Capital Equipment News February 2019

EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT

The New Generation Cat excavator range comes with high levels of standard factory equipment to boost productivity.

upgradable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D.” Meanwhile, standard Grade Assist automates boom, stick, and bucket movements so operators can effortlessly stay on grade with single-lever digging. Cat Payload delivers precise load targets and increased loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing and real- time payload estimates without swinging to prevent truck over/ underloading. The E-fence feature prevents the excavator from moving outside

operator-defined set points – particularly useful when working beneath structures or near traffic. Cat LINK™ hardware and software connect jobsites to the office and provide customers with machine-critical operating information. Meanwhile, the Next Generation D6 dozer is powered by a 4-speed full automatic transmission that provides increased productivity and up to 20% better fuel efficiency versus its 3-speed predecessor. “The fully automatic D6 reduces momentary hesitation when the traditional machine shifts, so more momentum and drawbar power are maintained through the entire push. Caterpillar engineers designed the auto shift to work up and down the entire working range, so power to the ground and fuel consumption are optimised for a greater percentage of the time. An added gear between first and second ensures more seamless shifting,” explains Jean- François Villard, product application specialist for dozers at Caterpillar. Both powertrains on the D6 range offer unprecedented ease of operation. The operator simply sets the ground speed and the dozer continuously optimises for maximum power and efficiency based on load. With electric drive, there are no gears to shift. The fully automatic 4-speed power train optimises the transmission without the operator having to worry about shifting. With Caterpillar’s understanding that operators have a 30% influence on jobsite costs, the OEM is investing in training programmes, as well as reward, recognition and incentive programmes for operators. Locally, Barloworld Equipment trains operators from all over southern Africa through its Caterpillar Certified Operator Training Academy. Peschl says operator training is of great importance. “Skilled operators use 10-12% less fuel per day, while they work five to six times faster than their unskilled counterparts. A skilled operator also reduces wear and tear on engines, transmission, tyres and undercarriage, while enhancing overall jobsite safety,” concludes Peschl. b

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