Rental ‘key’ for compact loaders from Cat

Caterpillar has unveiled a new range of compact wheeled loaders at a live virtual event, filmed at its UK manufacturing plant in the UK.

The 906 is the smallest of the three new compact wheeled loaders from Cat

The next generation 906, 907 and 908 machines promise enhancements in operator environment, engine, powertrain and hydraulics, as well as a number of structural improvements to give operators improved visibility.

In a walkaround, sales and marketing manager, Jas Kundra explained that commonality from larger Cat machines had made its way down to benefit the new smaller models.

These machines, he said, will replace their respective M series predecessors when they hit the market in the third or fourth quarter of this year.

In terms of operator comfort, Kundra highlighted the new optional heated and ventilated seat, usually only available on mid-range loaders. Seat-mounted controls are standard and a multifunction joystick controls travel direction and speed.

With various halogen or LED lighting configurations possible, Kundra explained that with a four-front and four-rear configuration, the outside lights could rotate to give operators 360-degree illumination around the machine.

Cat claimed a first for this size of machine, with new in-cab-programmable maximum and minimum kickouts, with high-definition rotary sensors mounted to the loader arms. This system offers operators protection from unwanted shock and vibration, when the bucket either hits the ground or hits a dump stop at maximum height.

These kickout levels, which can be programmed by the operator from inside the cab, are also said to prolong the life of the bucket’s cutting edge by up to 20%.

All three loaders feature the new Cat C2.8 Stage V-compliant engine, which delivers 55.7kW gross power. While this is the same power delivery as on the previous models, the new engine has 13% more torque, plus a shift-on-the-go transmission that translates to a maximum travel speed of 40kmh.

A reverse fan also promises more efficient temperature control by keeping cooling cores clean.

An optional skid steer coupler has been modified to improve visibility when setting fork tines, while realignment of the compact wheel loader fork carriage also improves forward visibility.

During his own walkaround, Cat product application specialist Elie Abi-Karam highlighted the enhanced hydraulics on that run across all three machines, including a new standard pressure compensated valve, giving operators the ability to control implements while operating hydromechanical attachments.

He said, “Rental is a key segment for this type of machine. While the new machines offer an array of new attachments and features, we still have the ability to deliver a basic machine for the rental market.

“So, very much we see a high proportion of these machines going into the rental market.”

Abi-Karam also said the versatility and multiple attachment options on the loaders would make them useful in agricultural and waste recycling applications.