Two new wheel loaders from Caterpillar, the 950K and 962K feature engines certified as meeting US EPA Tier 4 Interim and EU Stage IIIB emissions standards while delivering high performance, long life, excellent fuel efficiency and low operating costs. Each loader features many improvements including a new operator station, optimized Z-bar linkage, Performance Series Buckets and high-efficiency drive train.
The 950K and 962K share the new Cat® C7.1 ACERT™ engine. At 1900 rpm, the engine provides peak net power of 211 horsepower (157 kilowatts) in the 950K and 221 horsepower (165 kilowatts) in the 962K. The loaders use buckets ranging in size from 3.25 to 12.00 cubic yards (2.50 to 9.20 cubic meters). Both machines can be equipped with a Cat Fusion™ coupler and a variety of work tools, making them ideal for construction, aggregates, forestry, industrial and other material-handling applications. The new K Series™ loaders replace their H Series predecessors.
New operator station
Operators will work comfortably and productively in the 950K and 962K. New steps that have a greater inclination angle than the H Series provide easy access to the cab. The new design makes getting into the cab feel more like walking up a staircase than climbing a ladder. A wider door opening, well-placed grab bars and a new front-hinged door that can be opened and closed while seated allow for easy entry and exit. Left- and right-hand sliding windows can be opened and closed with one hand while seated, making it easier to communicate with people on the ground.
A streamlined four-post ROPS design, a new operator position that has been moved slightly forward and an optimized Z-bar linkage provide enhanced visibility to the front and sides, while a standard rear-view camera with large color monitor enhances visibility to the back of the machines.
The loaders can be equipped with a low-effort hydraulically assisted steering wheel or Cat Command Control steering, which is especially well-suited for short-cycle maneuvering. Both steering systems minimize operator fatigue and allow smooth handling and excellent maneuverability.
The operator station also features new viscous cab mounts that reduce noise and vibration; an automatic climate control that adjusts temperature and fan speed to the operator’s preferred setting; and a new center display panel with five analog-like gauges and a large text box that displays in-language messages. A unique “help” button explains switch functions in-language. Two new membrane switch panels are located on the front right ROPS post. The large switches can be activated easily when wearing gloves. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and an audible “click” let the operator know when the switches have been activated. The loaders also feature a new electro-hydraulically activated parking brake. Optional heated and powered mirrors improve operator comfort and clear condensation and ice. AM/FM radios with CD players are available along with a standard MP3 jack and three 12-volt power outlets. An optional communication radio package provides a mounting bracket, antennae and DC/DC converter. It is pre-wired for CB and two-way radios.
