Caterpillar announces collision warning system, other technology for medium wheel loaders

Caterpillar (Cat), Irving, Texas, has introduced new technology options for its next generation medium wheel loaders, including the Cat 950, 962, 966, 966 XE, 972, 972 XE, 980, 980 XE, 982 and 982 XE models. 

To complement Cat’s standard HD real camera and integrated touchscreen, the medium wheel loaders offer several optional technologies, including the Multiview Vision System, Rear Object Detection, and now a Collision Warning System with Motion Inhibit. 

The new system uses radar and vision sensors to detect hazard potential, alert operators and inhibit motion when initiating reverse motion from a stationary position. Targeting collision potentials that emerge from behind the loader, the Collision Warning System leverages smart camera and radar technology to give audible and visual alerts to help operators see, mitigate and manage hazards that might otherwise go unnoticed. The system’s three-color zones—yellow for awareness, amber for caution and red for critical—approximate the object's distance to the anticipated path of the loader.

The embedded Motion Inhibit feature prevents direct reverse gear engagement when shifting from neutral and automatically applies the brake when the system detects an object or worker in the critical alarm zone behind the loader. When this occurs, the operator is alerted by an on-screen notification. If the loader is stationary for at least 15 seconds and the operator shifts from park to reverse, Motion Inhibit prevents the machine from engaging reverse when the rear detection system identifies something in the critical alarm zone. The loader will reverse once the operator shifts back into neutral and steers to clear the detection.

People Detection utilizes the smart camera to alert the operator when a person is detected behind the loader. Three levels of alerts dynamically adjust based on the person’s proximity to the machine, and the system highlights people in red bounding boxes on the in-cab monitor to distinguish and manage the potential risk.

For payload accuracy, Standard Cat Payload delivers precise bucket load information with on-the-go weighing to help prevent overloading or underloading, Cat says. Upgrading to the Advanced Payload system expands automation features and capabilities, including automatic tip-off assist for the final bucket process to help precisely meet target payloads. A new multitask mode within Advanced Payload tracks two loading processes simultaneously, while split mode allows for loading multiple bodies, tracking individual targets and tabulating grand totals of each load.

Optional Cat Advanced Payload is a system upgrade that offers expanded features and capabilities. Tip-off assist adds automation to the final bucket process. Multitask mode tracks two loading processes simultaneously. Split mode allows for loading multiple bodies while tracking individual targets and grand totals. The Cat Payload for Trade option for Cat Advanced Payload allows you to integrate scale data directly into your business processes. 

From material handling and truck loading to general construction and stockpiling, the integrated Cat medium wheel loader technologies help operators of all skill levels work more efficiently and productively with less fatigue. These new technologies increase the machine’s capabilities by building on several standard and optional features already available, including:

• Auto Set Tires—helps operators with proper digging technique and improves bucket fill factors
• Autodig—performs a full dig cycle automatically for the operator upon detecting a dig condition
• Programable Kickouts—automates repetitive tilt, lower and lift functions to reduce operator fatigue
• Machine Speed Limit—offers customers two limit options to control the loader’s top speed
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System—helps operators to maintain the recommended tire pressure
• Remote Flash—enables downloaded software updates to be initiated from the onboard display
• Remote Troubleshoot—remotely connects the loader to the dealer’s service department to quickly and efficiently diagnose fault codes

Additionally, the wheel loaders feature the recently announced Command for Loading technology, which offers remote control capabilities. Command console enables line-of-sight remote control of basic machine functions such as startup/shutdown, bucket rack/dump and lift/lower. For non-line-of-sight operation, the Command Station can connect to multiple machines and allow the user to operate one machine at a time, either on-site or from miles away.