Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 1

VGN301SV

• Pilot controls for

new BHL’s

• Meeting the emis-

sions challenge

• 988G production

study

• 20,000th H-Series

Motor Grader

Winter 2001

Caterpillar Magazine

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 2

In this issue

3 News

The new D-Series backhoe loader line

includes two high-spec models with low-

effort pilot controls for the loader and

backhoe.

4/5 Emissions Challenge

Caterpillar is meeting the forthcoming

emissions regulations with a new range of

electronically controlled engines.

These

engines offer increased performance, while

having reduced noise levels and the lowest

emissions levels ever.

7/8/9 Systems & Solutions

An independent production study has

shown that the 988G is more productive

and efficient than the earlier 988F Series

II in typical loading and hauling applica-

tions.

10 Minerals 2002

Caterpillar is helping the recently formed

European Minerals Foundation to show

how minerals enhance the lives of the 650

million people that live in Europe.

12/13 Panorama

A Challenger 55 tractor has provided an

innovative solution for a Belgian soil stabil-

isation project, and a 345B excavator is

helping a Norwegian shipping company to

shorten its loading and unloading times.

18 Customer Support

Customer Service Agreements are provid-

ing a UK aggregates company with an

adaptable support package

19 Milestones

A French contractor has taken delivery of

the 20,00th Cat H-Series motor grader.

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 3

The new D-Series increases Caterpillar’s offer-

ing in the backhoe loader market with five

side-shift models designed to meet the needs of

customers in Europe, Africa and the Middle

East. These include the entry-level 424D and

two high-spec models with low-effort pilot

controls for the loader and backhoe.

Increasing product differentiation on the 432D

and 442D, the new control layout comprises a

multi-function loader control and excavator-

style backhoe controls with pod mounted joy-

sticks.

"This arrangement allows the backhoe controls

to be moved independently of the seat, ensur-

ing that the operator always remains in a com-

fortable and safe operating position, even dur-

ing deep excavation jobs," says Paul Ross,

product manager at Caterpillar (UK) Ltd. "It

represents a significant advance in backhoe

loader design and offers clear benefits over

other BHL manufacturers."

The new backhoe loaders retain the

proven C-Series design features,

including a fuel-efficient Cat® diesel

engine and a power-shuttle transmis-

sion that allows on-the-go speed and

direction changes. An auto-shift trans-

mission option with five forward gears

and a useful kick-down facility allows

operators to match gear ratios to road and site

conditions for increased comfort and efficien-

cy.

Backhoe performance is improved by a 10 per-

cent increase in boom and stick forces (not on

424D); and a high rotation bucket linkage that

improves the digging envelope. A ‘narrow

frame’ backhoe option makes the 424D and

428D ideal for applications where space and

access are limited. New longer life, self-lubri-

cating wear pads reduce maintenance on the

stabilisers and optional extending stick.

Operator comfort is enhanced by a new cab

interior that offers reduced sound levels, an air

suspension seat, an improved heating and ven-

tilating system, pilot operated stabiliser con-

trols and easy-to-read, white face gauges.

News

Increased Backhoe Loader Offering

D-Series Backhoe Loaders

Number of models

7 (5 side-shift)

Rated power

55 to 70 kW

Loader bucket capacity

1.0 to 1.03 m

Backhoe dig depth

4.85 metres

Operating weight

7.5 to 7.8 tonnes

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 4

Today, climate change and air quality are two

major concerns. Governments on both sides of

the Atlantic are committed to reducing the

effects of man-made air pollutants. More

stringent standards are being put in place to

limit emissions of noxious gases and

particulates released by industries and

combustion engines. The aim is to reduce

carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse

gases to 1990

levels.

To support

this goal, the US

Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA), the California Air

Resources Board (CARB) and the European

Commission have enacted similar standards

that have led to a staged introduction of

emissions regulations. In Europe, Stage I

began in 1999, Stage II in 2001. By 2004, all

new off-highway equipment from 18 to 560

kW sold into the European Union must

conform to Stage II emissions regulations.

Stage II standards set unprecedented engine

emission limits. Technological changes brought

about by these new standards represent the

most important development in industrial

diesel engines for many years.

