Machine innovation

Caterpillar introduced its latest machines for the European, African and Middle Eastern (EAME) markets at its customer event, which was held in Marrakech for the first time. Among the new earthmoving machines is the new Tier 3/Stage IIIA 938H wheel loader and the IT38H toolcarrier wheeled loader featuring the Cat C6.6 engine with low emissions ACERT technology.

Michel Jenny, senior product specialist for Cat's medium size wheel loaders told iC, that the new wheel loaders “were designed not only to improve engine emissions but to improve other features too.”

Such features include a differential lock system, load sensing hydraulics and increased lift and tilt forces which deliver high performance in digging and material handling applications. Other new features include machine health monitoring and servicing systems, such as the in-cab Messenger display, which provides real time machine performance, engine and diagnostic data to help maximise productivity and component life. Cat Product Link, which provides two-way information flow between the machine and Caterpillar dealer, is standard on the new loaders helping to increase machine uptime.

The ‘robust and simple to use and service' D6G Series 2 XL and the D7G Series 2 dozers were also introduced at the event and replace the D6G and D7G models. Sergey Minko, marketing consultant for Caterpillar in the EAME region, told iC, “The new models are popular in Africa with potential for growth in Asia Pacific as well as in Indonesia and China.”

The cab in both machines provides “excellent” viewing to the blade and rear of the machines for maximum productivity and safety.

The D6T dozer was also launched at the event featuring enhanced steering, selectable speed ranges and a Stage IIIA/Tier 3 compliant engine. It offers superior manoeuvrability through the use of separate hydraulic pumps supplying power to steering and implements. The machine control system – the Multi Velocity Program (MVP) – offers the operator a selection of five speed ranges and automated speed control for productive performance in different conditions. Replacing the D6R series III, the D6T retains the C9 engine with ACERT technology, planetary powershift transmission and differential steering system. To further reduce operating costs and extend the undercarriage life up to +70% the Caterpillar SystemOne undercarriage is standard on the D6T. The AccuGrade grade control system is also a feature of the new dozer, allowing automatic control of blade lifts and tilt and delivers both high productivity and consistent accuracy.

Road equipment

New to Caterpillar's road building division is the AP300 wheeled asphalt paver, which replaces the BB 730. The triple-axle AP300 is in the same 6 to 7 tonne 1.7 m paving width class size as the BB 730, but features a number of enhancements over its predecessor, according to Cat. These include superior performance, high transfer speed, optimum manoeuvrability, easier transportation and job versatility.

Optional grade and slope controls are also available on the AP300. Operator comfort and visibility is carefully considered with a dual operator's station with sliding control console, adjustable suspension seats and retractable seat belts as standard. A high-capacity cooling system provides cool air intake, maximising fuel efficiency and minimising emissions.

Also new from Caterpillar are the production-class single drum vibratory compactors ranging from 10.5 to 18.8 tonnes. The CS54, CS54 XT, CS56, CS64, CS74, CS76 and CS76 XT models replace the E Series vibratory soil compactors. They incorporate new 6-cylinder Cat C6.6 or 4-cylinder Cat 4.4C engines - both equipped with ACERT technology.

Caterpillar AccuGrade compaction GPS mapping and measurement technology is also available. A spokesman for Caterpillar said, “This technology coupled with the advanced features of the newest soil compactor models, makes the compaction process, and road building in general, more consistent and efficient. AccuGrade technology correlates precise compaction measurements with GPS positioning to create detailed real-time compaction maps of the work area.”