VGN301SV

• Pilot controls fornew BHL’s

• Meeting the emis-sions challenge

• 988G production study

• 20,000th H-SeriesMotor Grader

Winter 2001

Caterpillar Magazine

In this issue

3 News

The new D-Series backhoe loader lineincludes two high-spec models with low-

effort pilot controls for the loader andbackhoe.

4/5 Emissions Challenge

Caterpillar is meeting the forthcomingemissions regulations with a new range of

electronically controlled engines. Theseengines offer increased performance, whilehaving reduced noise levels and the lowest

emissions levels ever.

7/8/9 Systems & Solutions

An independent production study hasshown that the 988G is more productive

and efficient than the earlier 988F SeriesII in typical loading and hauling applica-

tions.

10 Minerals 2002

Caterpillar is helping the recently formedEuropean Minerals Foundation to show

how minerals enhance the lives of the 650million people that live in Europe.

12/13 Panorama

A Challenger 55 tractor has provided aninnovative solution for a Belgian soil stabil-

isation project, and a 345B excavator ishelping a Norwegian shipping company to

shorten its loading and unloading times.

18 Customer Support

Customer Service Agreements are provid-ing a UK aggregates company with an

adaptable support package

19 Milestones

A French contractor has taken delivery ofthe 20,00th Cat H-Series motor grader.

The new D-Series increases Caterpillar’s offer-ing in the backhoe loader market with fiveside-shift models designed to meet the needs ofcustomers in Europe, Africa and the MiddleEast. These include the entry-level 424D andtwo high-spec models with low-effort pilotcontrols for the loader and backhoe. Increasing product differentiation on the 432Dand 442D, the new control layout comprises amulti-function loader control and excavator-style backhoe controls with pod mounted joy-sticks. "This arrangement allows the backhoe controlsto be moved independently of the seat, ensur-ing that the operator always remains in a com-fortable and safe operating position, even dur-ing deep excavation jobs," says Paul Ross,product manager at Caterpillar (UK) Ltd. "Itrepresents a significant advance in backhoeloader design and offers clear benefits overother BHL manufacturers."The new backhoe loaders retain theproven C-Series design features,including a fuel-efficient Cat® dieselengine and a power-shuttle transmis-sion that allows on-the-go speed anddirection changes. An auto-shift trans-mission option with five forward gearsand a useful kick-down facility allows

operators to match gear ratios to road and siteconditions for increased comfort and efficien-cy.Backhoe performance is improved by a 10 per-cent increase in boom and stick forces (not on424D); and a high rotation bucket linkage thatimproves the digging envelope. A ‘narrowframe’ backhoe option makes the 424D and428D ideal for applications where space andaccess are limited. New longer life, self-lubri-cating wear pads reduce maintenance on thestabilisers and optional extending stick.Operator comfort is enhanced by a new cabinterior that offers reduced sound levels, an airsuspension seat, an improved heating and ven-tilating system, pilot operated stabiliser con-trols and easy-to-read, white face gauges.

News

3

Increased Backhoe Loader Offering

D-Series Backhoe Loaders

Number of models 7 (5 side-shift)

Rated power 55 to 70 kW

Loader bucket capacity 1.0 to 1.03 m3

Backhoe dig depth 4.85 metres

Operating weight 7.5 to 7.8 tonnes

Today, climate change and air quality are twomajor concerns. Governments on both sides ofthe Atlantic are committed to reducing theeffects of man-made air pollutants. Morestringent standards are being put in place tolimit emissions of noxious gases andparticulates released by industries and

combustion engines. The aim is to reducecarbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse

gases to 1990levels.

To supportthis goal, the US

EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA), the California AirResources Board (CARB) and the EuropeanCommission have enacted similar standardsthat have led to a staged introduction ofemissions regulations. In Europe, Stage Ibegan in 1999, Stage II in 2001. By 2004, allnew off-highway equipment from 18 to 560kW sold into the European Union mustconform to Stage II emissions regulations.

Stage II standards set unprecedented engineemission limits. Technological changes broughtabout by these new standards represent the

most important development in industrialdiesel engines for many years.

Diesel is ubiquitous and plays a vital role in awide range of activities of critical importanceto the economy. The challenge for constructionequipment and engine manufacturers is tomaintain and improve power and performancelevels of diesel engines whilst achieving thelower emissions standards. The greatest stepfor significant advances in fuel economy andemissions reduction is the use of next-generation "clean diesel engines".