Diesel is ubiquitous and plays a vital role in a

wide range of activities of critical importance

to the economy. The challenge for construction

equipment and engine manufacturers is to

maintain and improve power and performance

levels of diesel engines whilst achieving the

lower emissions standards. The greatest step

for significant advances in fuel economy and

emissions reduction is the use of next-

generation "clean diesel engines".

Increasingly, the latest diesel

technology is being recognized

as having environmental

advantages over other

combustion engines. As the

world's most efficient

internal combustion engine,

diesel offers greater safety,

more durability and

reliability, more power and

better fuel efficiency – up

to 45-60 % – than gasoline

or natural gas alternatives. It

also emits smaller amounts

of CO, hydrocarbons and

CO2 than gasoline engines.

Great progress has already

been accomplished in the

reduction of particulate matter

and nitrogen oxides (NOx)

with solutions that Caterpillar

has largely contributed to

develop, such as improved fuel

delivery and combustion

chamber design, turbo charging

and electronic fuel injection.

Meeting tomorrow’s stricter

standards and delivering value in

terms of performance, fuel

efficiency, reliability and operating

Emissions Challenge

Diesel Engines For New

Emissions Challenges

Governments on

both sides of the

Atlantic are

committed to

reducing the

effects of man-

made air

pollutants.

Caterpillar is meeting the forthcoming emissions regulations with

a new range of electronically controlled engines. These engines

offer increased performance, while having reduced noise levels

and the lowest emissions levels ever.

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 5

Emissions Challenge

cost will be best achieved with advanced

electronic engine controls technology. For its

part, Caterpillar has spent over $250m to

develop electronic engines for non-road

equipment that are compliant with both

European and US emission standards. This

major investment is recouped by Caterpillar's

important participation in the on-road market,

where equivalent regulations are being

enforced.

Electronics built into Caterpillar’s new diesel

engines are the core component of an

unprecedented system solution for our

customers. Caterpillar supports electronics

because they represent a long-term solution.

With electronics, Caterpillar engines provide

maximum value to customers with such

features as integrated power management,

improved fuel efficiency, easier maintenance

and reduced associated costs.

To date, Caterpillar has developed two major

innovations for its electronically controlled

engines: Electronically-controlled Unit

Injectors (EUI) and the Electronic Control

Module (ECM) that improve engine

performance and efficiency. Caterpillar has

also pioneered the use of air-to-air after-

cooling, resulting in significantly reduced NOx

emissions.

The output and performance of new Caterpillar

engines has increased. Yet, these engines have

reduced noise levels and the lowest emissions

levels ever. Their advanced electronic systems

have been designed to meet worldwide

emission requirements through 2004, and

beyond – with the introduction of the new

ACERT technology.

Caterpillar has

developed two

major innovations

for its electronically-

controlled engines

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 6

The 345B Series II offers a number of

new design features to

increase productivity, fuel

and operator

efficiency. These

include: 10

percent more

horsepower

from the Stage II emissions-compliant Cat

3176C engine; a boom lowering control

device that ensures more precise and

smoother control of the boom in lifting

applications; and the Cat exclusive Smart

BoomTM.

The Smart Boom allows the 45/50 tonne class

excavator’s boom to go down under its own

weight, simultaneously increasing the pump

flow to other machine functions. This

provides superior operator comfort,

reduced cycle times and

enhanced fuel efficiency

in most applications

including truck loading,

rock-scraping and

hammer work.

New 45 Tonne Excavator

News

The 950G Series II through to the 980G Series

II are all powered by new electronically

controlled diesel engines that meet the EU

Stage II emissions regulations.

The new emissions compliant engines feature

high-pressure unit injection fuel systems, air-

to-air aftercooling and an advanced electronic

engine management system. This provides

levels of performance, reliability, fuel economy

and operating flexibility well beyond the

capabilities of traditional mechanically

controlled engines.

One example of the benefits of electronic

engine management is the facility to integrate

all engine/transmission controls, for maximum

system efficiency and increased protection

from operator abuse. Serviceability is also

improved by the use of advanced

troubleshooting and diagnostics, and a filter/oil

change interval that has been doubled to 500-

hours.

The five new 134 to 231 kW class wheel

loaders feature an improved cooling system

and an uprated cab. Cab enhancements include

a wider front windscreen, a new seat, an

improved air conditioning system and a new

instrument panel with the latest EMS III

electronic monitoring system that features an

easier to read display and indicator lights.

