CAT K Series small wheel loaders improve efficiency

C732623Cat® K Series Small Wheel Loaders—924K, 930K and 938K, when announced in 2012, reflected a fundamentally different design than that of their H Series predecessors, using a fuel-efficient Cat C6.6 engine, electronically controlled hydrostatic drive system, new operator station and optimized Z-bar loader linkage, which combines aggressive digging power with parallel lift. The K Series design has now been further refined with engineering enhancements for the drive system, implement controls, auxiliary hydraulic system and loader linkage. The new features, except the linkage modification, are backward compatible with all K Series machines and can be quickly installed by local Cat dealers.

Caterpillarengineers enhanced operator control of the hydrostatic drive system by adding software that allows selecting one of four performance modes designed to tailor the machine to operator preferences or specific working conditions. The modes are selected through the optional secondary display or with the Cat Electronic Technician.

When TC or Torque Converter Mode is selected, the loader will more closely mimic characteristics commonly found with a traditional powershift, torque converter transmission, such as freewheel coasting, softened shifts to neutral and reduced low idle wheel torque. In Hystat Mode the loader will have responses similar to a conventional hydrostatic driven machine with more aggressive dynamic braking and no movement when placed in forward or reverse until the throttle pedal is applied, unlike TC mode. For specialized applications, the loader can be placed in Ice Mode. This is a dedicated mode for use when the operating surface offers near zero grip, such as when the loader is pushing snow without studded tires or chains. This is particularly useful where ultimate modulation of the power train is a must to control wheel slip in extremely low traction conditions. The base setting is the Default mode, which provides the optimal blend of both torque converter and hystat modes.

As a further enhancement to the TC mode, Caterpillar engineers have adjusted the system to provide more exact torque-converter-like performance when the machine engages the pile. This modification delivers a smoother, more controlled balance of power, which operators accustomed to powershift machines will appreciate. This feature also can be applied to K Series machines in service.(Source: rockanddirt.com)