The new Cat 950 and 962 next-generation wheel loaders are designed to deliver premium performance, featuring standard simple-to-use technologies that boost operator efficiencies, provide consistent bucket fill factors and increase productivity by up to 10 per cent over the previous models, says their manufacturer.

These flexible loaders offer application-specific designs to excel in the toughest applications, while service intervals are extended to lower maintenance costs by up to 35 per cent, according to Caterpillar.

“Their field-proven, reliable Cat 7.1 engine offers high power density with a combination of proven electronics, fuel and air systems. Meeting US EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA equivalent emission standards, the engine can be run with diesel fuel blended with up to 100 per cent biodiesel or 100 per cent renewable diesel, hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) and gas-to-liquid (GTL) fuels. Electric fuel priming pump, fuel-water separator and secondary fuel filter combine with component design and machine validation to offer unmatched reliability and uptime,” says a spokesman for the company.

Simple-to-use technologies

A range of standard technologies on the 950 and 962 wheel loaders efficiently monitors, manages and enhances jobsite operations. Cat Payload with Assist, which provides accurate weighing of material, displays data in real time to improve productivity and loading efficiency.

“The operator can now fully automate bucket loading using new Autodig to improve fill factors and loading times. Working in combination with Autodig, new Auto Set Tires promotes proper loading technique to significantly reduce tyre slip and wear,” the spokesman explains.

New application profiles give operators the ability to set customised profiles for customer-specific applications at the touch of a button to optimise loader settings for the job. Facilitating loader operation, selectable job aids allow operators of all experience levels to be more productive. Meanwhile, Product Link wirelessly connects the machine to the office, giving access to production and essential machine health information for making fact-based decisions.

Greater efficiency, production

The consistently high bucket fill factors provided by new Autodig with Auto Set Tires delivers up to 10 per cent more productivity for the 950 and 962 compared to the previous models. Single clutch and lock-to-lock shifting of the five-speed transmission offers faster acceleration and speed on grades. Optional differential locks are activated on-the-go to improve traction, increase productivity, reduce tyre scuffing and lower operating costs, the spokesman adds.

Depending on the region, the 950 and 962 are equipped with either conventional or optimised Z bar linkage. The conventional Z bar design delivers high breakout force at ground level. Optimised Z bar linkage offers parallel lift capability for precise work tool control as well as providing high breakout force at ground level.

Cat Performance Series Buckets balance bucket shape against the loader’s linkage, resulting in higher fill factors and better material retention. Allowing the machine to move quickly from task to task, the Cat Fusion Quick Coupler offers easy tool changes without the operator leaving the cab.

Safety & maintenance

The new 950 and 962 come standard with a rear-vision camera to enhance visibility behind the loader and work safely. Industry-leading all-around visibility is achieved through the cab’s floor-to-ceiling windshield, large mirrors with integrated spot mirrors and rear-vision camera. Optional multiview (360-degree) vision system, Cat Detect radar technology, and access light and an under-hood service lighting system are available to further enhance safe operation and maintenance.

“Ongoing filter and fluid costs are up to 35 per cent lower on the new models, thanks to new change intervals. Connecting the machine to a Cat dealer’s service department, Remote Troubleshoot helps to efficiently diagnose problems, so the loader can get back to work quickly. Ensuring the new loaders operate with the most up-to-date software, Remote Flash pushes software updates to the machine in the background and installation can be initiated by the customer in a safe manner, reducing impact on production schedules. The Cat App helps to manage fleet location, hours, and maintenance schedules and provides alerts for required maintenance,” the spokesman points out.

The new 950 and 962 can be ordered direct from the Caterpillar factory with application-specific configuration to optimise performance and machine durability in the toughest applications.