Functionality is also improved on machines

with the optional electro-hydraulic implement

controls, for increased operator comfort and

efficiency.

New Loaders Feature Emissions-

Compliant Electronic Engines

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 7

Minerals 2002

Minerals are an essential part of today’s

society. In fact, almost everything that is built,

manufactured or grown is produced with the

aid of minerals. Everything from the bricks in

our homes, to the cars that we drive and the

crops we eat.

The importance of minerals is, nevertheless,

often overlooked by the public and

governments when it comes to the siting of a

new quarry or mine.

It is with this in mind that the recently formed

European Minerals Foundation has set out to

put the record straight. The foundation’s

objective is to show how minerals enhance the

lives of the 650 million people that live in

Europe.

Known as Minerals 2002, the Europe-wide

initiative aims to build on the success of a

similar UK-based event in 1998 that attracted

around 100,000 people to a year-long program

of conferences, special events and quarry open

days.

Having been launched at the Hillhead 2001

Quarry and Recycling exhibition in June, the

Minerals 2002

program is now being rolled out across the

UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain and

Scandinavia. Associations in other countries

are also being approached.

The initiative has also attracted the support of

Caterpillar that has announced its participation

as the principal sponsor.

Speaking at the launch of Minerals 2002,

Minerals 2002 chairman John Mortimer

welcomed Caterpillar’s decision to back the

initiative. He also said that explaining what it

does and why it does it is essential to the

future success of the European minerals

industry.

This observation was echoed by Caterpillar’s

Quarry and Aggregates Industry manager Jim

Hawkins.

"The European minerals industry has a vital

role to play in achieving sustainable

development," said Hawkins. "Everyone uses

minerals and yet often they do not make the

link to the mines and quarries where they are

produced. Explaining the positive role of the

industry will be a core objective of this

initiative and we are pleased to be associated

with it."

Caterpillar Supports Minerals 2002

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 8

Systems & Solutions

First seen at MinExpo 2000, the 988G is

Caterpillar’s all-new wheel loader in the 335 to

373 kW class.

Larger and more powerful than the 988F Series

II, it is designed for production loading and

bulk materials handling duties where users are

looking for the lowest cost per tonne. This is

achieved with a machine that offers many

innovative design features that result in:

increased performance and efficiency;

improved reliability and durability; and new

levels of operator comfort and

serviceability.

Design features like the

boom-style loader linkage

that has three times the

torsional strength of the

parallel linkage layout, while

offering an increased dump

clearance, higher digging and lift forces,

and improved visibility to the corners of the

bucket.

Then there are the electronically controlled

engine, transmission and hydraulic system that

increase the 988G’s fuel efficiency by up to 15

percent over the 988F Series II; and the

spacious new cab with its electro-hydraulic

loader controls and the now familiar STIC

control system that combines all the

transmission and steering functions into one

joystick-type lever, eliminating the need for a

steering wheel.

These design features have proved popular

with the first 988G customers with the earliest

machines having already recorded over 8,000

hours in tough quarry applications. They also

attracted the interest of the UK construction

magazine Building Trade and Industry that

invited Caterpillar to put the machine through

a BTI site test.

This involved BTI testing the 988G in a series

of typical quarry applications at the Cat

proving ground in Tucson, Arizona.

The test program enabled BTI to measure the

New Loader Demonstrates Productivity

Advantage

An independent production study has shown that the 988G is

more productive and efficient than the earlier 988F Series II in

typical loading and hauling applications.

The 988G is

designed for

production loading

and bulk materials

handling

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 9

50 tonne machine’s productivity in both face

and stockpile loading applications where it was

expected to load 38/40-tonne-payload Cat®

769D and 771D off-highway trucks.

A third test provided figures for load-and-carry

operation where the loader was working over a

one-way haul distance of 71 metres with an

adverse gradient of 3 to 4 percent. This

increased to 14 percent over the last 15 metres

as the loader approached the trucks that were

sited to represent a crusher hopper.

The 988G was equipped for the tests with a 6.4

m3 quarry bucket and operated by an

experienced Cat demonstrator. A productivity

reference point was provided in the shape of a

Cat 988F Series II equipped with a 6.3 m3

rock bucket.

