Products & Equipment Heavy Equipment
Cat packs new tech into the new 988K XE Wheel Loader

Built upon Caterpillar’s 15 years of electric drive experience, the new Cat 988K XE delivers up to 10 per cent faster downhill speed, improved rimpull and increased hydraulic breakout force for up to 5 per cent more production.

The updated design improves cycle times in load and carry applications, while an optional counterweight increases stability and offers improved maneuverability with these tasks.

A new Go-Pedal for the 988K XE includes three dynamic breaking levels to allow easier single right-hand pedal operation. As well, standard Tire Slip Prevention reduces tire slip and wear to increase tire life and lower owning costs.

988K XE with Autodig

The wheel loader is also available with the optional Cat Autodig feature, to  simplify the digging phase and increase dig cycle optimization by up to 10 per cent.

Further reducing tire slip and wear, available Auto Set Tires sets the front tires to promote proper loading techniques. Lift stall prevention technology automatically manages rimpull in-dig to prevent hydraulic stall while lifting through the face, so the 988K XE spends less time in the pile.

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Teaching proper operating techniques, new available Cat Operator Coaching helps increase machine efficiency and delivers up to 15 per cent  faster cycle times and 10 per cent better bucket fill factors. Among other procedures, it shows how to properly shorten travel, avoid unracking in-dig, enter the pile with a level bucket, reduce the dump height and use the kickout. The coaching feedback also results in up to 15 per cent less fuel consumption.

Efficiency boost

The field proven switch reluctance electric drive technology of the 988K XE increases overall efficiency by 25 per cent and face-loading application efficiency by up to 49 per cent, compared to the 988K. Economy mode operation reduces rated speed of the durable Cat C18 engine to further reduce fuel consumption. Increased hydraulic speed and faster cycle times achieved by the 988K XE decrease idle time and fuel burn to increase loader efficiency.

Greenhouse gas reductions through operating the electric drive versus a mechanical drive model are equivalent to up to one year of electricity use for nearly 10 homes.

A new steering and integrated control (STIC) valve offer up to 47 per cent quieter operation, and the system delivers precise machine control with minimal arm movements to increase comfort and improve loading accuracy and efficiency. Modulating the left pedal from 100 per cent to 25 per cent, the new rimpull control system (RSC) reduces the potential for wheel slippage without reducing hydraulic efficiency.

The loader’s new positive flow control (PFC) hydraulic system increases efficiency, bucket feel and responsiveness to deliver consistent performance.

Real-time data

With data displayed inside the cabin in real-time, available Cat Payload on the 988K XE provides accurate weighing of loaded materials to improve truck loading efficiency by reducing overloading and underloading. When combined with optional Advanced Productivity technology, the 988K XE provides comprehensive actionable payload information to help improve operational productivity and profitability.