Caterpillar releases the new Cat 980 GC Wheel Loader

Caterpillar, an Irving, Texas-based construction and mining equipment manufacturer, has launched its new Cat 980 GC Wheel Loader.

The wheel loader offers low fuel consumption with an on-demand fan, load-sensing hydraulics, intuitive controls and performance series buckets and, according to Cat, the new wheel loader is the right economical solution for a broad range of applications.

“We’ve built the new 980 GC on a long legacy of high-performance and highly reliable wheel loaders with proven components and integrated Cat machine systems,” says Frank Stadelmann, global product application specialist for Cat.

“The loader’s simple user interface, intuitive controls and excellent visibility make for comfortable and efficient operation, even with less experienced operators. New features to this model, like our engine idle management system (EIMS), minimize idle revolutions per minute (RPM) and fuel consumption to help deliver low owning and operating costs.”

The new 980 GC is powered by the Cat C13 engine. According to the company, the engine’s Cat Clean Emissions Module works in the background without affecting productivity. The EIMS, auto engine idle shutdown, variable-speed fan and load-sensing hydraulics combine to offer low fuel consumption and sound levels on the machine.

Its field-proven automatic planetary powershift transmission delivers high reliability and long service life, the manufacturer says. Four forward and reverse speeds reach a maximum 24.7 mph to quickly move about the site, and the electronic clutch pressure control shifting system provides efficient gear changes in all operating conditions.

With a bucket capacity range of 4.3-5.8 cubic meters (5.75-7.5 cubic yards), Cat Performance Series buckets use a system-based approach to balance bucket shape with the machine’s lift and tilt capacity, weight and linkage. The company says the bucket design improves material retention and reduces dig time with build options that include general purpose, flat floor, heavy-duty rock, coal and light material to meet any application.

According to Cat, the Cat Z-bar loader linked with cast crossmember and tilt-lever provides digging efficiency for enhanced production capabilities. Load-sensing hydraulics produce flow and pressure for the implement when needed, improving machine productivity and resulting in low fuel consumption. The new 980 GC can be equipped with the Cat Fusion quick coupler and controls, and combined with optional third-function hydraulics, the coupler allows use of a wide variety of work tools.

Cat VisionLink, standard for the new 980 GC, allows fleet managers to track critical loader operating parameters like machine location, hours, fuel usage, diagnostic codes and idle time to improve productivity and lower operating costs.

Also optionally available, Cat Payload weighs material while moving to the truck and lifting for on-the-go weighing (not legal for trade), so the operator can load to exact specifications, load more trucks and avoid over- or underloading. The Cat Payload for Trade option for Cat Advanced Payload allows you to integrate the scale data directly into business processes. It is type approved by the International Organization of Legal Metrology, while retaining all the features of the standard version of Cat Advanced Payload.

The 980 GC’s complete user interface is designed as an intuitive system, Cat says, allowing the operator to monitor machine health. Pilot-operated hydraulic controls deliver comfortable operation and include a remote transmission kick-down switch for operating comfort.

The new loader features convenient service points, one-piece tilting hood with swing-out radiator and sight gauges for quick and efficient daily maintenance. Hard-to-reach pins have remote, grouped grease fittings for easy preventive lubrication. An optional Cat Autolube System offers simple, one-button control and has fault flash function to alert the operator to issues.

The new 980 GC is backed by the Cat dealer network to help maximize machine uptime by providing global parts support, trained technicians and customer value agreements.