Skip to main content

Cat’s 988K delivers increased loading capability

Caterpillar’s seventh generation 988 wheeled loader – the 988K – is powered by a Tier 4 Final/Stage IV Cat C18 ACERT diesel engine, featuring selective catalytic reduction and delivering 362kW. The engine is said to deliver a 20% fuel efficiency benefit compared to the 988H, thanks in part to an ECO mode with on-demand throttle, auto idle and engine idle kickdown/auto resume system. The 50tonne machine moves away from its predecessor’s monoboom loader arm design in favour of a Z-bar linkage.
January 6, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
The 988K has returned to a Z-bar loader linkage design
178 Caterpillar’s seventh generation 988 wheeled loader – the 988K – is powered by a Tier 4 Final/Stage IV Cat C18 ACERT diesel engine, featuring selective catalytic reduction and delivering 362kW.

The engine is said to deliver a 20% fuel efficiency benefit compared to the 988H, thanks in part to an ECO mode with on-demand throttle, auto idle and engine idle kickdown/auto resume system.

The 50tonne machine moves away from its predecessor’s monoboom loader arm design in favour of a Z-bar linkage. The solid steel arms are available in a standard or high-lift configuration and the design shortens the overall length of the machine, making it more suitable for smaller quarry applications.
With Cat impeller clutch torque converter, with lock-up clutch, the machine has direct drive to boost fuel economy and cut cycle times. The system also allows operators to balance rimpull and hydraulic power for maximum loading efficiency. 

An automatic retarding control (ARC) uses an optional compression brake to limit travel speeds and reduce service brake wear.

A new cab includes Cat’s next generation vital information management system (VIMS) to provide real-time fuel consumption and fuel efficiency readings, as well as material loaded per litre of fuel.

In-cab sound levels have been greatly reduced, to just 71.1dB(A) and the cab comes as standard with automatic climate control. Bucket capacities range from 6.4-7.7m3 and the 988K has a rated payload of 11.3tonnes.

Stand: Hall B6

www.cat.com

View more stories

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Cat-egorically good small excavators
    January 6, 2017
    The new 13.6tonne Caterpillar 312E small crawler excavator replaces the 312D, while the new 16.7tonne 316E takes over from the 315D. Both machines feature what are said to be highly efficient Cat engines to EU Stage IIIB emissions standard, while providing fuel savings of 8% and 9% respectively.
  • Cat-egorically good small excavators
    April 3, 2012
    The new 13.6tonne Caterpillar 312E small crawler excavator replaces the 312D, while the new 16.7tonne 316E takes over from the 315D. Both machines feature what are said to be highly efficient Cat engines to EU Stage IIIB emissions standard, while providing fuel savings of 8% and 9% respectively.
  • Cat-egorically good small excavators
    April 3, 2012
    The new 13.6tonne Caterpillar 312E small crawler excavator replaces the 312D, while the new 16.7tonne 316E takes over from the 315D. Both machines feature what are said to be highly efficient Cat engines to EU Stage IIIB emissions standard, while providing fuel savings of 8% and 9% respectively.
  • Komatsu launches next-generation WA475-11 and WA485-11 wheeled loaders with joystick steering controls
    April 10, 2025

    Komatsu Europe has premiered its new next-generation WA475-11 and WA485-11 wheeled loaders, which the manufacturer says represent a leap forward in performance and efficiency.

    At the heart of new Dash 11 generation wheeled loaders is a newly developed Komatsu diesel engine which is characterised by extremely high torque in the low-speed range. This new engine is combined with a Komatsu-designed hydro-mechanical-transmission (HMT), resulting in excellent performance, power reserves, fuel efficiency and ease of operation for all transport and loading tasks.