Everything You Need to Know About the New Caterpillar 994K Wheel Loader
Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) has launched the newest addition to its repertoire, the massive 994K Wheel Loader. The wheel loader, which is Cat’s largest to date, features increased payload, versatility, power and productivity and a number of efficiency improvements.
The new Cat 994K continues to impress with its enhanced range of applications. The giant machine offers an improved cooling package, added fuel tanks and new high performance buckets in a wide range of capacities for faster loading, high fill factors and increased material retention.
More improvements
Efficiency improvements include electronically controlled and hydraulically driven cooling system fans to keep operating costs down and a new engine air filtration system to deliver three times the life of the previous system.
According to Caterpillar, the new 994K is designed to make maintenance easier.
“The 994K is designed to keep service time to a minimum. Engine oil change intervals are 500 hours minimum, and all routine service points are conveniently located on the left side of the loader.”
Additional features include: Hydraulically driven auto lube handles linkage greasing, superior hydraulic filtration system, LED lights and an improved modular design to make field assembly and component replacements faster.
More power
Along with new and improved features, the Cat 994K boasts impressive size and power. The standard 994K can carry 40.8 tons per pass, with the high lift version able to move 38.1 tons per pass, approximately 18 and 20 percent more, respectively, than the previous models.
"The 994K loads mining trucks in the 250, 200 and 150 short ton classes in one less pass than the previous model. The high lift configuration is a six-pass match with the popular Cat 793 mining truck, and the high lift as well as the standard configuration loads the Cat 789 in five passes," Caterpillar said.
Caterpillar wasn’t messing around when it came to engine power. The Cat 3516E engine produces a net power of 1,739 horsepower (1297kW) and works through a Cat planetary powershift transmission specifically designed for mining applications. The integral Impeller Clutch Torque Converter and Rimpull Control System allow operators to precise adjust power at the wheels to specific loading conditions by modulating rimpull from 100 to 25 percent, which greatly reduces potential for tire slippage and diminished hydraulic capacity.
The new 994K is also equipped with Cat MineStar™ System capabilities along with detect object detection systems and proximity awareness systems.
The Caterpillar 994K Wheel Loader will be commercially available in the first quarter of 2016.
