Easy to Own and Operate, Introducing the New Cat® 980 GC Wheel Loader
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Caterpillar entered the wheel loader market in 1959 with the release of the 944, its first integrated four wheel-drive loader powered by a 105-horsepower gas engine.
The 944 featured a four-speed transmission, torque converter, and a rugged box-section frame, setting a new standard in durability and performance in construction equipment.
Over the decades, Caterpillar has expanded and refined its lineup.
Today the new heavy-duty Cat® 980 GC Wheel Loader enters the market offering low fuel consumption with an on-demand fan, load-sensing hydraulics, intuitive controls and performance series buckets.
Easy to own and simple to operate, the new wheel loader looks like the right economical solution for a broad range of applications.
Frank Stadelmann, Caterpillar global product application specialist told us…
“We’ve built the new 980 GC on a long legacy of high performance and highly reliable wheel loaders with proven components and integrated Cat machine systems. The loader’s simple user interface, intuitive controls and excellent visibility make for comfortable and efficient operation, even with less experienced operators,”
Mr Stadlemann concluded…
“New features to this model, like our Engine Idle Management System (EIMS), minimize idle RPM and fuel consumption to help deliver low owning and operating costs.”
Powerful efficiency
Adding to the full line of Cat medium wheel loader choices, the new 980 GC is powered by the Cat C13 engine.
The engine’s Cat Clean Emissions Module works in the background without impacting production. The EIMS,
Auto Engine Idle Shutdown, variable speed fan and load sensing hydraulics combine to offer low fuel consumption and sound levels on the machine.
Its field-proven automatic planetary powershift transmission delivers high reliability and long service life. Four forward/reverse speeds reach a maximum 39.8 km/h (24.7 mph) speed to quickly move about the site, and the well-known Electronic Clutch Pressure Control (ECPC) shifting system provides smooth, efficient gear changes in all operating conditions.
Available ride control improves operating smoothness over rough terrain while ensuring excellent material retention and increasing efficiency, and the optional limited slip differential axle increases traction in poor underfoot conditions.
Productive results
With a bucket capacity range of 4.3-5.8 m3 (5.75-7.5 yd3), easy-to-load Cat Performance Series buckets use a system-based approach to balance bucket shape with the machine’s lift and tilt capacity, weight and linkage.
The bucket design improves material retention and reduces dig time with build options that include general purpose, flat floor, heavy duty rock, coal and light material to meet any application.
Field proven, the Cat Z-bar loader linkage with cast crossmember and tilt-lever provides strong digging efficiency and high breakout forces for superior production capabilities. Load-sensing hydraulics produce flow
and pressure for the implement only when needed, improving machine productivity and resulting in low fuel consumption.
The new 980 GC can be equipped with the Cat Fusion™ quick coupler and controls, and combined with optional third-function hydraulics, the coupler allows use of a wide variety of work tools.
Monitor & Manage
Cat VisionLink™, standard for the new 980 GC, allows fleet managers to track critical loader operating parameters like machine location, hours, fuel usage, diagnostic codes and idle time to improve productivity and lower operating costs.
Also optionally available, Cat Payload weighs material while moving to the truck and lifting for on-the-go weighing (not legal for trade), so the operator can load to exact specification, load more trucks and avoid over- or under-loading.
The Cat Payload for Trade* option for Cat Advanced Payload allows you to integrate the scale data directly into your business processes. It is type approved by the International Organization of Legal Metrology, while retaining all the features of the standard version of Cat Advanced Payload.
Comfortable environment
Providing a comfortable working environment throughout the shift, the 980 GC’s spacious cab design features easy, intuitive controls and excellent visibility. The complete user interface is designed as an intuitive system, allowing the operator to monitor machine health. Pilot-operated hydraulic controls deliver low-effort, comfortable operation and include a remote transmission kick-down switch for operating comfort.
Keeping safety in mind, ladders are standard on both machine sides, providing easy access to the cab from the left-hand side and to service points from the right-hand side. Extended windows with wide, flat, and distortion free front windshield combined with rearview mirrors with spot mirrors offer clear visibility to the jobsite.
A rearview camera is standard, and a windshield guard option is available. Air conditioning with louvered vents allows the operator to direct airflow for optimum cooling, while the comfort cloth mechanical suspension seat features adjustable armrests, headrest and multiple variations for superior comfort.
Easy to service
The new loader features convenient service points, one-piece tilting hood with swing-out radiator, and sight gauges for quick and efficient daily maintenance. Hard-to-reach pins have remote, conveniently grouped grease fittings for easy preventative lubrication.
An optional Cat Autolube System boasts simple, one-button control and includes fault flash function to alert the operator to issues.
A Century of Innovations
Today, the company manufactures more than 25 models of wheel loaders, serving industries from construction, quarry and mining to waste handling, agriculture and forestry, agriculture and forestry.
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