Cat rolls with more efficient, productive new wheel loader

Cat introduced the new 992 Wheel Loader, a more productive and efficient vehicle than previous models, according to the manufacturer

Caterpillar introduced its new 992 Wheel Loader, which improves on the earlier 992K model with a 48% greater payload-per-fuel efficiency, according to the manufacturer.

The company said the 992 vehicle is up to 32% more productive and reduces maintenance costs by as much as 10%.

Equipped with Cat’s C32B engine (with U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V and Tier 2 equivalent emission engine options), the new wheel loader’s standard-lift payload capacities reach 25.5 tons for quarry face applications and 30 tons for loose material handling, as well as high-lift capacities tanging from 22.5-27 tons in respective applications.

Cat designed the 992 with powertrain enhancements to the transmission, axles and final drive to deliver a 20% longer interval for planned component replacement, according to the company’s release.

The new 992 model demonstrated its increased efficiency by accomplishing a four-pass match to 100-ton trucks, versus five passes with the older 992K model. Cat said the 992 has improved rimpull during digging (up to a 9.5% increase) and breakout force (up to 20% higher).

In addition, the new model has an on-demand throttle mode to optimize payload-per-fuel efficiency, standard automatic retarding controls, upgraded setback and strike plane angles, a longer bucket floor and taller side plate with a level top surface.

Operator comfort and safety were design goals, the company said, and the 992 Wheel Loader offers increased visibility, intuitive control and technology such as LED monitors and rearview camera.

With the potential to reduce maintenance costs by 10%, the new wheel loader includes an improved hydraulic systems filtration and pump prognostics that reduce machine downtime, as well as two large openings per machine side allow for quick and convenient access to the cooling package to reduce cleaning time.

It’s been a busy 2021 for Cat, as the manufacturer has released its new GC Series of vibratory soil compactors, updated cold planer models and introduced three new small excavators.