Caterpillar has announced the launch of its new 992 wheeled loader, a large mining loader model that offers up to 32% greater productivity, reduces maintenance costs by as much as 10% and offers up to 48% greater payload than its predecessor model.
According to a statement from Cat, the new 992 wheeled loader, which replaces the 992K, is powered by the new Cat C32B engine with US EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V as well as Tier 2 equivalent emission engine options. Powertrain design enhancements to the transmission, axles and final drive, along with the new engine, deliver a 20% longer interval for planned component replacement.
Cat added that the 992 offers both standard- and high-lift configurations and delivers the lowest cost-per-ton when paired with fleets of Cat 775, 777 and 785 trucks. Standard-lift payload capacities reach 23.1t for quarry face applications and 27.2t for loose material handling, while high-lift capacities reach 20.4t and 24.5t in respective applications. A new Z-bar linkage optimised for performance, and improvements to rimpull and breakout force, deliver greater machine capacity and efficiency.
Cat added that the new 992 has demonstrated “up to 48% greater payload-per-fuel efficiency” in field testing in applications where a four-pass match to 90.7t trucks was achieved, versus five passes with the 992K. The 992 provides up to 9.5% more rimpull during digging and up to 20% more breakout force, increasing productivity.
“The new Cat 992 Wheel Loader features an on-demand throttle mode to optimise payload-per-fuel efficiency without slowing production. New standard automatic retarding controls disable the impeller clutch, enable the lockup clutch, and use the implement and fan pumps retarding to slow the machine on grade. The available advanced automatic retarding controls with engine brake feature offers full control of the loader’s speed on grade to maintain a desired hold speed,” said Cat’s statement.
Automating critical digging cycle elements, optional New Autodig Components further improve productivity and efficiency while reducing tire wear. To stop slippage before it happens, a tire slip prevention feature reduces rimpull before the tires are set and increases rimpull when downward force is applied to the tire. The tire set function detects pile contact and automatically lifts against the pile to set the tires and increase available traction. The lift stall prevention feature automatically manages rimpull in-dig to prevent hydraulic stall while lifting through the face, so the 992 spends less time in the pile.
Optional new Payload Overload Prevention allows for productivity and efficiency improvements by providing a large enough bucket to be used to achieve target pass-match across a range of material densities without the risk of overload. With the overload value fully adjustable based on the target payload, this feature can be configured to automatically stop or slow the lift function when the overload value is exceeded.
Improvements to the setback and strike plane angles, a longer bucket floor, and a stronger and larger bottom section increase the bucket fill factor by 10%. The taller side plate with level top surface helps to improve visibility beyond the bucket edge to the material pile.
Available Operator Coaching empowers operators to exceed productivity targets by measuring and providing feedback to teach proper operating techniques. Among other operating techniques, this feature shows how to properly shorten travel, avoid unracking in-dig, enter the pile with a level bucket, reduce the dump height, and use the kickout, the manufacturer added.