The M-Series Compact Wheel Loaders—910M, 914M, and the all-new 918M—have engineering refinements that include a new, larger-displacement engine that meets Tier 4-Final emission standards. The new, 115-horsepower 918M expands the Cat compact wheel loader family and has an available high-flow auxiliary-hydraulic system capable of running demanding attachments—such as a snow blower.
A new Cat C4.4 engine powers the three new M-Series wheel loaders and uses a selective-catalytic-reduction system, which requires only the addition of diesel exhaust fluid. The new engine features an ECO operating mode, auto-engine-idle shutdown, and available on-demand cooling fan.
The 910M and 914M feature an intelligent power-management systems that balances performance and fuel efficiency, says Caterpillar. The system utilizes additional power when the machine senses a higher demand, such as climbing a steep grade or using a high-flow work tool. This on-demand power adjustment provides optimum productivity and hydraulic speed under load, sauys the company.
The cab of the new M-Series models features two side-entry doors, low-effort electro-hydraulic joystick, suspended pedals, tilt steering wheel, and an air-suspended/heated seat. A multi-function, loader-control joystick provides single-lever control of loading functions, as well as transmission and differential-lock controls. The joystick also accommodates controls for two-, three-, and four-valve hydraulic systems, including proportional control of auxiliary circuits.
M-Series wheel loaders also introduce several new optional features, includinga n available LED light package includes front and rear auxiliary work lights, combined with an optional rearview camera. In addition, an optional electronic, soft-touch keypad provides convenient control of most functions and allows operators to program the machine for application requirements and for personal operating preferences. The Implement-Modulation system allows adjusting hydraulic response to one of three levels, and the Hystat Aggressiveness Control provides three levels of shifting smoothness and directional-change response.
Rimpull Control, which allows operators to reduce tire slip in poor underfoot conditions, is designed for more efficient bucket loading, reduced tire wear, and improved productivity, says Caterpillar. Operators can select among four settings to adjust power reaching the wheels, based on working conditions.
A variable-speed Creeper Control, managed by the left pedal, permits control of ground speed independent of engine speed by functioning as an inching pedal during the first half of its stroke. By thus adjusting the hydrostatic drive system to match ground speed to the task, the engine can operate at high speed for optimum hydraulic performance and control of continuous-operation work tools, such as snow blowers and brooms.
An optional Ride-Control system utilizes the boom cylinders as dampers when the machine is traveling over rough terrain, yielding a smooth ride and optimum material retention, says Caterpillar.
For loading applications, the Return-To-Dig feature allows the operator to automatically reposition the bucket to the desired position for the next loading cycle by moving the joystick into a detent position. The Lift Kickout feature stops the loader arms at a pre-determined height when the operator detents the joystick.
The new M-Series models use the Caterpillar-patented Optimized Z-bar loader linkage, which is designed to deliver both the aggressive digging performance and high breakout forces of conventional Z-bar linkage and the parallel-lift and load-handling capability of a tool carrier.
These models are available with an Integrated Tool Carrier coupler, compatible with legacy Cat work tools, or with the Cat ISO coupler, designed to work with a range of Cat Performance Series buckets, optimized ISO pallet forks, and certain competitive attachments.
