Gulf Construction Online - New Cats meet EU emission criteria

Environment Protection & Waste Disposal

New Cats meet EU emission criteria

01 December 2001

Caterpillar has introduced new excavators and wheel loaders in the 130 to 560 kW power classes that meet new EU (European Union) Stage II emissions regulations.

"The machines feature advanced, electronically-controlled diesel engines and are setting new standards in terms of their performance, reliability, quality and value," says Caterpillar's Charles Belouin. "They include the first models in the new 300C family of hydraulic excavators and five new Series II mid-size wheel loaders."

The biggest challenge manufacturers of construction and mining equipment face in complying with the EU Stage II emissions regulations is to maintain their machines' performance, fuel efficiency and reliability, while at the same time lowering exhaust emissions, says Belouin.

Caterpillar, he says, is meeting this challenge with new models powered by advanced electronically-controlled diesel engines that have key design features such as electronic control modules (ECMs), electronic unit fuel injectors (EUIs), air-to-air aftercooling (AATC), simplified maintenance and lower operating costs.

Elaborating on these features, he says: "The ADEM III ECM continuously monitors key performance parameters and adjusts engine operation to ensure optimum performance in all conditions, while ensuring that exhaust emissions are always kept within set limits. The ECM also enables the integration of all engine/transmission controls to maximise system efficiency and protect it from operator abuse. The resulting performance levels are well beyond the capabilities of traditional mechanically-controlled engines.

"The mechanically-actuated (MEUI) or hydraulically-actuated (HEUI) electronic unit injectors improve fuel atomisation and match fuel input to performance demands for optimum engine and fuel efficiency.

"The ATAAC uses ambient or outside air to cool intake air after it has passed through the turbocharger and before it enters the combustion chambers. The cooler fuel/air mixture burns more efficiently with significantly reduced emissions. The technology also increases the engine's effective power density by around 10 per cent, with no increase in the engine's physical dimensions or any reduction in its life-before-overhaul expectancy.

"Advanced diagnostics and prognostics provide the facility for more effective service response, by allowing technicians to quickly identify and diagnose machine faults, and predict the cause of potential future malfunctions based on the analysis of the data collected. Other serviceability enhancements include automatic maintenance indicators oil and filter changes, which have been doubled to 500 hours, when CH-4 lubricating oil is used."

While all Cat machines in the 130 to 560 kW power classes will receive new emissions-compliant engines, particular attention is focussed on the first models in the new 300C family of hydraulic excavators. The first model powered by a Cat 3126B ATAAC diesel engine is the 25/30 tonne class 325C, which is easily identified by a new cab and smoother lines.

"The 325C," says Belouin, "offers significant benefits such as improved productivity and versatility from its more powerful engine, increased hydraulic performance and new tool control system, superior operator comfort and efficiency with its new cab layout, larger glass area and Multi-Pro joystick controls, enhanced reliability and durability following the introduction of grease lubricated tracks and optional heavy-duty front linkage and simplified service and maintenance from easier access, extended oil change intervals and the new Cat data product link maintenance monitoring system."

The 325C is offered with a wide choice of undercarriage configurations, booms and sticks and a wide range of job-matched buckets and Cat work tools, for optimum versatility.

Another range of EU emissions-compliant machines that offers significant benefits over the machines they replace are the 950G Series II through the 980G Series II wheel loaders.

"Competing in the 134 to 231 kW power classes, the five new mid-size wheel loaders feature full electronic integration of their engines, transmissions and implement circuits, ensuring optimum performance and efficiency," says Belouin. "Other enhancements include an improved cooling system with an electronically-controlled demand-type fan, a new cab that features a wider front windscreen, a new seat, an improved air-conditioning system and a new instrument panel with the latest EMS III electronic monitoring system that features an easier-to-read display and indicator lights.

"Functionality is also improved on machines fitted with the optional electro-hydraulic implement controls, for increased operator comfort and efficiency. The Series II versions of the 950G, 962G, 966G, 972G and 980G are offered with an extensive range of buckets from 2.9 to 5.7 cu m capacity.''

Commenting on the introduction of the new products, Caterpillar's Heavy Construction Industry manager Peter Voute says: "Balancing economics, performance and environmental protection is the business challenge faced by diesel engines and construction machinery manufacturers. Caterpillar's response with the introduction of advanced technologies is the result of unparalleled commitment in research and development and long experience in the on-road and off-road applications. The new Stage II-compliant products we are introducing are the result from our commitment to deliver real value in terms of performance, fuel efficiency, reliability and lower operating costs."