Caterpillar introduced new 980 and 982 medium loaders that slot into the 10- to 12-ton wheel loader class. According to Cat, the new 980 XE and 982 XE are up to 10 percent more productive and lower maintenance costs by up to 20 percent compared to the previous 980M and 982M powershift models. The new loaders include an expanded technology platform to increase machine performance and improve operating efficiency, Cat adds. For the first time in this size class, the company offers a continuous variable transmission option, expanding the Cat medium wheel loader offering. The 980 XE and 982 XE feature a high-efficiency continuously variable parallel path drive system. This combines a direct mechanical path from the engine to the wheels with a Hystat variator, according to Cat.
Connectivity service now available at no additional cost
John Deere customers no longer need to renew their JDLink connectivity service subscription. Customers can now enable their JDLink service on any compatible machine in their company at no additional charge. Additionally, once customers enable JDLink connectivity, John Deere says they can elect to automatically activate all future JDLink compatible models, further streamlining fleet management. John Deere’s JDLink telematics solution, which is available on most new models, delivers fleet insights directly to machine owners and fleet managers. The JDLink service provides customers access to data such as machine location and utilization, idle time, fuel level, upcoming maintenance and machine alerts from a web or mobile platform. JDLink also allows dealers to remotely identify critical issues and take action that minimizes downtime.
Monitoring solution expands to fuel filters, oil condition
Donaldson Co.made available the Filter Minder Connect solution to monitor fuel filters and engine oil condition on heavy-duty engines. Filter Minder system components can be installed on equipment in minutes, Donaldson says, and the solution integrates into existing on-board telematics and fleet management systems. Filter Minder Connect sensors can measure pressure drop and differential pressure on fuel filters – as well as the condition of engine oil, including density, viscosity, dielectric constant and resistivity. These characteristics allow fleet managers to make more informed maintenance decisions, Donaldson says.
Model rounds out crawler excavator series
Liebherr developed a new crawler excavator model in the R 928 G8, which is being positioned between the company’s R 926 G8 and the R 930 G8. According to Liebherr, the R 928 G8 complements its Generation 8 series, which already includes seven models with a gross vehicle weight of 22 to 45 metric tons. The R 928 G8 has several features in common with the R 926 G8 and R 930 G8, including the same superstructure and equipment as the R 926 G8 and the same LC or NLC undercarriage as the R 930 G8. The performance of the R 928 G8 lies between the R 926 G8 and the R 930 G8, the company says. Liebherr says it offers high drawbar pull, excellent load-bearing capacity and a large bucket. The crawler excavator’s weight makes it easier to solve earlier transport problems, the company adds.
Service plan addresses construction excavators
Hitachi Construction & Mining Division introduced a new service plan for select construction excavators. According to Hitachi, its ZX Secure plan will further support customers by providing routine equipment maintenance from dealer service technicians at every 500-hour interval. The new service plan helps avoid missed service intervals so the machine’s uptime and productivity are further increased. In addition, machine owners can see a lower cost of ownership and operation over the equipment life cycle, Hitachi says. ZX Secure is now available for select Hitachi construction excavators ranging from the ZX75US-5 to the ZX870LC-6 in the U.S. and Canada.
Hydraulic breaker range for variety of applications
Komatsu is expanding its product line of hydraulic breakers to meet growing demand in North America. Designed and tested for compatibility with Komatsu excavators from the PC78 up to the PC490, Komatsu says the high-percussion efficiency and unique variable energy technology of its breakers are built to provide high production in multiple applications. Komatsu’s JTHB-G line, which features only two moving parts, utilizes a hybrid design of hydraulic flow and pressure along with a nitrogen-filled chamber that provides striking energy. The tie-rod design is engineered for durability in tough rock and concrete applications, the company says. Komatsu’s JMHB-H attachments, meanwhile, are accumulator-type hydraulic breakers for a variety of rock and concrete demolition applications. Unlike gas-fired breakers, Komatsu says the JMHB-H series does not require a nitrogen recharge. The breakers come equipped with blank firing protection to help prevent piston movement via a hydraulic brake.