TEXR0338-PR-988G,FII,FII HL

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Caterpillar Product Information

Performance Report
December 2000

Cat 988G,
988F Series II and
988F Series II High Lift

988G

Job Study Purpose

To compare cycle time, bucket payload, fuel consumption and

overall production between a Cat 988G, 988F Series II and
988F Series II High Lift loading Cat 769 trucks.

Study Date

May 24, 2000

Field Data By

Tom Grill, Caterpillar Inc.

Mike Hopkins, Caterpillar Inc.
Ed Stealy, Caterpillar Inc.

Location

Caterpillar Tucson Proving Ground, Arizona

Written By

Tom Grill, Caterpillar Inc.

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Performance Study
Job Description

Three tests were conducted with a 988F II, a 988F II High Lift
and a 988G. A test description precedes each of the tests and
conclusions follow.

Machine Specifications
Serial Number
Machine Hours
Engine Type
Net Horsepower
kW (hp)
Bucket Type
Capacity m3 (yd3)
Tire Size
Tire Type
Ballast

988G
988F II
988F II HL
2TW0074
2ZR01497
2ZR00160
211
96
610
3456
3408E
3408E
354
321/350
321/350
(475)
(*430/470)
(*430/470)
Spade Edge Rock Spade Edge Rock Spade Edge Rock
6.4 (8.33)
6.3 (8.25)
5.7 (7.5)
35/65-33
35/65-33
35/65-R33
Bias Ply
Bias Ply
Radial
None
None
None

* In double stall conditions, horsepower increases from 321 to 350 kW (430 to 470 hp).

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Study Procedures
Test One

A Caterpillar operator operated all of the loaders involved in the

first test, loading mine overburden into 769 trucks. Overburden
consisted of a rock earth mixture with an estimated density of
1839 kilograms per bank cubic meter (3100 pounds per bank
cubic yard). Each loader three passed the trucks. Material was
tough digging with a face height of approximately 3.5 meters
(12 feet). Floor conditions were firm. Ambient temperature
was approximately 40 degrees C (105 degrees F).
Cycle times were recorded with a computer and each load was
weighed with portable scales. Fuel was also recorded by means
of a small portable tank mounted on the rear of each machine.
Fuel tanks were filled and weighed before testing began and
again after the test was complete. Fuel weight was converted
from kilograms to liters (pounds to gallons) using a weight of
fuel at 3.4 kilograms per liter (7.5 pounds per gallon).

988G

A total of 12 three pass loads were loaded with each loader.

To ensure consistency, the loaders were rotated after six loads.

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Production Data
988F II HL
Cycle Time (minutes)
Travel Loaded
0.139
Dump
0.070
Travel Empty
0.097
Load
0.204
Total Cycle Time
0.510
988G cycle time advantage: 7-18 percent
Production*
Cycles/60 min. hr.
Bucket Size m3 (yd3)
Average Bucket
Payload t (T)
Bucket Fill Factor
Average Truck
Payload t (T)
*Tonnes (tons)/60 min. hr.
988F II Baseline

117.6
5.7
(7.5)
11.65
(12.85)
111%
34.96
(38.54)
1370
(1511)
99%

988F II

988G

0.147
0.091
0.096
0.227
0.561

0.111
0.082
0.098
0.186
0.477

107.0
6.3
(8.25)
12.89
(14.21)
111%
38.67
(42.63)
1380
(1521)
100%

125.8
6.4
(8.33)
13.12
(14.46)
112%
39.35
(43.38)
1650
(1819)
120%

* Production is based on average loader cycle time and does not include normal delays such as truck
transfer time, cleanup, etc.

Fuel
Tonnes/Liter (Tons/gal)
Liter/hr. (gal/hr.)
988F II Baseline
Tons/gal

70.32
(77.53)
73.77
(19.49)

74.17
(81.77)
70.40
(18.60)

87.99
(97.01)
70.97
(18.75)

95%

100%

119%

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Conclusions
The 988Gs overall faster cycle times combined with a higher
bucket fill factor contributed to an overall production advantage
over the 988F II and the 988F II High Lift.
The 988Gs responsive Cat 3456 engine, the two position main
implement pump* and increased lift and breakout forces allowed
the 988G to load the bucket 18 percent faster than the 988F II.
In addition, 988G features like the Impeller Clutch Torque
Converter/Rimpull Control System, throttle lock and the larger
cab with increased viewing area all contribute to provide smoother,
faster cycle times. Faster and more efficient hydraulics, along
with a better hydraulic/rimpull match, allows the operator to
comfortably extract the maximum potential of the 988G.
*Another factor in the 988Gs fuel efficiency advantage is in the
power management strategy. During the 988Gs loading cycle,
hydraulic speed (pump displacement) is reduced. Reducing the
pump displacement requires less horsepower from the engine,
resulting in improved fuel efficiency and more power available
for rimpull. When the machine is not digging, hydraulic speed
is increased for faster cycle times.
The liters per hour (gallons per hour) numbers are higher for these
tests compared to more typical customer job sites. This is due
to the fact that the fuel was measured for a short period of time.
During this time, the load factors for all of the machines were
high. Normal delays such as truck wait time, clean up and/or
sorting oversize material were not present in these tests. In this
type of fuel test, tonnes per liter (tons per gallon) of fuel is a more
accurate comparison of each loaders fuel efficiency. The 19 percent
advantage in tonnes (tons) of material moved per liter (gallon)
of fuel over the 988F II is due the 988Gs Cat 3456 engine and
the more efficient two position main hydraulic pump. While the
988Gs hourly fuel burn rate was similar to the 988F II, it moved
significantly more tonnes (tons) of material per liter (gallon) of
fuel burned.
The Cat 3456s 42 percent torque rise and lower Brake Specific
Fuel Consumption number add up to a responsive, fuel efficient
988G that performs even in the toughest digging conditions.

