Caterpillar has announced the new M series of medium wheel loaders which it says optimise power, fuel efficiency, operator comfort and safety.
There are four new models in the series – the 950M, 962M, 966M and 972M – and all are equipped with Cat ACERT diesel engines configured to meet US Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA emissions requirements.
The 950M and 962M are driven by the Cat C7.1 ACERT diesel engine and the 966M and 972M use the bigger C9.3 ACERT. Cat says the M series are up to 22 percent more powerful than their H series predecessors.
In addition to the power increase, cat says the new models are more fuel efficient, with the 950M/962M delivering a 10 percent reduction and the 966M/972M delivering a 15 percent drop. An automated engine idle management system matches engine speed to the load, reducing fuel consumption, and the loaders can be set to shut down after a predetermined interval. This not only saves fuel but also reduces machine hours, extending service intervals.
The front and rear frames of the M series models has been fabricated from high-strength materials and have been robotically welded for added reinforcement. Cat says the Z-bar linkage has been engineered to provide optimum bucket and boom force and that the buckets themselves have been designed to provide high breakout forces and greater penetration into the pile.
M series loaders have a fully heated/air-conditioned ROPS cab with seat-mounted controls. A floor-to-ceiling windshield, as well as large rear-view mirrors and a rear-vision camera, provide increased visibility for the operator. The cab has an oversized door and angled stair-like steps for added safety when entering and exiting.
Daily maintenance and fuelling points are all accessible via a one-piece tilting hood. Electrical and hydraulic service points have also been grouped together at central ground-level points for easy access.