INNOVATIONS REPORT MATERIAL HANDLING TIER 4 INTERIM ENGINE MARKS CAT K SERIES SMALL WHEEL LOADERS
The new Cat K Series small wheel loaders— 924K, 930K and 938K—are redesigned to in- corporate new engines that meet Stage IIIB/Tier 4 Interim emissions standards as well as significant new features that deliver enhanced performance, fuel efficiency and operator comfort. Among the new features are an efficient, electronically controlled hy- drostatic drive system, new Optimized Z-bar loader linkage, refined operator's station and a choice of couplers and buckets for best matching the machine to the application. Predecessor H-Series models—924H, 924Hz, 928Hz, 930H, 938H and IT938H—will be available in markets having lesser fuel qual- ity and less-stringent emissions standards. The Cat C6.6 ACERT engine powers the
three new K-Series wheel loaders and works efficiently with the machines to de-
liver fuel savings up to 30 percent, com- pared with H-Series models. Emissions- control technology includes a diesel particulate filter that automatically re- generates (burns away collected particu- lates) without interrupting normal operation. The C6.6 engine's rated speed setting of 1,800 rpm—compared with 2,415 rpm for the H-Series—contributes significantly to reduced fuel consump- tion, lowered sound levels, and reduced wear. An engine-idle shutdown system further reduces fuel consumption. K-Series models are equipped with a step-
less, four-range, hydrostatic drive system that allows independent control of ground and engine speed for efficient operation of hydraulically powered work tools. A new creeper control feature further improves
low-speed operations by allowing the oper- ator to adjusted maximum ground speed down to 1 mph. An operator-controlled, rimpull-control system helps reduce wheel spin and consequent tire wear, while a front differential lock enhances traction. The dedicated load-sensing, variable-
displacement pumps for the implement and steering systems reduce horsepower draw for fuel efficiency and improve mul- tifunction performance. The new K-Series loaders also incorporate an electronic snubbing feature at end-stroke and kick- out positions to reduce operating stress. Hydraulic-filter service intervals are ex- tended to 2,000 hours. Optimized Z-bar loader linkage blends
the breakout power of Z-bar linkage with the parallel-lift and load-handling charac-
40 | MAY 2012
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