Get FinancingCaterpillar 988 GC Large Wheel Loader Matches With 45-Tonne Trucks
Caterpillar has announced its new 988 GC large wheel loader to markets outside of the U.S. and China. The 23,070-kilogram (50,861-pound) loader is designed to complement 45-tonne (50-U.S.-ton) haul trucks in moderate production applications of up to 2,000 hours per year. Cat says the new 988 GC can shift up to 670 t (740 U.S. t) per hour in shot-rock truck-loading work and up to 527 t (581 U.S. t) per hour in load-and-carry operations.
Cost Savings
Cat says it engineered the new 988 GC to move more material at a lower cost per hour for a faster return on investment. It produces within 6% of its 988K predecessor when loading trucks, as it consumes up to 5% less fuel and emits up to 5% less CO2, thanks to efficiency features such as load-sensing Positive Flow Control hydraulics. Impressively, the 988 GC has up to 15% lower maintenance costs and up to 10% lower owning and operating costs, according to the manufacturer.
Lifting & Loading Characteristics
The 988 GC wheel loader’s front lift arms have a new Z-bar design with a 5.7-metre (18.7-foot) maximum pin height. Its 12.8-ft (3.9-m) dump clearance pairs well with loading Cat’s 775G off-road dumper. The new loader shares the 988K’s bucket capacities of 6.3 to 7.6 cubic metres (8.3 to 10 cubic yards) and delivers up to 338.6 kilonewtons (76,120 pounds-force) of breakout force.
The optional Cat Payload system provides on-the-go weighing in real time, and a ride control option places an auxiliary accumulator in the lift circuit for a smoother ride during load-and-carry jobs. Cat also offers an Advanced Productivity subscription option that supplies recommendations for better productivity and profitability in running the machine.
Slope-Conquering Powertrain
The Cat C15 engine powering the new 988 GC generates up to 449 horsepower (335 kilowatts). It’s available in configurations meeting EU Stage IIIA/U.S. EPA Tier 3 or Stage V/Tier 4 Final emissions standards. The motor’s operating temperature is regulated by an on-demand, 2-speed cooling fan.
Cat equips the loader’s powertrain with its Advanced Power Electronic Control Strategy (APECS) transmission. The APECS maintains the 988 GC’s forward momentum and torque during shifting for uninterrupted performance on grades. A transmission neutraliser pedal allows for full power during stationary loading while reducing wear on the oil-disc service brakes. The transmission has a standard lock-up clutch that eliminates torque converter losses, which in turn lowers the heat level, speeds up travel times, and reduces cycle times in load-and-carry tasks.
High Visibility, Low Fatigue
The operator of a Cat 988 GC experiences a pressurised cabin with isolation mounts, filtered air, and reduced sound levels. The Cat Comfort Series III operator’s seat has air suspension, a seat-mounted implement pod, and optional air cooling and heating.
The wheel loader’s responsive Steering and Integrated Control (STIC) system supplies 43 degrees of steering articulation with up to 47% quieter operation. The cabin has LED indicators and large, backlit switches for easy visibility. Rear Cat Vision comes standard on the 988 GC, while optional Cat Detect technology promotes greater operator awareness of the working environment. Caterpillar also offers Product Link remote machine monitoring and other wireless services.
Find The Right Cat Wheel Loader
MachineryTrader.com.au sellers offer great numbers of new and used Caterpillar wheel loaders for sale, including models from the 988 series. The site also lists Cat off-road dumpers for sale, as well as other new and used Cat equipment.
Source: Caterpillar