Caterpillar Asia Pacific explains how differential locks and Cat Connect technology can increase landfill operation efficiency.
Not all landfill sites are the same, with many posing unique and harsh environmental challenges for operators. Land is often unlevel, with small space for movement and barriers to reach cells.
In these environments, managing multiple seemingly competing requirements such as maximising operational efficiency, economic viability and worker safety, can be a challenge.
Ayden Piri, Caterpillar (Cat) Asia Pacific Industry Specialist Account Manager, says landfill operators require reliable and efficient machinery to facilitate safe site management and consistent operations.
He says Cat is uniquely positioned to understand machinery requirements relevant to the waste industry, with over 40 years experience providing for the sector in multiple application modes.
According to Ayden, Cat M Series waste handling wheel loaders are popular with landfill operators due to their heavy-duty handling capacity.
“Cat’s waste handling wheel loaders deliver sustainable productivity, fuel efficiency, ease of serviceability, ergonomics and operator comfort,” Ayden says.
“These environmentally-friendly front end loader machines apply proven technology systematically and strategically, to meet our customer’s high expectations.”
With a global network of 172 dealers, factories in 30 countries and more than 10,000 Cat and dealer employees in Australia and New Zealand, the extensive reach ensures CAT is able to draw on a network of experts to solve its customers’ challenges.
Ayden says M series 950- and 972-metre models have a standard front axle differential lock, which is manually activated by a switch on the cab floor.
The fully automatic front and rear axle differential locks work by measuring differences in axle speeds and require no operator intervention to activate.
“These disc-type differential locks will reduce tyre scuffing compared to other traction aids, further reducing operating costs for customers,” Ayden says.
“The proven Z-bar linkage combines efficiency with great visibility to the tool, resulting in excellent penetration into the pile, high breakout forces and superior production capabilities.”
M Series’ next generation ride control works as a shock absorber, which Ayden says improves ride quality and smoothness over the rough surfaces often found in transfer stations.
“When paired with the Fusion coupler, from a loaded high-dump bucket to a fork to move material, the ride control system provides reduced cycle times, better productivity and a smoother, more comfortable ride for the operator,” he adds.
M Series wheel loaders are equipped with Cat Connect technology, which allows operators to monitor, manage and enhance job site operations.
“Cat Connect facilitates easier service access, with the legacy one-piece hood, centralised service centre’s, windshield cleaning platform and harness tie-off,” Ayden explains.
“Optional purpose-built guarding is also available to help protect your machine from the harsh environments common in waste applications.”
The wheel loader’s machine guarding protects the unit’s major components and systems, facilitating reliable durability.
“Wear in waste handling applications is severe and can drastically cut down a machine’s life,” Ayden says.
“All Cat waste handling machines are protected in key impact areas, including undercarriages, radiators, axles and cabs.”
According to Ayden, the M Series medium wheel loader is 10 per cent more fuel efficient than the industry-leading K Series, and up to 25 per cent more fuel efficient than the H Series.
The updated Caterpillar powershift transmission, with a lock-up clutch torque converter, is standard on all M Series wheel loaders.
“The new torque converters have been matched with engine power and hydraulics to improve performance and fuel efficiency, while also managing the pile or loading trucks,” he says.
“The rugged transmission also has a new split-flow oil system, which uses multi-viscosity oil to reduce parasitics and improve fuel economy.”
Ayden says the M Series hydraulic system has recently undergone significant design changes.
“The main hydraulic valve is now a mono-block with an integrated ride control section,” Ayden says.
“The mono-block design also reduces weight, has forty per cent fewer leak points and is common across all M Series models.”
On 950- and 972-metre models, auxiliary hydraulic functions can be added at the factory or in the field, with the addition of a second remote valve.
“A new thermal bypass valve has also been added to improve hydraulic system warm-up,” Ayden says.
Related stories:
