New features shine on Caterpillar’s 988 XE Wheel Loader

The 988 XE Wheel Loader is equipped with a host of features that deliver better productivity, fuel savings, and safety.

Over the past few decades, every machine launched in Caterpillar’s product line has been consistently characterised as “industry-leading” and “state of the art”. Staying true to these characteristics, the Cat 988 XE is driving forward to solidify its reputation as a class-leading wheel loader option.

Caterpillar discusses the key features of the Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader and why it is one of the keys to unlocking greater productivity and profit margins for quarries.

The Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader is designed to operate on any job site. Powered by a robust Cat C18 engine, the Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader also has solid-state, fully sealed, and liquid-cooled power electronics that will withstand harsh conditions.

“Customers will also be happy to know that aside from a durable structure and powertrain, the Cat 988XE Wheel Loader comes standard with an engine designed to be rebuilt to deliver more value from more than just one lifecycle,” the company said.

The new Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader is equipped with features that can increase fuel efficiency, and extend profit margins with every use. The machine has an increased hydraulic speed and is capable of faster cycle times, which reduces machine idle time and fuel burn. Customers can look forward to greater fuel savings with a tried-and-tested Switched Reluctance (SR) electric drive system. Additionally, operators can switch the operating mode to Economy Mode at the job site to intelligently adjust the engine’s RPM according to operating needs.

The Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader also comes with the Engine Idle Shutdown Feature to conserve more fuel while idling. As a fresh feature on the Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader, the Machine Overload Prevention will let operators know when the target payload in the bucket has been exceeded.

A wheel loader that is equipped with an electric drive system helps customers benefit from more than just fuel savings. Thanks to its electric drive system, the Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader has fewer moving parts, which helps to reduce wear costs over the machine’s life.

“Customers can also enjoy extended life for consumables as oil and fuel waste are reduced,” the company said.

Within the cabin, there is also an Engine Oil and Filter Remaining Useful Life indicator that calculates the useful life of the engine oil and filters. This indicator alerts the operator when service is required, reducing redundancy and lowering overall maintenance costs.

The Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader also boasts features that enable operators to have enhanced control over the machine. The wheel loader has the Steering and Integrated Control (STIC) feature, which can maximise the responsiveness of the electric-hydraulic controls. When paired with the Positive Flow Control hydraulic system, operators can enjoy a better bucket feel when the machine is in motion, boosting precision and productivity.

In addition, the Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader can allow new operators to leverage the suite of features in the Operator Assist mode.

The standard Tyre Slip Prevention uses multiple sensor inputs from the machine to assist novice operators in eliminating tyre slip on less-than-ideal surfaces. Without tyre slip, the 988 XE can enjoy reduced wear and better traction, always getting the job done.

In the Operator Assist mode, the Auto Set Tyres feature is also built into the machine. This feature works hand-in-hand with the Tyre Slip Prevention System. When the Auto Set Tyre feature is engaged, pressure is added to the front axle to reduce tyre slip and unnecessary wear. The Operator Assist comes with a Lift Stall Prevention function. With the Operator Assist present to support novice and experienced operators, the Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader can help operators ensure consistency in productivity while reducing operating costs.

The Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader is built around safety for operators and workers on-site. Operators can enjoy better visibility from the cabin with larger window panels that give them a better view of the front tyres. The Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader can be fitted with a Rear Object Detection System, which will alarm the operator when an object is within the safety proximity zone, thus enhancing blind spot awareness and safety. There is an Operator Presence Sensing Feature on board, which will automatically engage the parking brakes if no operator is in the seat. Visibility around the 988 XE Wheel Loader at night will also be improved as LED lights will replace the halogen lights that were used on the machine previously.

As an added safety feature, the information display will have a slope indication to help operators stay within safe design limits. The pitch and roll of the machine will be shown to the operator in real time.

To make fleet management worry-free, the Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader will come standard with VisionLink technology. VisionLink allows end users to have an overview of all the machines within the fleet, granting visibility on the machines’ locations and recommending required preventive maintenance to reduce unwanted downtime. VisionLink also provides in-depth insights on each machine to help customers identify productivity issues within the job site.

Overall, the Cat 988 XE Wheel Loader can be described as a productivity-centered machine that delivers savings with every use. With a suite of industry-leading technology onboard to promote productivity, savings, and safety, it is safe to say that this machine is an investment that will be sure to pay massive returns. •

For more information, visit cat.com