Fuel Efficiency the Calling Card of Sustainable Product Development
Caterpillar product development is creating energy savings by as much as 40 percent
The 988 family of wheel loaders celebrated a big milestone in 2013, but that doesn't mean we're resting on its 50 years of success. With more than 20,000 machines produced to date, members of Caterpillar's Advanced Components & Systems Division (ACSD), collaborating closely with the product group, are still finding ways to improve the Cat®988 Wheel Loader.
The ACSD team collaborates with machine groups to help design or reengineer Cat® products to become more fuel efficient. Together, their work has resulted in energy savings by as much as 40 percent, simply by finding ways to put power to the ground more efficiently.
The ACSD team believes that efficient power systems offer Caterpillar a competitive advantage, and they are demonstrating that with the new 988K Wheel Loader. "After hearing feedback from our customers, one thing stood clear," said Todd Tuntland, product application specialist. "They wanted a more efficient machine, especially when it comes to fuel consumption."
The 988K officially debuted in April 2013. The machine's fuel efficiency is impressive — a 15 percent reduction over comparable models, with certain operations providing a 20 percent reduction. In addition, an interior redesign allows operators to monitor fuel efficiency in real time, right in the cab. In total, the integrated machines developed by ACSD, including the 988K, are projected to conserve 5.8 million gallons of diesel fuel in 2013.
Click here to read more about this story and others in the Caterpillar 2013 Sustainability Report.
