Cat® K Series Medium Wheel Loaders Offer Options to Equip Them for Reliable Operation in Harsh Industrial and Waste Applications

For North American release: April 2012

Release Number: 110PR12

Cat^® K Series Medium Wheel Loaders Offer Options to Equip Them

for Reliable Operation in Harsh Industrial and Waste Applications

The five Cat^® K Series medium wheel loaders—950K, 962K, 966K, 972K, 980K—offer complete machine guarding packages to help ensure reliable and durable operation in harsh industrial and waste applications. To attain even greater reliability, Cat Flexport^™ Tires are available on four of the loader models.

Of course the loaders retain all of the productivity, comfort and safety enhancing attributes of the standard K Series loaders introduced in 2011. The K Series Medium Wheel Loaders offer excellent fuel efficiency and engines certified to meet Tier 4 Interim and Stage IIIB emissions standards in North America and Europe. Other enhancements include a new cab and operator station, which feature a panoramic view, automatic climate control and viscous mounts to reduce vibration.

The highly productive K Series Medium Wheel Loaders now offer options specifically designed to enhance operation in waste handling, recycling, scrap handling, demolition and other demanding industrial applications.

Purpose built guarding and components

Cat machine guarding is purpose built to protect major components and systems, and specially engineered components are designed to resist damage in industrial applications. For example, narrow, steel front fenders fit close to the frame to help avoid damage, and the bottom and rear access steps in the industrial loader package are suspended by heavy-duty steel cable.

Front frame guards protect the underside of the front half of the machine. These guards prevent debris accumulation and damage to major components such as the drive shaft and lift cylinders. Protecting the underside of the rear half of the machine, belly guards prevent debris build-up and damage to major components such as the engine and transmission. The industrial package includes a hinged power train guard and an optional, powered guard for allowing easy access to remove debris. Axle seal guards provide protection from wire or other debris that could wrap around the axle and damage axle seals.

The optional heavy-duty radiator guard provides additional rear machine protection. The guard is hinged for easy access to the airborne debris screen and cooling cores. To allow the customer to choose the amount of protection needed, three different optional guard designs are available to help protect the cab glass. There are two front windshield guard options and a full cab glass guard available. Guards also are provided to shield the front, rear and roading lights from debris damage.

Hydraulic cylinders, too, have additional guarding. Lift cylinder baffles prevent debris buildup and compaction under the lift cylinder. Hitch area guards protect hydraulic lines and other components by enclosing the frame to reduce debris entry. Steering cylinder guards keep debris off, and sliding tilt cylinder guards provide protection from airborne debris and from material spilling from the bucket.

Optional variable pitch fan

An optional variable pitch fan helps clean the cooler cores from the backside. The variable pitch fan enables changing blade pitch to switch the direction of air flow. The design delivers more airflow in the reverse direction when compared to a system that simply reverses fan rotation, and the system more thoroughly expels debris from the cooler cores.

Flexport Tires available

Cat Flexport Tires are a solid, ported design for flat-proof operation in severe applications. Each tire features elliptical holes (ports) molded through the outer ring of the sidewall for more flexibility than a traditional solid tire. The result is less operator fatigue and less stress on the machine. The second generation Flexport tires feature improved, high quality rubber compounds for longer wear. In addition to the treaded design for unimproved surfaces, a smooth tread design is now available for enhanced durability in severe applications. The Flexport tire is a complete assembly of rubber and wheel, which makes it quick and easy to install a new set of tires. Caterpillar’s current Flexport system is available on the 950K, 962K, 966K and 972K.

For more information about equipping Cat medium wheel loaders for industrial duty, customers should contact their local Cat dealer or go to http://www.cat.com/equipment/wheel-loaders/midsize-wheel-loaders