Accurate measurements of the two machines’

productivity and fuel economy were ensured by

the use of auxiliary fuel tanks and on-site

weigh scales to calculate the amount of

material moved. BTI worked all the production

figures back to a 50-minute hour to simulate

the conditions of a typical quarry application

where time would be needed for spotting the

trucks and cleaning the quarry floor.

The BTI test report showed that when the two

loaders performed the face-loading test the

988G’s extra power and higher breakout forces

really showed through with the new machine

able to get a far more impressive bucket fill

factor. This resulted in the 988G being 17

percent more productive and using eight

percent less fuel than the 988F Series II, giving

the new machine an efficiency advantage of 36

percent more tonnes per litre of fuel.

With the machine’s hydraulic system switched

to its loose material mode, the 988G was five

Systems & Solutions

988G Productivity Test Results

Load-and-Carry

Stockpile Loading

Rock Face Loading

482

1.387

1.256

250

500

750

1.000 1.250 1.500

Output (tonnes per 50 min hour)

Continue on next page

The 988G was

equipped for the

tests with a 6.4m3

quarry bucket

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 10

Systems & Solutions

percent more productive than the 988F Series

II in the stockpile loading test and eight

percent more productive in the load-and-carry

test. When these figures were combined with

the two machines’ fuel consumption in the two

tests, it resulted in a 23 percent fuel efficiency

advantage for the 988G in the stockpile

loading test and a 14 percent advantage in the

load-and-carry test.

So what does all this mean for customers that

are looking for a new 6.0 to 7.0 m3 class

wheel loader. "Quite a lot," according to BTI

editor Dan Gilkes.

"The 988F Series II was a competitive

machine, but the 988G offers quarry owners a

lower cost per tonne in typical loading and

hauling applications," says Gilkes.

"The 988G bristles with new technology that

makes it more productive and efficient than its

predecessor. It is also easier to operate and

cheaper to maintain. You can’t ask for more

than that."

The 988G bristles

with new technology

that makes it more

productive and

efficient than its

predecessor

988G Fuel Consumption Test Results

47,8

Rock Face

Stockpile

Load-and-Carry

Fuel Used (litres per 50 min hour)

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 11

Technology

While some engine manufactures strive to

meet the requirements of the Tier 2/Stage II

emissions regulations for diesel engines,

Caterpillar has turned its attention to meeting

the even more exacting Tier 3 standards.

This dedication to safeguarding the

environment has delivered a significant

breakthrough in emissions technology that will

allow Cat engines to meet Tier 3 and

anticipated Stage III regulations without cooled

exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems.

Technical details of the new ACERT

(Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction

Technology) system have not been disclosed.

But Caterpillar explains that it combines

advanced combustion technology, next-

generation fuel systems, advanced integrated

controls and after treatment to improve on the

excellent emissions standards of Caterpillar

engines.

By controlling emissions through the

improvement of engine combustion

performance, Caterpillar also succeeds in

reducing noise emissions. ACERT also

improves engine performance and has the

capacity to eliminate exhaust odour without

affecting engine reliability and durability. Of

particular interest to Original Equipment

Manufacturer customers will be the minimal

amount of change required in application

engineering when switching to ACERT-

equipped engines to comply with Tier-3 /

anticipated Stage-III regulations.

"ACERT offers an optimal emissions solution

to our European engine customers and global

engine market," says Roberto Dionisio, Power

Systems manager for Caterpillar SARL

(Europe, Africa and the Middle East).

According to Dionisio, the simplicity of the

installation will greatly benefits Caterpillar’s

commercial engine customers, while offering a

smooth and rapid transition to comply with the

next generation of emission regulations.

"The ACERT system leverages Caterpillar’s

expertise in the latest engine design

technology, next generation fuel system

technology, and integrated electronic control

systems. Since ACERT-equipped engines have

significantly fewer components than EGR-

based engines, the new hardware requirements

for our industrial customers are minimized

during the transition to Tier-3 and anticipated

Stage-III compliant engines."

Redefining Clean Power

ACERT will greatly benefit Caterpillar’s commercial engine cus-

tomers

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 12

Focus on Cat

The versatility of the Caterpillar track-mounted

Challenger tractor has seen it work in many

diverse applications from agriculture to

construction. But a specialist Belgian

contractor is using a 168 kW Challenger 55 in

an innovative and possibly unique application:

soil stabilisation.

