Caterpillar

Product Information
Salesgram
For Dealer Sales Personnel
December 1997
Caterpillar

988FSeries II
Wheel Loader
Enhancements
Caterpillar announces enhancements to the 988F Series II Wheel
Loader which increase performance and durability, helping lower
the cost per ton, and building upon a reputation for reliability,
serviceability, and comfort. Tests results have shown better cycle
times, more productivity, less fuel consumption, while at the same
time increasing power in demanding conditions.
The already-proven strengths of the 988F Series II, including rugged
durability and needed power for tough large loader applications,
are further enhanced as a result of the many improvements outlined
here. The March, 1997, changes begin with serial number 2ZR700.
March 97 Enhancements
Engine Lug Curve
One of the most notable changes in the 988F Series II is increased
power during demanding engine lugging conditions, to maintain
hydraulic speed and rimpull. In double stall conditions, such as tough
digging in hard rock or during bucket lift while climbing a ramp,
power increases from 430 hp (321 kW) in the previous 988F II to
470 hp (350 kW) today. The extra torque helps lower cycle times
by maintaining speed and power when theyre needed most.
The pump now has 10 tooth gears instead of 8 to improve flow
and pressure characteristics. Also, the pumps design is more
efficient, more durable and quieter.
In order to save power, the pilot and brake pump size is reduced
for an average savings of 7.5 hp (5.5 kW). Less parasitic loss
results in more power for doing work. Overall, that means
improved performance and better fuel economy.
2
Performance
Steering Pump
Pilot & Brake Pump
1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
320
340
360
380
400
420
440
460
480
239
254
269
283
298
313
328
343
358
988F Series II
Engine Power
Engine RPM
Before 3-97 Enhancements
H
P
k
W
After 3-97 Enhancements
1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
0
270
540
815
1085
1355
1630
1900
2170
2440
2710
988F Series II
Net Torque
Engine RPM
Before 3-97 Enhancements
F
T
-
L
B
N
M
After 3-97 Enhancements
March 97 Enhancements
Axle Housing & Differential Carrier Casting
There is now added strength around the differential to axle joint,
with nine additional bolts on the differential carrier. Bolts in
critical stress areas are updated to Grade 9.
Differential & Final Drive Bearings
Bearings are upgraded, having a better finish for longer life in the
differential and in the outboard final drive.
Bevel Pinion Gear
Shot peened bevel pinion gears provide for longer gear life by stress
relieving the gears and by improving the finish of contact surfaces.
Lift ArmWeld
There is now an improved welding process used on the lift cylinder
bosses. The process smoothes the weld to reduce stress and
improve the boss connection.
Frame Enhancements
The frames have been modified to improve fatigue life under the
load of increased power. The axle pad radius was increased by
adding more material (non-engine end frame). Also, the rear cross
member to side plate weld joint (engine end frame) has been
improved to reduce weld stresses.
3
Reliability/Durability
Torque Converter Centrifugal Valve
The centrifugal valve has been changed in the torque converter
to maintain and recover engine RPM in heavy lugging conditions.
This change was in production with serial number 2ZR00487
in September of 1996. The part number is 9U-9377.
Quad Check Valve with Smaller Orifices in Steering Valve
Steering jerk and operator fatigue are reduced as a smaller orifice
in the steering control valve controls flow rates better. This was in
production with serial number 2ZR00563 in November of 1996.
Differential Material/Finishing Upgrade
Material was upgraded in the differential spherical thrust washer
to eliminate cracking due to flexing. Also, the differential spiders,
pinions, and related parts were improved with a smoother, longer
lasting finish. These changes were in production with serial
number 2ZR00509 in October of 1996.
March 97 Enhancements
Pre-March 97 Enhancements
Axle Oil Cooler Attachment
An axle oil cooler attachment, which is recommended for any high
braking application, circulates axle oil through an oil to air cooler
core. This results in a 55 to 70 degree C (99 to 126 F) temperature
reduction. It also filters axle oil. The benefit is improved brake and
bearing life. The factory attachment part number is 145-2300, and
the retrofit kit part number is 2Q-7762.
4
Attachment
Performance Comparison
5
A performance study was conducted to compare the actual
productivity of 988F Series II wheel loaders equipped with and
without these enhancements. Both truck loading and load and carry
applications were studied. The summary results below indicate
marked improvement in productivity and fuel consumption
with the 988F Series II enhancements.
988F Series II Truck Loading in Rock
3/97
Cycle Time (minutes) Pre-3/97 Enhancements Advantage
Travel Loaded 0.124 0.129
Dump 0.079 0.071
Travel Empty 0.105 0.102
Load 0.124 0.114
Total 0.432 0.416
Baseline 100% 96% 4% for 3/97
Enhancements
Production
Cycles/60 Min. Hr. 138.89 144.23
Total Tons (study period) 822.40 824.80
Average Bucket Payload (tons) 12.46 12.50
Average Truck Load (tons) 37.38 37.49
Tons/60 Min. Hr. 1731 1803
Tons/50 Min. Hr. 1436 1496
Baseline 100% 104% 4% for 3/97
Enhancements
Fuel
Total Tons (study period) 822.40 824.80
Fuel Used (study period) 15.13 15.07
Tons/Gallon 54 55
Baseline 100% 101% 1% for 3/97
Enhancements
988F Series II Load & Carry
3/97
Cycle Time (minutes) Pre-3/97 Enhancements Advantage
Travel Loaded 0.831 0.792
Dump 0.072 0.062
Travel Empty 0.634 0.635
Load 0.105 0.084
Total 1.642 1.573
Baseline 100% 96% 4% for 3/97
Enhancements
Production
Cycles/60 Min. Hr. 36.54 38.14
Average Bucket Payload (tons) 10.88 10.75
Tons/60 Min. Hr. 398 410
Tons/50 Min. Hr. 330 340
Baseline 100% 103% 3% for 3/97
Enhancements
Fuel
Total Tons (study period) 174.05 171.95
Fuel Used (study period) 8.47 8.00
Tons/Gallon 20.5 21.5
Baseline 100% 105% 5% for 3/97
Enhancements
Performance Comparison
6
Summary
7
The 988F Series II with enhancements is even better. With recent
changes and ones in production March 1997 (serial number 2ZR700
and up), the 988F Series II improves on its own impressive record
for performance, reliability, serviceability, and comfort. The changes
provide extra power when needed, in critical lugging conditions,
and lower fuel consumption. Increased productivity, plus the many
durability and reliability enhancements detailed in this Salesgram,
help the 988F Series II lower cost per ton yet again.
TEKQ3759-01
December 1997
www.CAT.com
1997 Caterpillar
Printed in U.S.A.
The i nf ormat i on cont ai ned herei n i s i nt ended f or ci rcul at i on onl y t o Cat erpi l l ar and deal er empl oyees whose dut i es requi re knowl edge of such report s and i s
i nt ended excl usi vel y f or t hei r i nf ormat i on and t rai ni ng. It may cont ai n unveri f i ed anal ysi s and f act s observed by vari ous Cat erpi l l ar or deal er empl oyees. However,
ef f ort has been made t o provi de rel i abl e resul t s regardi ng any i nf ormat i on compari ng Cat erpi l l ar bui l t and compet i t i ve machi nes. Ef f ort has been made t o use t he
l at est avai l abl e spec sheet and ot her mat eri al i n t he f ul l underst andi ng t hat t hese are subj ect t o change wi t hout not i ce. Any reproduct i on of t hi s rel ease wi t hout
t he f oregoi ng expl anat i on i s prohi bi t ed.