Caterpillar Updates Its 950 & 962 Wheel Loaders With Autodig, Auto Set Tires, Productivity Gains

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Cat’s new 950 and 962 come equipped with an Autodig feature that can fully automate bucket loading and works with a new Auto Set Tires technology to curtail tire slippage. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Caterpillar says its latest versions of two wheel loaders—its 21-ton (19-metric-ton) model 950 and 22-t (20-mt) model 962—can raise productivity by up to 10% over the previous models, while its longer service intervals can lower maintenance costs by as much as 30%. The manufacturer touts the 950 and 962’s performance levels and improved efficiency through technologies it says are simple to use.

Cat Tech

Several technologies that are standard on the Cat 950 and 962 help even new operators to improve their productivity. For example, the new Autodig feature can fully automate the bucket loading procedure, resulting in consistent bucket fill factors and faster loading times. Autodig works in conjunction with Cat’s new Auto Set Tires technology to curtail tire slippage, reduce wear, and promote correct loading technique. Another factor working to increase fill factors is the optimized shape of Cat Performance Series Buckets, which also aids in material retention.

The new 950 and 962 wheel loaders come with the Cat Payload with Assist weighing system. An optional Advanced version includes a Tip Off Assist feature to automatically reach the target load with the final bucket’s amount of material.

The machines also support Product Link telematics with remote management, software updates, and troubleshooting, along with the optional Cat Productivity subscription feature, which supplies detailed information and advice to use the loaders more efficiently on the job.

Mechanical Features

Cat offers the 950 and 962 loaders with either conventional or optimized Z-bar linkage, depending upon the market. Both configurations facilitate high ground-level breakout force, but the optimized version allows for parallel lift capability. A standard Cat Fusion Quick Coupler lets the operator swap attachments without leaving the cab.

For better acceleration and higher speed on grades, the two Cats’ five-speed transmission supports single-clutch and lock-to-lock shifting. Manual front differential locks come standard, with optional automatic front and rear diff locks available for improved traction and less scuffing of the tires.

Cabin Highlights

The cab on both loaders is isolated from vibration and noise. New, intuitive touchscreens give the operator essential information and control. A hydraulic steering wheel is a standard feature, but Cat offers an electrohydraulic joystick mounted on the seat as an alternative steering option. For visibility, the cab has a floor-to-ceiling windscreen, large mirrors with spot mirrors, and a rearview camera. Safety options include a 360-degree camera system and Cat Detect radar technology.

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The new 950 and 962 wheel loaders come with the Cat Payload with Assist weighing system. Options include Tip Off Assist to top off the target load with precision. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Model Specifications

The latest iterations of the Cat 950 and 962 wheel loaders both use the C7.1 engine with an electric fuel priming pump, fuel-water separator, and secondary fuel filter. The automatic Cat regeneration system in the exhaust aftertreatment regimen helps the engine meet EU Stage V and EPA Tier 4 Final requirements, as well as Korea Tier 5 and Japan 2014 emission standards.

The Cat 950 is a 249-horsepower (186-kilowatt) loader with a 42,461-pound (19,260-kilogram) operating weight. It can exert up to 40,690 pounds-force (181 kiloNewtons) of breakout force. The 950 also has a full-turn static tipping load rating of 26,369 lbs (11,961 kg).

The Cat 962 is modestly heavier and more powerful than the 950. It is a 269-HP (201-kW) machine with a maximum breakout force of 42,489 lbf (189 kN). The 44,469-lb (20,171-kg) loader is rated for a 27,529-lb (12,487-kg) full-turn static tipping load.

Both the 950 and 962 can use buckets with 3.5 to 13 cubic yards (2.67 to 9.9 cubic meters) of capacity. In their high-lift configurations, both Cat loaders have a maximum hinge-pin height of 14.75 feet (4.5 meters), although their standard-lift heights differ at 13.1 ft (4 m) for the Cat 950 and 13.8 ft (4.2 m) for the 962.

Caterpillar also offers both models in industrial and waste versions with extra guards and reinforcement, as well as forestry configurations with greater lift and tilt capabilities.

Source: Caterpillar