Caterpillar launches four 9 to 11 t wheeled loaders

Steve Ducker Desk Editor, Off Highway Research

26 May 2021

Caterpillar has unveiled the latest stage of its Next Generation equipment programme with the launch of four medium wheeled loaders in the 9 to 11 t class.

The 980 and 982 models replace their 980M and 982M powershift predecessors – with Cat claiming 10% more productivity and 20% lower maintenance costs – while the 980XE and 982XE feature continuous variable transmission (CVT) manufactured and developed by Cat for reportedly even greater improvements including 35% more fuel efficiency and consequent CO2 emissions reductions.

This is the first time Cat has offered a CVT option in this size class.

The Cat 980XE medium wheeled loader at the company’s factory in Grenoble, France

Other features include Standard Cat Payload with Assist on all 980 and 982 series loaders for accurate weighing, and optional Cat Advanced Payload including a Multitask mode so the machine can perform more than one job at a time.

In terms of fuel efficiency, Cat said: “Extended fluid and filter change intervals on the Cat 980 and 982 wheeled loaders reduce maintenance costs up to 20% and by up to 25% on the 980 XE and 982 XE models.

“All maintenance intervals are now scheduled in 1,000-hour increments, eliminating service downtime every 500 hours.”

The company said XE technology in the new machines made them attractive to the rental market as well as for equipment purchasers, through secure access, operator ID and remote monitoring.

The interior of the Cat 982 XE

In addition, the Cat 980 can be equipped with the optional Fusion quick coupler, which delivers quick bucket changes without leaving the cab.

Maarten de Haas, Caterpillar’s worldwide wheeled loader product manager, said: “This is an exciting day as we introduce Caterpillar’s most advanced wheeled loader ever and we continue our investment in product development.

“These machines improve safety, reduce operating cost, increase production and improve job site efficiency. The 980 and 982 are the first of the Next Gen Cat loaders to launch, and additional Next Gen wheeled loaders will soon follow.”

Bryan Cherry, global product marketing consultant for medium wheeled loaders, added that the 980XE and 982XE “redefine ‘fully loaded’. With more technology as standard, they provide the lowest cost operation of any wheeled loader in Caterpillar’s 60-year history of manufacturing medium wheeled loaders.

“We’re very excited about these machines.”