The 980L is powered by a Cat C13 ACERT engine with a maximum gross power rating of 303 kW and approximate operating weight of 30 090 kg.
Caterpillar has announced the launch of its new Cat 980L medium wheel loader said to come with proven technologies systematically and strategically to meet customers’ high expectations for reliability, productivity, fuel efficiency and long service life. The new 980L medium wheel loader is said to be more powerful and fuel-efficient than its predecessor, featuring significant drive-train and hydraulic-system refinement, operator safety and convenience enhancements, proven Z-bar linkage, Cat Performance Series buckets and options such as automatic traction control, enhanced ride control system and Cat Connect Technologies.
The 980L is powered by a Cat C13 ACERT engine with a maximum gross power rating of 303 kW and approximate operating weight of 30 090 kg. The power-dense engine uses a combination of proven electronic, fuel-injection and air-systems.
The 980L’s updated and refined Cat ACERT engine offers increased engine power by 5% compared to the 980H, greatly improving machine performance and response.
The 980L uses a 4F/4R countershaft power-shift transmission. A high-capacity torque converter uses a lock-up clutch for efficient grade and high-speed performance, and the Caterpillar Advanced Productivity Electronically Controlled (APEC) control system maintains torque flow during range shifts for faster acceleration on ramps and smoother shifts in the transmission’s direct-drive mode.
In addition, the Integrated Braking System (IBS) regulates downshifting in proportion to the required braking force, resulting in smoother downshifts and increased deceleration control. The IBS prolongs service brake life, lengthens axle-oil change intervals, reduces axle-oil temperatures, and improves transmission-neutralizer performance—resulting in faster cycles.
An extensive range of work tools and bucket styles are available to customise the loader. Buckets, such as Performance Series general purpose buckets, heavy duty quarry rock buckets, slag buckets, waste handling buckets or woodchip buckets are available either with pin on or quick coupler interface.
The 980L is said to offer 25% less fuel consumption compared with its predecessor, the 980H.
This is achieved through an innovative powertrain, hydraulic, cooling and electronic systems working in tandem to intelligently lower average working engine speeds and reduce overall system heat loads, resulting in significantly improved performance and fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the Economy Mode provides maximum fuel savings with minimal productivity impact.
Axles for the 980L feature modifications that reduce parasitic loads and enhance positive lubrication. Available as an option, the automatic traction control system is fully automatic and requires no operator input which improves traction and reduces tire wear.
The load-sensing hydraulic system features proportional flow for fast, smooth hydraulic response with optimum controllability. The system is designed to deliver more engine power to the wheels at partial hydraulic flow, allowing faster cycle times in load-and-carry and ramp operations, as well as higher rimpull when digging.
In addition, the engine-idle-management and the engine-idle-shutdown systems that reduce or stop the engine after a pre-set idling interval, not only save fuel and reduce sound levels, but also reduce hour accumulation, helping extend service intervals and warranty.
Equipment Africa says: The 980L also comes with a range of innovative Cat technologies for increased efficiency and productivity. Cat LINK technologies, such as the Product Link system, help fleet owners manage equipment utilisation and lower owning and operating costs through the online VisionLink interface, which tracks critical items, such as location, hours, fuel usage, diagnostic codes and idle time. Cat PAYLOAD technology, such as optional Cat Production Measurement system, accurately weighs materials being loaded and hauled to improve productivity, reduce overloading, and track material movement.
