New Cat 950M and 962M Wheel Loaders Boost Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The new Cat 950M and 962M wheel loaders—powered by a Cat C7.1 ACERT engine meeting Tier 4 Final emissions standards—are significantly more powerful than their K-Series predecessors and deliver 10 percent better fuel efficiency. The new models feature major drive-train refinement, extensively redesigned hydraulic systems, new cab amenities, electronic payload measurement, Optimized Z-Bar linkage that combines optimized bucket performance with parallel lift, and a range of Cat Performance Series buckets and work tools. These innovative systems intelligently lower the average working engine speeds and reduce the overall system heat loads which result in significantly improved performance and fuel efficiency.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
A proven system of Caterpillar developed electronic, fuel, air, and after-treatment technologies ensure that emissions control is transparent to the operator, does not interrupt machine operation, and promotes reliability, high productivity, and low operating costs.
With a net rating of 230 horsepower (171 kW), the new 950M produces 9 percent more power than its K-Series counterpart, and the 962M, rated at 250 horsepower (186 kW), has 13 percent more power. Peak torque is up an average 18 percent for the new models, which means more useable power at the wheels. In addition, the new, productive Economy Mode automatically senses power-train load and adjusts engine speed and torque for optimum performance and fuel efficiency.
The 950M and 962M use a new five-speed Cat power-shift transmission featuring a lock-up clutch torque converter with lock-to-lock shifting (transmission gear remains locked during gear shifts), as well as the Cat single clutch speed shift system (which keeps the forward/reverse clutch engaged during gear shifts). Auto-shift features control the automatic shifting of the transmission and engagement of the lock up clutch.These two features working together maintain more effective and efficient torque flow through the transmission during gear changes, especially valuable when accelerating up ramps.
The redesigned axles feature on-the-go disc-type differential locks to improve tractive ability in these applications thereby increasing productivity. These models come standard with front axle differential locks which are manually activated by a switch on the floor. Optional fully automatic front and rear axle differential locks operate by measuring differences in axle speeds and require no operator intervention to activate. These disc-type differential locks will reduce tire scuffing compared to other traction aids further reducing operating costs for customers.
These machines have a new external caliper disc parking brake mounted to the input shaft of the front axle. Since they are external, they do not have the inefficiencies of enclosed, wet parking brakes due to brake discs running in oil nor is there any oil to change reducing fuel and maintenance costs. External caliper parking brakes are easily accessible for inspection and service.
Hydraulic Refinement
The 950M and 962M hydraulic systems have significant design changes and customer value improvements. The main hydraulic valve is now a mono-block with an integrated ride control section. The mono-block design reduces weight, has forty percent fewer leak points and is common across all M Series models. Auxiliary third and fourth hydraulic functions can be easily added at the factory or in the field with the addition of a second remote valve. The new ride control system now has two accumulators enabling it to be more effective over a greater payload range, increasing productivity and operator efficiency due to a better ride.
Hydraulic system components on the 950M and 962M are protected by full flow and kidney-loop filtration. A filter in the hydraulic tank return line filters all of the oil returning to the tank. There is also a case drain screen for additional protection and finally, a separate kidney-loop filter with a finer micron rating which continuously filters smaller particles out of the system. This multilevel design ensures the hydraulic oil is clean and thoroughly protects the rest of the hydraulic system from contamination. A new thermal bypass valve has been added to improve hydraulic system warm-up.