* More information is available in the Product Bulletin (TEJB7023) and

the 988G Wheel Loader Salesgram (TEKQ4034)
5

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Test Two

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The purpose of this test was to try and duplicate production

numbers that may represent a typical quarry application.
The production target was 544 tonnes (600 tons) per hour.
Unlike the previous test that compared the maximum production
potential of the loaders, the purpose of this test was to try to
duplicate what a customer may see in a more typical quarry
application where crusher limitations, truck wait time, sorting
oversize material, etc., is common. In these conditions, the
customer may not be able to take full advantage of the loaders
maximum productivity potential. The purpose of this test
was to document the fuel efficiency of the 988G in more
typical conditions.
988F II

This test was performed in rock that was easy loading. Each loader
three pass loaded 769s. Cycle times were recorded with a computer
and each truck was weighed with portable scales. Fuel was also
recorded by weighing the portable tanks before and after each test.

988G

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Production Data

Cycle Time (minutes)

Travel Loaded
Dump
Travel Empty
Load
Total Cycle Time
Production*
Truck Transfer Time
1st Dump
Remaining Passes
Total Truck Load Time
Trucks/60 min. hr.
Average Bucket
Payload t (T)
Average Truck
Payload t (T)
*Tonnes (tons)/60 min. hr.
988F II Baseline

988F II

988G

0.120
0.087
0.114
0.108
0.429

0.116
0.099
0.112
0.107
0.434

2.5
0.087
0.86
3.45
17.40
10.43
(11.50)
31.29
(34.50)
544.5
(600.3)
100%

2.5
0.099
0.87
3.47
17.31
10.61
(11.70)
31.84
(35.10)
551.1
(607.6)
101%

* Production is based on average loader cycle time and does not include normal
delays such as truck transfer time, cleanup, etc.

Fuel
Liter/hr. (gal/hr.)
988F II Baseline
gal/hr.

35.01
(9.25)

31.42
(8.30)

100%

90%

Conclusions
To ensure the lowest cost per tonne (ton) in applications that do
not require a wheel loaders maximum productivity potential,
improvements in areas such as machine availability, lower tire
costs and better fuel efficiency must be made. This test, in which
both loaders produced about the same, reflects the 988Gs fuel
efficiency advantage.

TEXR0338-PR-988G,FII,FII HL

Test Three

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The load and carry test consisted of loading from the rock face
and dumping into a 769. The 769s were used to simulate a crusher
hopper. The 988G and 988F II standard lift each loaded two passes
into the truck, which was then weighed. There were two trucks
used so that both loaders could run continuously. Cycle times
were recorded with a computer. The 988G was equipped with
ride control, auto shift and a lock up converter but they were not
used because the 988F II was not equipped with these options.
The load and carry course consisted of 36.5 meters (120 feet) of
+3 percent grade, 22 meters (71 feet) of + 4 percent grade and a
ramp that was 22 meters (71 feet) of +15 percent grade. The return
was a mirror image. Material was 203-254 millimeter (8-10 inch)
rock with a density of approximately 1661 kilograms per loose
cubic meter (2800 pounds per loose cubic yard).

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Production Data

Cycle Time (minutes)

Travel Loaded
Dump
Travel Empty
Load
Total Cycle Time
Production*
Cycles/60 min. hr.
Bucket Size m3 (yd3)
Total Tonnes (tons)/
Study Period
Average Bucket
Payload t (T)
Bucket Fill Factor
*Tonnes (tons)/60 min. hr.
988F II Baseline

988F II

988G HL

0.524
0.068
0.338
0.139
1.069

0.493
0.058
0.326
0.136
1.013

56.1
6.3
(8.25)
109.93
(121.20)
9.16
(10.10)
87%
514
(567)
100%

59.2
6.4
(8.33)
116.05
(127.95)
9.67
(10.66)
91%
572
(631)
111%

* Production is based on average loader cycle time and does not include normal
delays such as truck transfer time, cleanup, etc.

Fuel
Tonnes/Liter (Tons/gal)
Liter/hr. (gal/hr.)
988F II Baseline
gal/hr.

31.7
(34.9)
61.51
(16.25)

34
(38)
62.87
(16.61)

100%

109%

Conclusions
Faster load times and travel times are a result in part to the 988Gs
Cat 3456 engine. The 3456 provides better engine response, thus
better overall vehicle response than the 988F IIs Cat 3408E
engine. Utilizing load and carry features such as ride control and
the lock up torque converter would further enhance the 988Gs
productivity advantage.

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The information contained herein is intended for circulation only to Caterpillar and dealer employees whose duties require knowledge of such reports and
is intended exclusively for their information and training. It may contain unverified analysis and facts observed by various Caterpillar or dealer employees.
However, effort has been made to provide reliable results regarding any information comparing Caterpillar built and competitive machines. Effort has been
made to use the latest available spec sheet and other material in the full understanding that these are subject to change without notice. Any reproduction
of this release without the foregoing explanation is prohibited.

TEXR0338
December 2000
www.CAT.com
2000 Caterpillar
Printed in U.S.A.