Caterpillar’s new C2 Series articulated dump trucks are stronger, smarter than ever

Updated May 23, 2016
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Cat’s new 730C2 boasts a 17-percent productivity improvement over its Tier 3 predecessor thanks to a new engine, improved dump body and automatic traction control.Cat’s new 730C2 boasts a 17-percent productivity improvement over its Tier 3 predecessor thanks to a new engine, improved dump body and automatic traction control.

With the introduction of the company’s new three-model C2 Series lineup of articulated dump trucks, Caterpillar says it focused on making the trucks easier and safer to operate, more durable and more powerful through horsepower and torque increases with a better transfer of power and torque to the ground.

To that end, all-axle wet brakes and automatic traction control are now standard across the entire lineup of trucks, while real time payload measurement is an available option.

730C2730C2

The new 725C2 is powered by a Cat C9.3 ACERT engine which provides up to a 5-percent boost in horsepower at 314, while the 730C2 and 730C2 EJ (ejector-type body) have gotten up to a 16-percent hp boost thanks to a Cat C13 ACERT producing 367 hp.

The new 725 is rated at 26.5 tons of payload while the new 730 models are rated at 31 tons.

Because of the new Tier Final engines, Cat says the 730 models are 17 percent more productive and 8.5 percent more fuel efficient than the Tier 3 models.

Exterior improvements to the trucks include increased capacity dump bodies (19.6 cubic yards on the 725C2 and 22.9/22.1 cu.-yds. on the 730C2/730C2 EJ), and a new tailgate for the 730C2 that opens 5 percent faster and features a reinforced back gate. The tailgate features a redesigned bolted arrangement and offers reduced transportation costs and a reduction in repair costs, Cat says.

Inside the C2 Series cab, operators will find a color display, increased storage, an improved air conditioning unit and a dual-cyldiner suspension seat with thigh extension, thigh tilt and lumbar adjustment. A heated seat is an available option.

All-axle wet brakes standard

A now-standard C2 feature Cat is especially proud of are the new all-axle wet brakes which the company says reduces owning and operating costs, weight and downtime while improving braking performance. In fact, Cat attributes a nearly 3-percent productivity boost to these new brakes on the 725C2 models, compared to the previous generation 725C, and a 1-percent boost to the 730C2 models. In addition, the brakes are responsible for a 5-percent fuel efficiency boost on the 725C2 and a 2-percent boost on the 730C2 models.

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These wet brakes also include Retarder Integrated Braking (RIB). This feature is tied to the brake pedal and if the retarder is off and the operator applies brakes, RIB turns it on, depending on factors including grade and the pressure applied to the brake pedal.

Speaking of the retarder, Cat says nothing has changed in this area from the C Series predecessors: the 725C2 features a hydraulic-type while the 730C2 models are equipped with an engine compression brake.

Auto traction control

Likewise, the C2 trucks feature the same transmissions as their C Series predecessors. The 725C2 is equipped with a TH31 while the 730C2 models have the C31.

And while the 730C models had auto traction control, Cat has now extended the technology to the 725 model as well.

The system now requires no input from the operator, featuring fully automatic engagement of both the inter- and cross-axle differentials while sensors monitor for reduced traction at the wheels. In addition the system instantly responds to proportionally adjust engagement of the differential locks to maintain machine movement.

725C2725C2

 

Payload/Cat Production Measurement

To give equipment operators inside and outside of the new C2 Series trucks real time knowledge of how much these trucks are carrying, Cat offers loading tool lights and the optional Cat Production Measurement System.

The loading lights indicate to everyone near the C2 when payload has been reached using a light that stays green until 75 percent capacity has been reached. At that point the light begins flashing red and turns to solid red at 95 percent capacity.

Meanwhile, with Cat Production Measurement, a display inside the cab can keep the operator of the truck up to date on payload measurement with an accuracy of +/- 5 percent.

Cat says the system measures payload on the C2 Series trucks with eight strain gauges. The gauges are no bigger than an iPhone and are bolted to the side of the trucks’ walking beams, four to a side. They constantly weigh payload from load to dump and from dump to load while accounting for carry back.

 

 

All measurements are sent back to the office through Cat’s VisionLink telematics service.