US-based construction and mining equipment manufacturer Caterpillar’s newly released Cat 834K wheel dozer aims to enhance safety and ensure optimal productivity.

The new dozer series, launched in January, is an improvement on the original Cat 834K wheel dozer, which was initially introduced to the market in the mid-1960s.

Caterpillar reports that the new series “builds on the strength of its predecessors with a completely new cab, a refined drivetrain, enhanced monitoring and diagnostic features, new safety features and structural enhancements”.

The Cat 834K’s blades are available in various forms, including straight, universal, semi-universal and coal, ranging in capacity from 7.9 m2 to 22.2 m3.

“A major design focus of the 834K is operator safety and, to that end, the new model features a standard rearview camera, repositioned access ladders, full-perimeter railings and a convenient ground- level panel that houses a stairway light switch, an engine-shutdown switch and lockouts for the starter and transmission.”

“Caterpillar’s detection system, Detect, is also available, and supplements the rearview camera with radar sensors on the rear of the machine to provide both audible and visual indicators of objects in its working space,” states the company.

Production-Focused Powertrain
The Cat 834K wheel dozer features enhanced production and fuel-saving capabilities. The series uses the Cat C18 engine, which features a 370 kW engine available in three configurations to tailor the machine for any region in the world. The engine also meets Tier 4 Final/Stage IV standards, and uses a diesel particulate filter and a selective catalytic reduction system to control emissions.

Fuel-saving enhancements for the 834K include engine- idle-shutdown and engine-idle-kick-down systems, and a delayed-engine-shutdown system that protects the engine from hot shutdowns. It also comprises an on-demand, hydraulically driven cooling fan, which reduces horsepower draw for increased efficiency.

For increased productivity and precise control, the impeller clutch torque converter (ICTC) enables the operator to adjust rimpull from 100% to 25% to match hydraulic effort and rimpull to the operating situation. The ICTC system reduces tyre wear and permits full-throttle shifts for greater productivity.

Further, the braking system can be equipped with auxiliary oil coolers for added protection. To reduce brake loads, an available automatic retarding system maintains a set downhill speed, which reduces brake use.

Structural Strength
According to Caterpillar, the Cat 834K wheel dozer reflects the solid design of its predecessors and retains its massive full-box-section rear frame that resists torsional shock and twisting forces. It features heavy-duty steering cylinder mounts that have been designed to transfer and effectively dissipate steering loads into the frame.

“New for the 834K is a redesigned rear-axle trunnion, now wider and bolted directly to the frame rails, eliminating the previously used intermediate casting and allowing loads to be more effectively dispersed.

In addition, the lower articulation point or hitch has been strengthened with an increase in front-frame plate thickness and a significant increase in pin diameter, in conjunction with a larger bearing,” says Caterpillar.

Upgrade Services
Caterpillar further reports that the company’s dealers now offer Caterpillar-certified rebuild upgrade (CCRU) services for the company’s older 785 and 789 large mining trucks.

The rebuild programme for the original series and the B series models incorporates the technological advancements introduced with the C series to improve operational performance and reduce engine emissions.

Caterpillar says the CCRU service provides a full rebuild and certified rebuild warranty, with an upgraded retrofit cab and chassis. This service results in improved fuel economy, performance and productivity, as well as a modernised cab for operator comfort and improved engine emissions.

The upgraded cab includes Caterpillar’s Vital Information Management System 4.0 for monitoring machine health and optimising production cycles to reduce cost per ton. The full-sized trainer seat facilitates on-site training to help the operator perform safely and efficiently.

The CCRU programme for Caterpillar’s 785 and 789 trucks is currently available in the US, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, Chile and Russia.