Caterpillar has unveiled the new 950 and 962 Next Generation Wheel Loaders for construction projects. The machines provide consistent bucket fill factors and increase productivity by up to 10% over the previous models. These flexible loaders offer application-specific designs for use in tough applications.
The wheel loaders have a reliable Cat C7.1 engine offering high power density with a combination of electronics, fuel and air systems. Equipped with the automatic Cat regeneration system, the engine meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, Korea Tier 5 and Japan 2014 emission standards without interrupting operation. Electric fuel priming pump, fuel-water separator and secondary fuel filter combine with component design and machine validation to offer reliability and uptime.
Wheel Loader Technologies
A range of standard technologies on the 950 and 962 wheel loaders monitor, manage and support jobsite operations. Providing accurate weighing of material, Cat Payload with Assist displays data in real time. The operator can now fully automate bucket loading using new Autodig to boost fill factors and loading times. Working in combination with Autodig, new Auto Set Tires facilitate proper loading technique to reduce tire slip and wear.
New application profiles give operators the ability to set customized profiles for customer-specific applications at the touch of a button to match loader settings for the job. Wirelessly connecting the machine to the office, Product Link gives access to production and essential machine health information for making fact-based decisions.
Available Cat Advanced Payload with Assist includes Tip Off Assist to automate load adjustment of the final bucket to match target. Lists management, site integration and extended scale features help manage and improve operations. The optional Cat Productivity subscription provides actionable information.
Operation
The consistently high bucket fill factors provided by new Autodig with Auto Set Tires delivers up to 10% more productivity for the 950 and 962 compared to the previous models. Single clutch and lock-to-lock shifting of the 5-speed transmission offers acceleration and speed on grades. The new loaders offer traction with standard front manual differential locks, with optional automatic front and rear differential locks available, to reduce tire scuffing.
Depending on region, the 950 and 962 are equipped with either conventional or optimized Z bar linkage. The conventional Z bar design delivers high breakout force at ground level. Optimized Z bar linkage offers parallel lift capability for work tool control as well as providing high breakout force at ground level.
Cat Performance Series Buckets balance bucket shape against the loader’s linkage, resulting in higher fill factors and material retention. The Cat Fusion Quick Coupler offers tool changes without the operator leaving the cab.
Comfort and Safety
Sound suppression, seals and viscous cab mounting decrease noise levels and vibration feedback to the operator for a quiet work environment. Providing comfort and accuracy, the standard HMU steering wheel offers machine control. A seat-mounted electrohydraulic joystick steering option replaces the HMU steering wheel to deliver consistent operation. New in-cab dashboard and high-resolution touch displays promote intuitive operation.
The new 950 and 962 come standard with a rear-vision camera for visibility behind the loader. All-around visibility is achieved through the cab’s floor-to-ceiling windshield, large mirrors with integrated spot mirrors and rear-vision camera. Optional multiview (360-degree) vision system, Cat Detect radar technology and access light and an under-hood service lighting system are available for safe operation and maintenance.
Maintenance
Ongoing filter and fluid costs are up to 30% lower on the new models thanks to new change intervals. Connecting the machine to a Cat dealer’s service department, Remote Troubleshoot helps diagnose problems. Ensuring the new loaders operate with up-to-date software, Remote Flash pushes software updates to the machine in the background and installation can be initiated by the customer in a safe manner. The Cat App helps manage fleet location, hours and maintenance schedules and provides alerts for required maintenance.
The new 950 and 962 can be ordered direct from the Caterpillar factory with application-specific configurations to optimize performance and machine durability in tough applications. Subject to regional availability, industrial and waste models feature additional guarding and reinforcement, while the forestry model increases lift and tilt capabilities of the loader.
*not legal for trade
Product Specifications
| Model | Cat 950 | Cat 962 |
| Engine EU StageV / EPA Tier 4f | Cat C7.1 | Cat C7.1 |
| Power (ISO 14396:2002), kW (hp) | 186 (249-hp) | 201 (269-hp) |
| Operating weight, kg (lb) | 19,260 (42,461-lbs.) | 20,171 (44,469-lbs.) |
| Full turn static tipping load, kg (lb) | 11,961 (26,369-lbs.) | 12,487 (27,529-lbs.) |
| Breakout force, kN (lbf) | 181 (40,690-lbf.) | 189 (42,489-lbf.) |
| Bucket capacity range, m3 (yd3) | 2.67-9.90 (3.53-133) | 2.67-9.90 (3.53-133) |
| Max lift hinge-pin height – standard lift, mm (ft/in) | 4,009 (13-ft., 1-in.) | 4,223 (13-ft., 10-in.) |
| Max lift hinge-pin height – high lift, mm (ft/in) | 4,514 (14-ft., 9-in.) | 4,511 (14-ft., 9-in.) |
