Caterpillar 980, 982 Wheel Loaders

The Cat 980 and 982 wheel loaders replace the previous Caterpillar M Series wheel loaders. The 313-horsepower Cat 980 wheel loader has an operating weight of 66,877 pounds, and the 322-horsepower Cat 982 wheel loader has an operating weight of 78,264 pounds.

Cat wheel loader technology

Both the Caterpillar 980 and Cat 982 have Cat Payload with Assist that provides an accurate weighing of bucket payloads, so operators can load to target. It includes low-lift-weigh and manual tip-off functions. Optional Cat Advanced Payload expands functionality with Lists-Management, Multitask- and Manual-Add Modes, and Tip-off assist. Compatible with third-party scale house software, it can wirelessly integrate the machine in the scale-house process with Dispatch-for-Loading.

Autodig with Auto Set Tires promotes proper loading technique to significantly reduce tire slip and loading time. It can automate the complete bucket loading cycle to deliver consistently high bucket fill factors for up to 10 percent more productivity, according to Caterpillar.

Application-Profiles sets multiple machine parameters to optimize settings for the application at hand. Customized profiles can be created to fit customer-specific cases.

The loaders also come in XE versions that use a Cat continuous variable transmission (CVT) similar to the transmission used on the 966K XE, 966M XE, and 972M XE Caterpillar wheel loaders. The CVT combines a direct mechanical path from the engine to the wheels with a Hystat variator. Integration of the Cat CVT, engine, hydraulic and cooling system improve fuel efficiency up to 35 percent, Caterpillar asserts, through lowering the rated engine speed with high rimpull.

The operator’s cab has a wide door, stair-like steps, and grabrails for additional stability. The adjustable suspension seat comes in Comfort, Deluxe, and Premium levels that includes heated and heated/cooled options. Seat belts are now monitored, and the system can be completed with an exterior beacon for supervisors to enhance job site safety.

New dashboard and high-resolution touchscreen display on the Caterpillar wheel loaders provide intuitive and user-friendly loader control for enhanced performance. The seat-mounted electrohydraulic joystick steering system provides precise control with minimal arm movements. A conventional steering wheel is also available on the Cat 980 wheel loader.

A push-to-start system requires a valid Operator-ID to crank the engine. Operator ID works with a passcode input on the display or with the optional Cat Bluetooth key. It can act as a machine security system with programmable operating restriction.

The floor-to-ceiling windshield improves forward visibility of the work area, while the standard rear-vision camera along with convex and spot mirrors help to enhance visibility around the machine to improve operating safety. Cat Detect radar to alert operators to hazards and a Multi-view (360-degree) vision system are available options to provide an extra level of monitoring around the loaders to advance safe operation.

Extended fluid and filter change intervals on the Cat 980 and 982 wheel loaders reduce maintenance costs up to 20 percent and by up to 25 percent on the 980 XE and 982 XE models, according to the company. All maintenance intervals are now scheduled in 1,000-hour increments, eliminating service downtime every 500 hours. All models offer convenient access to hydraulic and electrical service centers and grouped lube points for fast and easy servicing.

Remote services technologies include Remote Troubleshoot, which connects the machine to the dealer’s service department to quickly diagnose fault codes without on-machine cable connection.

Remote Flash enables Update files to be pushed to the machine in the background, and installation can be initiated from the Cat Remote Services Web Portal.

The Cat 980 wheel loader can be equipped with the optional Fusion Quick Coupler, which delivers quick bucket changes without leaving the cab.