The family-owned Cloet company from Pittem,

Flanders specialises in soil stabilisation using

lime or cement to provide a firm, stable base

for earthworks and construction projects.

"Traditionally, wet ground conditions can

hamper the progress of earthmoving work,"

explains Daniel Cloet. "By treating the soil

with lime and cement, we can ensure that work

can continue in very poor weather conditions,

without the need for large quantities of

imported fill material."

Soil stabilisation in such poor ground

conditions requires a very special machine,

according to Cloet; a machine that is powerful,

manoeuvrable and, above all, with low ground

pressure characteristics. "We use the

Challenger 55 to tow a heavy milling machine

with a 2.5 metre wide rotor that treats the soil

to a depth of up to 500 mm," Cloet explains.

Cloet believes that the pulling power of the

tractor combined with a ground bearing

pressure of just 300 gr/cm2, makes it ideally

suited to this application. "In the past, we have

used a traditional tractor but that had to use

half its engine power simply to move across a

muddy site," Cloet continues. "The high

tractive force of the Challenger 55 means there

is more power available to mill and mix the

soil for greater productivity."

A Challenger 55 tractor has

provided an innovative solu-

tion for a Belgian soil stabil-

isation project,

Rising

to the

Challenge

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 13

Systems & Solutions

Shipping companies like Norway’s Rolf Wagle

only earn money when their ships are at sea.

When the ships are in port, the company is

effectively losing revenue.

For this reason, the company recently

purchased a new Cat 345B Material Handler

from local dealer Pay & Brinck. Equipped with

a clamshell bucket and a logging grapple, the

machine is shortening loading and unloading

times on the company’s largest ship, the 4,500

tonne "Liv" that transports timber and wood

chips between Tallin in Estonia and the

Borregards timber yard at Sarpsborg, Norway.

The Material Handler is based on a Caterpillar

345B hydraulic excavator but incorporates

many unique features that make it ideally

suited to materials handling and long reach

duties. It has a maximum reach of 16.0 metres

and a lifting capacity of 4.1 tonnes on a

straight linkage. This configuration, combined

with the 1.5 m2 logging grapple and 4.5 m3

capacity clamshell allows the Cat 345B MH to

unload the Liv at a rate of around 350 m3 per

hour. Other important features of the machine

include an under-mounted stick cylinder for

greater lift capacity; reinforced upper structure;

air conditioning; and automatic lubrication and

corrosion resistant fluids to protect it from the

effects of seawater.

The machine will be expected to clock up

more than 2,200 hours per year and has already

proved a highly productive solution to Ralf

Wagle’s needs. "The productivity of the Cat

345B MH is limited only by the timber

processing capacity in the harbour," the

company reports.

Cat Materials Handler Improves Port Efficiency

A 345B excavator is helping a Norwegian shipping company to

shorten its loading and unloading times.

The 345B has a

maximum reach of 16

metres and a lifting

capacity of 4.1 tonnes

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 14

Systems & Solutions

The efficient transport of construction

machines between job sites is an integral part

of every equipment owner and operator’s work

duties. But there is more to equipment

transportation than merely ensuring that the

right machine arrives at the right time.

Increasingly stringent safety and transport

regulations impose tight controls on

movements of equipment. And with the

increase in cross-border working, a clear

understanding of different countries’ legislation

is often essential. While it would be

impractical to produce an exhaustive list of all

the regulations in force across Europe, Africa

and the Middle East, we offer the following

guidance.

The first step is to measure the width and

height of the machine to be transported. Your

local road haulage association or police force

will be able to advise you on local regulations

governing width restrictions on your chosen

route. A critical step is to measure the

machine’s height, particularly if you will be

travelling under bridges and overpasses.

Generally, keep the overall height from the

ground to the highest point of the machine

below 4.0 metres. Removal of exhaust stack or

ROPS may be required to stay below this

height.

When loading the machine onto a low loader

or trailer, wear a hard hat, gloves, safety

glasses and proper footwear. Most importantly,

wear your seat belt. If something goes wrong,

this will keep you on the machine, the safest

place to be. The following tips will help ensure

personal safety:

• Make sure the trailer or low loader is on

level, firm ground before loading.

• Check all brake and light connections

• Ensure the trailer or low loader can handle

the machine weight and check safety chains

at the hitch.

• Remove loose objects such as wood blocks

from the trailer bed. Likewise, clean rocks

and debris from the machine.

