The Caterpillar M-Series Small Wheel Loaders — 926M, 930M and 938M — meet Tier 4 Final emission standards and replace the K-Series family. The 926M replaces the 924K, reflecting the increased capabilities of the new model. All three new models have increased engine power and higher tip loads for improved performance.
A Cat C7.1 ACERT engine powers the three M-Series wheel loaders and has a clean emissions module designed to require no operator intervention and causing no disruption of work cycles. The module uses a fit-for-life diesel particulate filter (DPF) and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, which requires only the addition of diesel exhaust fluid. Regeneration of the DPF occurs passively at a low temperature.
The step-less, four-range, electronically controlled, intelligent hydrostatic drive system has been further enhanced to include operator selected power-train modes including a conventional Hystat mode with aggressive engine braking, refined Torque Converter mode allowing the machine to free wheel down hills and around grades, and an Ice mode setting tuned to maximize control in slippery underfoot conditions. Testing shows that the Torque Converter mode can save up to 5% additional fuel in load-and-carry applications and is the factory default setting.
Standard mode offers the same power as K-Series models in ranges 1, 2 and 3 and features a Power-By-Range logic that boosts the available power in range 4 for improved roading speed on uphill grades. In this mode, the engine runs at a lower maximum speed (1,600 rpm versus 1,800-rpm high idle) with no compromise in peak ground speed. The 200-rpm reduction in engine speed is a key enabler to additional fuel savings, compared with K-Series models. Testing shows up to 5% fuel savings in composite-work cycles and up to 10% fuel savings in specific applications, such as roading, long load-and-carry applications, and snow clearing. The lower maximum engine speed also significantly reduces in-cab sound levels.
Performance mode boosts engine speed to 1,800 rpm to achieve maximum engine power in all speed ranges. More power is available for multi-function work, and the resulting increases in hydraulic speed and power allow higher production.
