Upgraded powertrain improves roading speeds of new Caterpillar compact wheel loaders

Building off the Cat M-Series compact wheel loaders, the new next-generation Cat 906, 907, and 908 wheel loaders have a re-engineered operator's station which uses Cat technology to improve operator experience and provide larger wheel loader model comfort on a smaller platform. Featuring the new Cat C2.8 engine, the upgraded drive and powertrain deliver faster roading speeds and drive train performance. The hydraulics and structures have gone through an overhaul, making these new models an optimal fit for many applications. 

Improved operator experience

The new sealed and pressurized cab improves the operator experience while keeping previous design functional aspects like raised floor pedals and two doors to make cab cleaning easier. Ideal visibility is achieved with larger standard side mirrors, optional electric and heated mirrors, and front and rear camera options. New single-piece front and rear windshields offer 60 percent better wiper coverage. 

Seat-mounted controls improve operating ergonomics of the new loaders. A multi-function joystick controls travel direction and speed, proportional auxiliary flow, differential lock, and constant hydraulic flow without operators removing their hand from the joystick, elevating operating safety. Like larger Cat wheel loaders, companies will be able to choose from a range of seats, including a new heated and ventilated seat. 

New in-cab-programmable kickouts with high-definition rotary sensors mounted to the loader arms better protect operators from unwanted shock and vibration due to buckets striking the ground and/or hitting dump stops at max height. Proper kickout operation also saves up to 20 percent of bucket cutting edge life. Rather than leaving the cab for setting, the operator remains inside the cab while setting upper, lower, and attachment kickout positions at the touch of a button. Cylinder snubbing is also enabled to provide the operator with added protection. 

The heart of the new cab design is the Next Generation control monitor, which offers a range of real-time machine operating information. It allows the operator to configure hydrostatic transmission response, auto engine idle shutdown, and a utility powertrain mode that provides operators with a more intuitive means of controlling ground and engine speed, ideal when working with hydromechanical attachments.

Upgraded powertrain of the new Cat wheel loaders

Specifically designed for Cat products, the new Cat C2.8 engine delivers the same 55.7-kW (74-hp) gross power as the previous engine with 13 percent more torque, resulting in roading performance and tractive effort improvements. The Cat C2.8 engine meets EU Stage V and U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards with alternative emissions packages available. Its shift-on-the-go transmission offers increased roading speeds of 40 km/h (25 mph), and larger fuel tank capacities of 30 percent for the 906 and 12 percent for the 907 and 908 delivering extended work cycles.

When working in dusty environments, the new reversing-fan option assists in keeping cooling cores clean for temperature control. Through an in-cab soft-touch button, the system can be turned off, set to operate in an automatic mode or momentarily activated by the operator. Automatic mode uses the factory setting to reverse direction for 10 seconds every 10 minutes. The frequency and duration of automatic reversing can be changed by the operator via the new control monitor.

Enhanced hydraulics and structures

To meet the demand for increased multifunctionality with lift and tilt while powering hydromechanical tools, these Next Generation wheel loaders feature a new standard pressure compensated valve, allowing operators to simultaneously control implements and operate hydromechanical attachments. Increased working auxiliary pressures make work easier and improve steering to reduce operator fatigue. 

Modifications to the optional skid steer coupler improve visibility through the coupler when setting fork tines. In conjunction, the realignment of the compact wheel loader fork carriage improves forward visibility. Bucket capacities have been increased across the range.

An optional Cat 908 high-lift configuration is available. When combined with the reversing fan option, the high-lift configuration offers farmers increased operating efficiency and reliability. Available solid tires and the high lift configuration make the new 908 loader ideal for industrial and waste applications. 

High-illumination LED light options are now available for both working/roading and under-hood-service lights to better illuminate work areas in low-light conditions. Task-focused LED under-hood lighting simplifies servicing in poor ambient light. A resistor bank built into the body of Cat LED roading lights keep the lamp assembly warm enough to melt snow and ice, improving efficiency over conventional LED roading lights when operating in colder climates.