• Balance the machine’s weight evenly across

all axles for optimum stability. Use a

"spotter" to assist with proper placement.

• After balancing the machine on the trailer,

lower all implements, lock the controls and

apply the parking brake. As always, use three

points of contact

There are many important points to consider when you are

preparing to transport equipment between jobs. Caterpillar

Magazine provides a list of simple guidelines that will help make

the job as simple and efficient as possible

Increasingly stringent

safety and transport

regulations impose

tight controls on

movements

of equipment

Getting to the Next

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 15

Systems & Solutions

when getting off the machine.

• Tape over the exhaust stack port to prevent

possible damage to the turbo.

Equally important in the safe transportation of

equipment is the way a machine is fixed to the

trailer. Your machine’s Operation and

Maintenance Manual will identify the proper

tie-down locations. The number of chains

required will vary with each machine but

Caterpillar recommends the use of one 9.5 mm

grade seven chain for every 3,855 kg of

machine weight.

As you tie down the machine, ensure that

chains do not come into

contact with hydraulic or electric lines,

suspension components or any other items that

might be damaged. For optimum chain strength

and to prevent unnecessary wear, a chain

should be straight and not wrapped around

itself.

An oversize long or wide load will require both

front and rear signs and will almost certainly

require special permits and, in extreme cases,

a police escort.

For more details of proper chaining techniques

please consult the Caterpillar Prime Product

Handling Guide (TIR 89-G2), available from

your local dealer.

Equally important is

the way a machine is

fixed to the trailer.

Job Site

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 16

Customer Support

In previous editions, we have explored the

many ways in which Caterpillar is striving to

meet and exceed the increasingly stringent

engine emissions regulations being enacted

throughout the world. But it is equally

important for you, the equipment user, to

understand the role you can play in keeping

your engines operating at the lowest possible

emissions.

Particulates are the biggest single contaminant

problem in your engine’s fuel system and

should be tackled with an efficient filter.

Caterpillar recommends a two-micron fuel

filter to ensure maximum protection from

smaller contaminants that can cause damage

with today’s tighter engine tolerances. For

further protection, you should avoid pouring

fuel into the fuel filter element when installing

a filter; and keep all filters in their packaging

until they are needed to limit the ingress of

dust and dirt. A worn fuel system can generate

excess smoke and the engine will not operate

at peak efficiency.

Off-highway fuel regulations require that the

fuel contain no more than 0.5 percent sulfur.

Many off-highway fuel suppliers provide fuel

similar to on-highway fuel, or 0.05 percent

sulfur. Operating your engine on lower sulfur

fuel will extend the engine life, extend the oil

change interval and benefit the environment by

reducing the sulfur in the air. We all know that

water is corrosive. Excessive water in your fuel

can lead to pump damage in fuel systems that

use fuel oil to lubricate the pump. Water can

find its way into your fuel system either during

shipment or as a result of condensation during

storage. To avoid this, fuel should be purchased

from a reputable source; and fuel/water

separators should be used whenever possible.

As a further tip, fuel tanks should be filled at

the end of each day to minimise condensation.

Corrosion of the fuel system can generate

excess

The

Emissions

Mission

Good management is essential your want your machines’

engines to keep operating at the lowest possible emissions.

Operating your engine

on lower sulphur fuel

will extend the engine

life, extend the oil

change interval and

benefit the environment

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 17

Customer Support

smoke and the engine will not operate at peak

efficiency.

To further reduce engine emissions, it

important to understand the types of emissions

a diesel engine can produce and the role that

parts wear plays in emissions and, ultimately,

engine performance.

Diesel engines produce emissions that include

oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and hydrocarbons

(HC), both of which contribute to the

destruction of the Earth’s ozone layer; carbon

monoxide (CO); sulphur dioxide (SO2);

particulate matter (PM); and smoke. Your

engine is designed to meet the regulations for

each of these emissions, both when the engine

is new and during the useful life. Eventually,

engine wear will result in reduced engine

efficiency and increased emissions. Increased

oil consumption is usually the first sign of

engine wear. You should monitor your

turbocharger seals and check for blowby to

make sure your piston rings are in good

condition.

There are many other steps you can take to

help control engine emissions, many of which

can be found in your owner’s instructions.

Most important among these is to practice

good maintenance procedures; and use good

operations practices like warming the engine

before putting it under a load.

