The 988 GC Caterpillar wheel loader is powered by a 449-horsepower Cat C15 diesel and has an operating weight of 116,858 pounds. The loader consumes 5% less fuel than the Cat 988K, and maintenance costs are up to 15% lower.
Bucket payload is the same as the 988K. With dump clearance of 12.8 feet, it matches to a 50-ton haul truck and can efficiently load up to a Cat 775G rigid-frame haul truck. Productivity examples include 740 tph in shot rock truck loading and 581 tph in load-and-carry, according to the company.
The cooling package has an on-demand fan and two available fan speed settings for standard and high-ambient-temperature configurations.
The Cat torque converter with standard lock-up clutch eliminates losses, lowers system heat, improves travel times, and reduces cycle times in load-and-carry operations. The loader has oil disc brakes.
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The Cat Advanced Power Electronic Control Strategy (APECS) transmission offers consistent, smooth shifting; productivity and efficiency improvements; and long life. Forward momentum and torque are maintained when shifting for greater 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 performance and efficiency of the new 988 GC. Optional ride control adds an auxiliary accumulator to the lift circuit for a smoother ride.
Cat Comfort Series III seat with seat-mounted implement pod moves with the seat to enhance comfort and reduce operator fatigue. 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.
The Z-bar front lift arm design provides visibility to the bucket edges and work area. A range of performance series buckets runs in capacities from 8.3 cubic yards to 10 cubic yards.
Maintenance enhancements
Features to reduce maintenance costs include advanced filtration that extends performance and reliability of the hydraulic system. Ground level or platform access to grouped service points delivers convenient servicing. 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.
Watch a promotional video below:
Cat 988 GC Wheel Loader Specifications
- Max power @ 1,600 rpm: 449 hp
- Engine: Cat C15
- Operating weight: 116,858 lb.
- Static tipping load: 69,816 lb.
- Bucket pin height: 18.7 ft.
- Dump clearance: 12.8 ft.
- Breakout force: 76,120 lb.-ft.
