At Caterpillar’s year end trade media event, the company introduced three new 20-ton-class size excavators, a new electric drive 988K XE wheel loader and two new UTVS — the last introduction is a brand new product category for the company and, for the first time, the company has a product that can be marketed to the general consumer.
Cat UTVs
The Cat UTVs have been designed to meet the needs of existing customers as well as new customers, explains product manager Steve Schoening.
Available with either a gasoline or diesel engine, the new UTVs feature a rugged steel cargo bed, 1,000 pounds capacity, plus 2,000 pounds of towing capacity.
“Cat UTVs offer easy-to-access service points for maintenance and customers can rely on the unmatched service and support offered by participating Cat dealers to keep their UTVs working at peak performance,” says Schoening.
“I know it’s not our usual market, but we can’t wait to show you the machines,” adds company president James Umpleby. The machines will be available by summer 2018.
988K XE
Caterpillar boasts a 25-per-cent increase in truck loading and load-and-carry efficiency, up to 10-per-cent higher productivity in load-and-carry applications, and up to 49-per-cent efficiency in face-loading applications compared to the Cat 988K.
The C18 ACERT engine, mechanical dropbox, driveline and axles from the 988K remain in the electric drive machine. Slight changes inside the cab provide operators with the familiar functions and feel of the 988K, explains the company, but with improved handling and ease of operation. A single speed range eliminates the need for gear shifting and new virtual gears help control machine ground speed and deliver smooth direction shifts.
Next Generation Excavators
For the first time in 25 years, Caterpillar has revamped its new line of 20-ton-class size excavators. With the new line, called the Cat Next Generation excavators, Caterpillar boasts a 45-per-cent increase in efficiency, a 25-per-cent decrease in fuel use and 15-per-cent less maintenance costs.
“Our customer needs are changing quickly and it’s not a surprise to anyone of us regarding the advances in technology in the world,” says Bob De Lange, group president, construction industries with Caterpillar. “Customers are expecting more from their Caterpillar equipment — greater efficiency, increased safety and higher productivity. We are aiming to respond with a sense of urgency.”
The new line includes the 320, the 320 GC and the 323 XE.
“All the new models are different by design but all share the same DNA — increased operator efficiency, lowered fuel use and decreased maintenance costs. Our next generation excavators will give our customers more ways to get more work done at the lowest cost,” says De Lange.
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