WHEEL DOZER: New Cat 814K promises comfort, efficiency and serviceability

[caption id="attachment_1003723463" align="aligncenter" width="540"] The new Cat 814K wheel dozer ramps up comfort, efficiency and serviceability.[/caption] PEORIA, Ill. – Today’s new Cat 814K wheel dozer from Caterpillar features a new, sound-suppressed cab, efficient power unit and transmission drive, and centralized service station configuration to drive machine uptime and operator productivity to new levels. With its rugged structure designed to achieve multiple life cycles under the toughest operating conditions, the 814K delivers high production. The wheel dozer’s upgraded cab design makes the operator’s workspace more comfortable and provides for more efficient machine operation. Cab entry/exit is greatly facilitated through integration of the new fold-up STIC (steering and transmission integrated control system) armrest. STIC delivers maximum machine responsiveness and control plus smoother, faster cycles, while minimizing operator movement to reduce fatigue. Today’s 814K wheel dozer’s new vital information management system (VIMS) allows technicians to connect directly to the machine to access a wide range of sensor information and expanded machine data. This allows managers to create productivity reports, identify operator training opportunities, see data logging of machine parameters and diagnostic codes, and monitor machine health. Cat Product Link offers remote access of machine operating data through the easy-to-use VisionLink interface to facilitate fleet management. The new 814K is powered by the Cat C7.1 ACERT engine. Featuring engine idle shutdown and auto lower fuel consumption than with previous models. Load sense control hydraulics provide on-demand hydraulic flow required by the implement and steering system to further improve fuel efficiency and deliver increased rim pull. Offering four forward and reverse speeds to match application demands, the wheel dozer boasts the best-in-class Cat planetary power shift transmission, designed specifically for the most demanding mining applications. There is no loss of momentum on slopes during gear shifts, so the dozer climbs grades more efficiently and with less fuel burn. Two Cat blade design options – 2.84 m³ or 10.5 m³ –  offer rugged durability and excellent dozing and rolling characteristics. The new 814K wheel dozer includes a host of features that reduce service time to maximize machine uptime. The machine’s new centralized ground-level service area provides quick access to the master disconnect switch with integrated lock-out/tag-out, DEF purge lamp for Tier 4 Final/Stage IV engines, circuit breakers, emergency fuel shutoff switch and jump start receptacle. Grouping of grease points for steering, hitch and rear axle trunnions along with easily visible fluid sight gauges reduce time spent on daily maintenance requirements. By providing the operator with real-time operating data, VIMS system notifications alert operators and technicians of machine issues, so they can be quickly addressed before experiencing a significant downtime event. The machine’s new high efficiency hydraulic filtration results in cleaner hydraulic oil to increase component life and extends the oil inspection requirement by 50%, from 2,000 to 4,000 hours. The new Cat 814K wheel dozer is currently available for worldwide orders. The first machine shipments are planned for June 2018. For more information, visit www.Cat.com/en_US/products/new/equipment/wheel-dozers.html.