Caterpillar has launched a new range of compact wheel loaders that boost productivity in industrial, landscaping and road construction applications.

According to a spokesman for Sharjah-based Caterpillar dealer Mohamed Abdulrahman Al Bahar, when Caterpillar started to work on the design of the new H-series compact wheel loaders – the 906H, 907H and 908H - there were three goals: to improve the productivity over the current product, to make the machines suitable for more applications and to maintain the same standards of design and component quality as Caterpillar’s larger wheel loaders.
The new H-series compact wheel loader, which replaces the current 906 and 908 models, meets the company’s goals and offers an unmatched value to a job site, he adds. 

High productivity
The 906H, 907H and 908H satisfactorily fulfil the high productivity needs required by compact wheel loader customers. This is achieved in particular by improved visibility to work tools, greater lifting capacity and more versatility, the spokesman continues.
Each of the new compact wheel loaders makes use of the high-performance Z-bar loader design, which has been optimised for visibility, strength and versatile attachment usage. “The Z-bar linkage gives the operator a clear view to the work tool and also excellent dump clearance and high digging forces while maintaining competitive cycle times,” he explains. “Thereby, there is an improvement in productivity not only when loading or unloading but also when moving at the job site. This has been vouched for by test operators who say that the drive is particularly comfortable and stable, irrespective of whether the machine is loaded or unloaded.”

More options for more applications
The 906H, 907H and 908H offer several options that make the range of compact wheel loaders even more versatile and suitable for multiple applications ranging from jobsite cleaning to material handling and road construction to landscaping.
The high-speed option enables a speed increase from the standard 20 kmph to 35 kmph, which reduces travel time from one site to another and leaves more time for productive work. An optional ride control system smoothes rides at higher speeds, making it more comfortable to travel long distances in these machines.
A choice between a horizontal pin quick coupler and a skid steer loader coupler offers an option to further increase versatility.
The skid steer loader coupler accepts many of the standard hydraulically-powered tools used on Caterpillar skid steer loaders. The H-series also offers an option for higher auxiliary hydraulic flow to drive these work tools, which allows customers with mixed fleets to share tools between skid steer loaders and compact wheel loaders. Asphalt planers are particularly suitable for operation with a compact wheel loader on small road repair jobs, the spokesman points out.
Each loader also features heavy-duty axles, with outboard planetary reduction. The 906H has a lower overall cab height than the 907H and 908H allowing access into many buildings.

Increased serviceability, reliability and durability
Compact wheel loaders are often refuelled on site using a drum or a fuel can. The fuel filler on 906H, 907H and 908H has been positioned as low down and as accessible as possible, making this a simple process with minimum risk of spillage.
The loaders also allow for easier service access that can help make daily inspection and routine servicing simple.
In addition, the H-series compact wheel loaders undergo an extensive 24-stage coating process, which helps guarantee maximum reliability and durability.
To enable trouble-free operations, the 906H, the 907H and the 908H come with heavy-duty engine wiring ensuring great electrical durability. The water-resistant sealed connectors prevent dust and moisture interfering with the electrics. In addition, multicoloured wiring has been used to ease diagnosis and fault finding.
The H-series compact wheel loaders will be available in Europe, Africa and the Middle East starting with Germany and with the rest of Europe in late 2007.