Caterpillar engine design improvements such

as electronic controls and unit injected fuel

systems have reduced emissions greatly. But

the way you maintain and operate your engines

will have an equally big impact on emissions

and will have the added benefit of making your

engine run longer and more efficiently."

To further reduce

engine emissions, it is

important to know the

types of emissions a

diesel engine can

produce

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 18

Customer Support

The world has changed a lot since Robert Brett

started his fledgling haulage and road

maintenance business in Kent, south-east

England, at the beginning of the last century.

The basic factors affecting the purchase and

operation of construction machines are

nevertheless the same today as they were back

in 1909 when the company, now known as the

Brett Group, purchased its first steam-powered

wagons and excavators.

"You must first ensure that you buy the right

equipment at the right

price," says the Brett

Group’s chief buyer

Colin Smith. "Somebody

then has to accept

responsibility for

keeping the equipment

serviced and maintained.

"Otherwise it will be less

productive, less reliable

and more costly to own.

The equipment will also

have a lower residual

value when the time

comes for it to be

replaced."

Smith also believes that

the advanced design features of today’s

construction machines make it increasingly

impractical for companies like the Brett Group

to look after their own maintenance. "The

machines are generally more reliable and much

easier to service and maintain, but the tooling

and specialist knowledge that is needed makes

it difficult to justify having your own

workshops and engineers."

The Brett Group has, therefore, turned to its

equipment suppliers for the all-important

support services needed to keep its large fleet

of trucks, wheel loaders and excavators

correctly maintained.

Smith reports that the most recent example of

the company’s new approach to equipment

maintenance was its purchase of eight new

Cat® machines, including a 322B Excavator

and seven Wheel Loaders, from a 938G to a

980G. These machines, which have gone to

work in the company’s quarries, landfill sites,

concrete and aggregates plants, are all covered

by a Customer Service Agreement (CSA)

supplied by the local Cat dealer.

"Finning (UK) Ltd. provides a complete

support package, which can be tailored to our

specific operational requirements," says Smith.

"This gives us the flexibility we need, while

allowing us to focus on what we do best."

CSAs Provide Adaptable Support Package

Colin Smith of the Brett Group (right) with Finning (UK) Ltd’s

Customer Service Salesman Bob Willmore

Somebody then has to accept responsibility for keeping the

equipment serviced and maintained.

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine — page 19

Panorama

Graders Pass Major Milestone

In June this year, French Caterpillar dealer

Bergerat Monnoyeur sold the 20,000th Cat H-

Series motor grader. This milestone was

achieved with the delivery of a 138 kW Cat

140H to GTM Construction in Marseilles, one

of the largest contractors in France and a long-

time advocate of Caterpillar motor graders.

The H-Series comprises 10 models including

two with all-wheel drive and has been available

since 1998. In that time they have been sold

across the globe, providing high performance

in applications as diverse haul road

maintenance on construction and mining sites,

the construction and maintenance of dirt roads

in developing countries and snow clearance.

Manufactured at Caterpillar’s Piracicaba,

Brazil and Decatur Illinois plants, the H-Series

machines incorporate improved hydraulics,

efficient direct drive and an Engine Power

Management (EPM) system that helps reduce

tyre wear and fuel consumption.

The H-Series machines build on the proven

reputation for performance and reliability

established by the earlier G-Series units

launched by Caterpillar in 1973. Together,

almost 100,000 machines from these families

have been sold in the past 28 years, confirming

Caterpillar’s position as a world leader in

motor graders.

Caterpillar’s involvement in this industry sector

stretches back to the turn of the last century

with the Holt self-propelled motor grader built

in 1906. Rigid frame motor graders became an

integral part of the Caterpillar product line in

1931 with the introduction of the Cat Auto

Patrol.

These machines clearly carried the Caterpillar

stamp of reliability and durability. A 1937

Auto Patrol grader is still being used on a daily

basis by Gordon Cornish in Klekdorp, South

Africa, more than 64

years since it rolled

off the Caterpillar

production line. The

big question is then,

where in the world

will GTM’s 2001

vintage Cat 140H be

working and who will

it be at its controls in

65 years time.

The H-Series builds on the proven reputation for performance

and reliability established by the earlier G-Series

Caterpillar Heavy Equipment Magazine

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