LOADER: New Cat 998K XE offers high fuel efficiency, low cost of ownership

Caterpillar’s new 998K XE electric drive loader delivers 25% greater overall efficiency and up to 10% more productivity in load-and-carry applications than the industry leader 988K loader. [caption id="attachment_1003719711" align="alignright" width="407"] The new Cat 988K XE large wheel loader.[/caption] This  is the first wheel loader offered by Caterpillar with a high efficiency electric drive system. Delivering high production in all loading applications, the 988K XE is recommended for demanding job sites where fuel efficiency makes a difference in the machine’s total cost of operation. The new loader features switched reluctance (SR) technology and leverages more than 15 years of Cat electric drive experience and more than four years of stringent testing in a range of applications for proven reliability in the field. The field proven and tested C18 ACERT engine, mechanical drop-box, driveline and axles from the 988K remain in the electric drive machine for consistent, trouble-free operation. Offering increased truck loading and load-and-carry efficiency, the new 988K XE increases efficiency by 25% overall and by up to 49% in face loading applications, compared to the 988K. This reduces costs and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, Caterpillar production studies report the new loader delivers up to 10% higher productivity in load-and-carry applications. The new Cat 988K XE loader offers a range of bucket capacities from 4.7 to 13 m³. Rated standard and high lift payload for the loader reaches 11.3 tonnes when working with face material and 14.5 tonnes with loose material. Advansys Series ground engaging tools (GET) protect bucket components and reduce operating costs, so operations can get the most out of machine performance. The standard 988K XE wheel loader is performance matched to offer efficient three-pass loading of the 38.6-tonne Cat 770G and four-pass loading of the 46.3-tonne Cat 772. Its high lift configuration delivers five-pass loading of the 55.3-tonne Cat 773G and six-pass loading of the 64-tonne Cat 775G. The new 988K XE loader offers a single speed range, so the machine efficiently operates without the need for gear shifting. New virtual gears help to control machine ground speed and deliver smooth direction shifts. The new Cat 988K XE loader is equipped with a host of technology solutions to increase operating efficiency and machine uptime. The standard Cat product link offers remote data monitoring through VisionLink, so key personnel can stay informed of critical machine operating data. Additionally, the onboard vital information management system (VIMS) provides the operator with operating data such as real-time fuel consumption and fuel efficiency via an interactive touch screen display. Cat production measurement (CPM) brings payload weighing to the cab, so operators can work more productively and deliver accurate loads. Click here to read complete specifications for the new Cat 988K XE.