centre, along with the fuel tanks, has been moved to the left-hand side of the machine while the SOS fluid sampling ports can be safely accessed from ground level.
Operators can see the remaining useful life for the engine air filter displayed inside the cab to allow technicians to know when, and prepare for, the machine needs servicing.
Cat also offers operator coaching for operators to ensure they are getting the best possible productivity from the 992 wheel loader and will coach users on proper techniques and provide feedback as well as how to shorten travel, avoid unracking in-dig among other things.
The Cat 992 wheel loader is available now through any of Cat’s Australia distribution centres.
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Operators enjoy greater visibilty and up to 50 per cent more leg room with the new 992 wheel loader
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