Get FinancingCaterpillar Reveals Next-Gen Versions Of Its 926, 930 & 938 Small Wheel Loaders
Caterpillar has announced the Next-Generation versions of its 14-ton (12.7-metric-ton) 926, 16-t (14.5-mt) 930, and 18-t (16.3-mt) 938 wheel loaders, and has displayed the 930 at the ConExpo-Con/Agg convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Production is scheduled for a target period of Q4 2023 for the new loaders, which will come with productivity-enhancing features that simplify operation of the machines.
Special Powertrain Modes
Caterpillar says the new wheel loaders provide four powertrain operation modes that represent an industry first. A utility mode provides fine ground speed control and an engine rpm throttle lock for pick-and-place work and hydromechanical attachment usage. The torque mode cuts fuel consumption by up to 5% by allowing for freewheeling around corners and on downhill slopes. The loaders’ Hystat mode delivers strong acceleration, deceleration, and engine braking, and prevents travel until the operator applies the throttle. The fourth mode is for operation on ice with gentle shifts in direction and an extended coast-out motion.
Cat also claims an exclusive for the loaders’ adaptive engine speed feature, which automatically adjusts engine rpms to the demand with a typical working range of 1,200 to 1,500 rpm. For longevity’s sake, the machines use larger hydraulic pumps that run at slower speeds.
Free Trial Of Cat Payload
The Cat Payload weighing system comes standard on the new 926, 930, and 938. It’s a subscription-based service, but each loader comes with a 250-hour demonstration mode. A new bucket shake feature can be actuated with a joystick button. Another button in the cabin adjusts the upper, lower, and tilt kickout settings for the bucket to allow operators to match the position of the bucket to the task, helping to maximize the lifespan of the cutting edge.
For traction, a new automatic control for the wheel torque reduces tire spin. The new loaders also come with a standard front axle differential lock and have an optional limited-slip rear differential. Cat’s new 938 model has an automatic differential lock setting in addition to the manual joystick control.
High Visibility
Caterpillar improved the new loaders’ visibility with larger windows, smaller cabin pillars, heated and electric rearview mirrors with a lower parabolic mirror, and a standard rearview camera. A surround-view camera system is optional, as is a rear object-detection system with visible and audible alerts.
The three loaders also have excellent visibility on attachments, including the tips of the forks and corners of the bucket. The bucket has an aggressive rack angle to retain material in transit and increase fill factors by 10%.
Standard & Optional Features
The Cat 926, 930, and 938 are available with either a low-effort steering wheel or a new force-feedback joystick. For controllability, the joystick’s motions become stiffer at higher travel speeds, which range up to 25 mph (40 km/h). The loaders can come with single-axis levers or a joystick with a jog dial, both of which are programmable. Each machine can recall up to 50 operator settings profiles.
Cat endows the Next-Gen loaders with a new automatic temperature control with a defrost button. The machines are equipped with automatic lighting and daytime running lights.
A new command console offers line-of-sight remote operation of the machine, while the Cat Command for Loading system lets an operator run one or more loaders from a distant command station equipped with controls and video displays.
Reduced Service Costs
The new loaders come with standard parallelism and optimized Z-bar linkage, with options such as high-lift equipment, cranked-tine forks, and a positive-pressure fusion coupler interface with reduced tool offset. Other options include tire pressure and temperature monitoring with adjustable safety limits and automatic lubrication with customizable grease frequency.
The Cat 926, 930, and 938’s hydrostatic, implement, and steering systems have full return filtration for reliability’s sake. Engine oil, oil filters, and fuel filter replacement intervals have been increased to 1,000 hours for 45% to 67% lower service costs.
Caterpillar offers customized configurations of the new small loaders for agriculture, waste management, forestry, aggregate work, and snow removal applications. Specialized models are available from the factory or via dealer-installed aftermarket upgrade kits.
Source: Caterpillar