Building on the success of the compact Cat® M-Series wheel loaders, the new next-generation Cat 906, 907 and 908 wheel loaders feature a redesigned operator cab that leverages exclusive Cat technologies to improve operator ease and comfort of larger wheel loader models also available on a smaller platform. The new Cat C2.8 engine delivers faster on-road travel speeds with an improved powertrain and powertrain, and better powertrain performance. The hydraulics and structure have been revised so that these new models are ideal for many applications.
Improved driving experience
The new enclosed and pressurized cab offers increased comfort while retaining functional benefits of the previous design such as raised floor pedals and two doors for easier cab cleaning. The larger standard side mirrors, the optional electric and heated mirrors with parabolic mirrors and the optional front and rear view cameras ensure optimum visibility. The new one-piece front and rear windows offer 60% better wiper coverage.
Seat-mounted controls improve the ergonomics of the new loaders. A multi-function joystick controls travel direction and speed, proportional auxiliary hydraulics, differential lock and constant hydraulic flow without the operator having to take his hand off the joystick, increasing operational safety. As with the larger Cat wheel loaders, buyers can choose from a variety of seats, including a new heated and ventilated seat (premium option).
The new in-cab programmable cut-outs with high-resolution rotary position sensors mounted on the lift arms better protect the operator from unwanted shock and vibration caused by the buckets making contact with the ground and/or hitting the tilt stop at maximum height. Correct use of the cut-off switches also increases blade life by up to 20%. The driver no longer has to leave the driver’s cab for adjustment, but remains in the cab and sets the upper and lower position as well as the attachment stop at the push of a button. The cylinder damping offers the driver additional protection.
At the heart of the new cab design is the next-generation control monitor, which provides a variety of real-time information about machine operation. It allows the operator to configure hydrostatic drive response, automatic engine idle shutdown and a utility drive mode that gives the operator more intuitive control of travel and engine speed – ideal for working with hydro-mechanical attachments.
Improved powertrain
The new Cat C2.8 engine is designed specifically for Cat products. It delivers the same gross power of 55.7 kW (74 hp) as the previous engine and has 13% more torque, resulting in an improvement in driving performance and pulling power. The Cat C2.8 meets EU Stage V and U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, with alternative emission packages also offered. Its manual transmission offers a higher road speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) and the 30% (906) and 12% (907, 908) larger fuel tank enables longer duty cycles.
When working in dusty environments, the new reversible fan option helps keep the cooling cores clean, resulting in more efficient temperature control. The system can be switched off, set to an automatic mode or activated by the driver on the fly via a soft-touch button in the driver’s cab. In automatic mode, the direction is reversed for 10 seconds every 10 minutes according to the factory setting. The driver can easily set the frequency and duration of the automatic reverse ventilation via the new control monitor.
Improved hydraulics and superstructure
To meet the demand for more multi-functionality for lifting and tipping while operating hydro-mechanical tools, these next-generation wheel loaders feature a new standard pressure control valve that allows the operator to simultaneously control tools and seamlessly operate hydro-mechanical attachments. The increased operating pressure from the auxiliary hydraulics makes work easier and improves steering, reducing operator fatigue.
Modifications to the optional quick coupler improve visibility through the quick coupler when adjusting the forks. In conjunction with the realignment of the fork carriage of the compact wheel loader, the view to the front has been improved. Bucket capacity has been increased across the range, further increasing the already impressive operating capacity of Cat machines.
New to this class is an optional Cat 908 high-lift configuration, perfect for agricultural, industrial and waste management customers. Combined with the optional reversible fan, the high-lift configuration offers farmers more operational efficiency and reliability. In the solid tire, high lift configuration, the new 908 loader is ideal for industrial and waste disposal applications.
Efficient, high-intensity LED lights are now available for both task and driving lights, as well as engine compartment lighting to better illuminate work areas in poor light conditions. Task-oriented LED lighting under the hood simplifies maintenance in low light conditions. A unique resistor block built into the housing of Cat LED headlights keeps the lamp assembly warm enough to melt snow and ice, improving efficiency over traditional LED headlights when operating in colder climates.