Caterpillar unveils new technology at bauma 2019

First published at bauma - April 12, 2019

Caterpillar’s executive team unveiled new developments from the firm

Caterpillar is developing new technology across 20 new construction and extraction products. Ramin Younessi, group president for construction industries, said, “Cat construction machines are available with more automation, integrated technology and digital solutions that enable customers to focus on their most important task: running their businesses.”

One of the key product developments for the firm is the new D6 XE high drive, diesel electric dozer. This combines the advantages of the diesel electric drive, with high torque from rest for productivity and progressive ramping up of speed for lower undercarriage wear, with the proven benefits of the firm’s trademark high drive system. The machine is said to offer fuel savings of up to 35% over the D6T being replaced.

Nor is the new diesel electric dozer alone in the range. “We have been investing in electrification,” said Younessi.

The new 988K XE wheeled loader features a diesel electric drive and is also said to offer gains in productivity, combined with lower fuel consumption and reduced component wear. Tests with the 988K XE in working applications suggest that it could achieve efficiency gains of up to 48% over conventional models.

In the wheeled loader segment, the firm has also developed an all-electric prototype in the shape of the 906 model. This would suit customers in the rental sector, where machines typically have lower operating hours onsite and where the equipment owners would favour low maintenance and general running costs. Younessi said, “We are working to decrease owning and operating costs while increasing power density and the use of alternative fuels, maximising the efficiency of power systems, and expanding electrification in our product lines.”

The firm also continues to develop its excavator range, one of the key product lines. The company is introducing three excavators, including the 330 and 336, which are equipped with integrated Cat technology that the firm claims can increase operating efficiency up to 45%, compared with conventional grading operations. Meanwhile performance upgrades mean these excavators offer an increase fuel efficiency of up to 20% over the previous generation models.

As with other firms, digitalisation is a key focus for Caterpillar. Younessi said, “We have a digital solution for every jobsite application.”

The company has an extensive portfolio of telematics tools that help the customer optimise working onsite. The latest Cat machines offer functions such as GRADE, PAYLOAD, DETECT and COMMAND that are claimed to maximise production, reduce costs and improve safety. Caterpillar has also been prototyping autonomous dozers and compactors in partnership with Trimble.

Stand B6