Caterpillar 988 wheel loader celebrates 50 years of excellence

The  988 articulated-steering wheel loader was launched in 1963. The 5 cubic yard loader was powered by a six-cylinder Cat® D343 diesel. Initially, it was rated at 300 flywheel-horsepower, but this increased to 325 flywheel-horsepower in 1968. At this time, rock bucket capacity also grew to 6 cubic yards.

 

Since the 1963 model was introduced, the Cat 988 Wheel Loader has helped more customers than any other model in its class.  We continue that legacy with the innovative 988K, which combines the long life and reliability you expect from Caterpillar with the improved fuel efficiency and performance you demand.

 

See the new 988K in Hall B6 at bauma Munich, 15 to 21 April 2013: http://www.uk.cat.com/bauma.

 

In the harsh environment of a millyard application, the 988H is the wheel loader designed for the job. Since 1963, Cat Large Wheel Loaders have helped more customers than any other manufacturers’ model in this wheel loader size class. The 988H log loader arrangements include a purpose built linkage designed to optimize machine performance for the log loading application. Larger lift and tilt cylinders with extra counterweight allow the machines to unload an on-highway truck with a single pass. Third valve hydraulics allow for top clamp operation to secure the log load.