Gulf Construction Online - Cat shows prowess at Conexpo

Manufacturers & Procurement

Updated ... the 982M wheel loader loading a truck with gravel.

Cat shows prowess at Conexpo

01 March 2017

Caterpillar throws the focus on its unmatched range, new products, and customer service at a major trade show for the construction industries in the US this month.

Caterpillar is showcasing an extensive line of machines and unmatched customer support capabilities at Conexpo-Con/AGG 2017, being held from March 7 to 11 in Las Vegas, US.

With 40 machines on display in two different areas, Caterpillar’s presence is among the largest at the show. Also on display will be new remote control and connectivity technologies.

Eight machines will make their debut at Conexpo in addition to half a dozen machines introduced recently. The new machines include excavators, wheel loaders, a dozer, an articulated truck, a telehandler and cold planers.

Amongst the new machines is the M317F wheeled excavator, a compact radius design that expands versatility and enhances productivity in tight work areas. The 390F and 336F XE excavators, both with crawler undercarriages, have been updated to deliver improved productivity and lower costs. The 390F can be equipped with the industry’s only integrated payload system for accurate truck loading. The 336F XE has the payload system as standard, as is 2D Grade, with the option of a number of integrated Cat Connect grade control systems.

Caterpillar will present innovative solutions across its 14-model line of compact excavators. The 300.9D Versatile Power System (VPS) with H25 hammer represents an ideal configuration for indoor demolition applications. Another solution is the 304.5E2 extra tool carrier (XTC), which includes a skid steer loader coupler interface in place of the dozer blade.

New arrival ... the M317F wheeled excavator (right).

Also on display is the new 986K Cat wheel loader, which replaces the H Series model and delivers lower cost per tonne in earthmoving and aggregate operations. In addition, the 972M XE and 982M will be on display to highlight updates including new Cat Connect technologies, additional operator comfort and safety, and features that help reduce operating costs.

The new 745 articulated truck features an all-new cab with enhanced visibility. A new stability assist system reduces the risk of rollovers, while the new Economy Mode reduces fuel consumption.

Other machines promoted include the updated D6T and D8T dozers. The D6T features a new transmission and new auto shift system that allows it to achieve fuel savings of 20 per cent, compared with the previous model. This helps increase as much as 30 per cent in light-load and finish-grading applications. Additionally, the dozer is equipped with Grade with Slope Assist as standard.

The D8T, featured in a live demonstration, will be controlled remotely from the operator station. The new Cat Command remote control system for the D8T offers two interfaces: a portable operator console designed for line-of-sight use, and an operator station that can be located remotely when the dozer is equipped with the command vision system.

The remote control system will also equip a 988K wheel loader. In addition, a demonstration of skid-steer loader line-of-sight remote control will be conducted.

Conexpo will also see a full line of Cat paving products, with emphasis on three new cold planers: PM825, PM622 and PM312. The new PM800 Series complements the PM600 Series and features increased engine power, increased weight and cooling capacity allowing it to perform under the toughest of conditions. The PM300 Series is highly versatile, capable of urban and patchwork applications, small to medium road milling or where compact dimensions, optimum maneuverability and high production capabilities are required.

Cat’s compact and building construction machines will also be on display. The new TH514D telehandler sports a three-section boom and a Tier 4 Final compliant engine. The 46-ft reach and 11,000-lb lift capacity are ideally suited for pick and place lifting. Cat D Series telehandlers will also offer new options such as a reverse object detection system, an advanced display screen and a reversing camera.