The new Cat 988 GC Wheel Loader delivers reliable operation, allowing customers to move material and large loads on the jobsite. The new loader offers up to 5% less fuel consumption and up to 15% lower maintenance costs than the Cat 988K. Designed to maximize life-cycle value in moderate production applications up to 2,000 hours per year, the 988 GC is capable of delivering production within 6% of the 988K in truck loading applications.
This wheel loader is optimized as a 45-tonne (50-ton) truck match loader. Its 3,909-mm (12.8-ft.) dump clearance delivers loading up to the Cat 775G truck. With bucket payload matched to the 988K, the new 988 GC offers up to 670 tonnes/hour (740 tons/hour) performance in shot rock truck loading applications and up to 527 tonnes/hour (581 tons/hour) for load-and-carry operations.
The durable structures of the new loader are built for multiple life cycles and to withstand tough loading conditions. Built on the common Cat Large Wheel Loader platform, its full box section rear frame resists torsional shock and twisting forces. Its front frame is redesigned to withstand large loads and features a new lift arm design.
Performance
The new 988 GC is powered by a Cat C15 engine, which offers configurations to emit equivalent to EU Stage IIIA/U.S. EPA Tier 3 or meet EU Stage V/U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards. The 988 GC’s cooling package offers high heat rejection with an on-demand fan strategy and two available fan speed settings for standard and high ambient temperature configurations.
The Cat torque converter with standard lock-up clutch minimizes losses, lowers system heat, supports travel times and reduces cycle times in load-and-carry operations. Cat oil disc brakes provide heat dissipation and performance.
Designed specifically for quarry and mining applications, the Cat Advanced Power Electronic Control Strategy (APECS) transmission offers performance with consistent shifting. Forward momentum and torque are maintained when shifting for momentum on grades. The transmission neutralizer pedal extends service brake life and allows full power during stationary loading.
Load sensing hydraulics direct hydraulic flow to implement and steering systems only when needed to optimize operation of the new 988 GC. The optional ride control adds an auxiliary accumulator to the lift circuit for a smooth ride.
Operation
Steering and Integrated Control (STIC) steering promotes machine responsiveness, featuring quiet operation. The wheel loader is equipped with a Cat Comfort Series III seat with seat-mounted implement pod that moves with the seat. Operation is simplified through the intuitive operator interface, touchscreen display and soft detent implement controls. Machine vibration feedback to the operator is reduced using cab isolation mounts and seat air suspension. An optional air cooled and heated seat is available.
Helping to monitor and manage jobsite operations, Product Link offers wireless access to operating data for insight into how the machine is operating. Standard rear Cat vision supports visibility behind the 988 GC. To help keep people and assets safe, the 988 GC can be equipped with Cat Detect technology that provides awareness of the environment around working equipment.
The Z-bar front lift arm design provides visibility to the bucket edges and work area to simplify operation. Bucket payload is aligned with the 988K models with a range of Cat performance series buckets available with capacities from 6.3 to 7.6 m3 (8.3 to 10 yd3).
Optional Cat Payload provides on-the-go weighing for materials hauled and loaded. An optional Advanced Productivity subscription provides actionable information to help manage operations.
Maintenance
The new loader’s design includes features to increase machine uptime and reduce maintenance costs by up to 15% compared to the 988K. Advanced filtration extends performance and reliability of the hydraulic system. Ground level or platform access to grouped service points delivers servicing. Providing access to important daily service checks, access doors are located on both sides of the engine compartment. Centralized ground level grease points plus ground level sight gauges simplify daily greasing and oil level checks for major machine systems.
Its on-board diagnostics alerts the operator of machine issues. Information captured by Product Link can be remotely monitored via my.cat.com, the Cat app or VisionLink to help advance preventative maintenance and servicing.
