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April - May 2015
MODERN QUARRYING
11
ON THE
COVER
Above:
The Cat 998K’s rated
payload is 11,3 t, with a selection
of Performance Series buckets
available, ranging in capacity
from 6,4 to 7,6 m
3
.
Top:
Powering the Cat 988K is a
Tier 2/Stage II Cat C18 ACERT™
engine generating a 403 kW net
power rating (SAE J1349), with
the machine coming to market
with an operating weight of
around 51 062 kg.
and standard and half arrow segments.
“As with any mining or related concern, low-
est owning and operating cost management has
become the overriding consideration, with sav-
ings in fuel burn being a major factor in driving
down the cost per tonne,” comments Barloworld
Equipment group product and application man-
ager, Johann Venter.
“In these respects, the Cat 988K delivers with
up to a 20% improvement in fuel consumption
compared to the previous Cat 988H machine
(depending on operator training), plus there are
notable mechanical improvements that help to
maximise availability and boost overall longevity,
given Caterpillar’s second and third life rebuild
philosophy.”
Powering the Cat 988K is a Tier 2/Stage II
Cat C18 ACERT™ engine generating a 403 kW net
power rating (SAE J1349), with the machine com-
ing to market with an operating weight of around
51 062 kg.
The all new Advanced Productivity Electronic
Control Shifting (APECS) transmission controls pro-
vide greater momentum on grades and fuel sav-
ings by carrying that momentum through the shift
points. Whilst in operation, electronic fuel con-
trol ensures optimum performance and throttle
response. Additional fuel savings accrue with the
988K ECO (Economy) Mode (on-demand throttle),
and engine-idle shutdown and engine-idle kick-
down/auto-resume systems. Utilising on-demand
throttle, operators maintain routine operation with
the left pedal and implements, while the Cat 988K
manages the engine speed.
The exclusive Cat impeller clutch torque
converter (ICTC) enables operators to maximise
efficiency via the machine’s rimpull control system
(RCS), whilst putting more horsepower to hydrau-
lics. Advantages include reduced tyre slippage and
wear, full throttle shifts for faster cycle times, and
a smooth approach to the dump target for less
spillage. The use of the standard lock-up clutch
function also provides direct drive to boost fuel
economy.
Meanwhile, the Cat 988K’s Automatic Retarding
Control (ARC) system utilises an optional compres-
sion brake tomaintain desired downhill speeds and