Increasingly, the latest dieseltechnology is being recognizedas having environmentaladvantages over othercombustion engines. As theworld's most efficientinternal combustion engine,diesel offers greater safety,more durability andreliability, more power andbetter fuel efficiency – upto 45-60 % – than gasolineor natural gas alternatives. Italso emits smaller amountsof CO, hydrocarbons andCO2 than gasoline engines.Great progress has alreadybeen accomplished in thereduction of particulate matterand nitrogen oxides (NOx)with solutions that Caterpillarhas largely contributed todevelop, such as improved fueldelivery and combustionchamber design, turbo chargingand electronic fuel injection.

Meeting tomorrow’s stricterstandards and delivering value interms of performance, fuelefficiency, reliability and operating

Emissions Challenge

4

Diesel Engines For NewEmissions Challenges

Governments on

both sides of the

Atlantic are

committed to

reducing the

effects of man-

made air

pollutants.

Caterpillar is meeting the forthcoming emissions regulations with

a new range of electronically controlled engines. These engines

offer increased performance, while having reduced noise levels

and the lowest emissions levels ever.

Emissions Challenge

5

cost will be best achieved with advancedelectronic engine controls technology. For itspart, Caterpillar has spent over $250m todevelop electronic engines for non-roadequipment that are compliant with bothEuropean and US emission standards. Thismajor investment is recouped by Caterpillar'simportant participation in the on-road market,where equivalent regulations are beingenforced.

Electronics built into Caterpillar’s new dieselengines are the core component of anunprecedented system solution for ourcustomers. Caterpillar supports electronicsbecause they represent a long-term solution.With electronics, Caterpillar engines providemaximum value to customers with suchfeatures as integrated power management,improved fuel efficiency, easier maintenanceand reduced associated costs.

To date, Caterpillar has developed two majorinnovations for its electronically controlledengines: Electronically-controlled UnitInjectors (EUI) and the Electronic ControlModule (ECM) that improve engineperformance and efficiency. Caterpillar hasalso pioneered the use of air-to-air after-cooling, resulting in significantly reduced NOxemissions.

The output and performance of new Caterpillarengines has increased. Yet, these engines havereduced noise levels and the lowest emissionslevels ever. Their advanced electronic systemshave been designed to meet worldwideemission requirements through 2004, andbeyond – with the introduction of the newACERT technology.

Caterpillar has

developed two

major innovations

for its electronically-

controlled engines

The 345B Series II offers a number ofnew design features to

increase productivity, fueland operator

efficiency. Theseinclude: 10

percent morehorsepower

from the Stage II emissions-compliant Cat3176C engine; a boom lowering controldevice that ensures more precise andsmoother control of the boom in liftingapplications; and the Cat exclusive SmartBoomTM. The Smart Boom allows the 45/50 tonne classexcavator’s boom to go down under its ownweight, simultaneously increasing the pump

flow to other machine functions. Thisprovides superior operator comfort,

reduced cycle times andenhanced fuel efficiency

in most applicationsincluding truck loading,rock-scraping andhammer work.

New 45 Tonne Excavator

News

6

The 950G Series II through to the 980G SeriesII are all powered by new electronicallycontrolled diesel engines that meet the EUStage II emissions regulations. The new emissions compliant engines featurehigh-pressure unit injection fuel systems, air-to-air aftercooling and an advanced electronicengine management system. This provideslevels of performance, reliability, fuel economyand operating flexibility well beyond thecapabilities of traditional mechanicallycontrolled engines. One example of the benefits of electronicengine management is the facility to integrateall engine/transmission controls, for maximumsystem efficiency and increased protectionfrom operator abuse. Serviceability is alsoimproved by the use of advancedtroubleshooting and diagnostics, and a filter/oilchange interval that has been doubled to 500-hours.

The five new 134 to 231 kW class wheelloaders feature an improved cooling systemand an uprated cab. Cab enhancements includea wider front windscreen, a new seat, animproved air conditioning system and a newinstrument panel with the latest EMS IIIelectronic monitoring system that features aneasier to read display and indicator lights.Functionality is also improved on machineswith the optional electro-hydraulic implementcontrols, for increased operator comfort andefficiency.

New Loaders Feature Emissions-Compliant Electronic Engines

Minerals 2002

7

Minerals are an essential part of today’ssociety. In fact, almost everything that is built,manufactured or grown is produced with theaid of minerals. Everything from the bricks inour homes, to the cars that we drive and thecrops we eat.The importance of minerals is, nevertheless,often overlooked by the public andgovernments when it comes to the siting of anew quarry or mine. It is with this in mind that the recently formedEuropean Minerals Foundation has set out toput the record straight. The foundation’sobjective is to show how minerals enhance thelives of the 650 million people that live inEurope.Known as Minerals 2002, the Europe-wideinitiative aims to build on the success of asimilar UK-based event in 1998 that attractedaround 100,000 people to a year-long programof conferences, special events and quarry opendays.Having been launched at the Hillhead 2001Quarry and Recycling exhibition in June, the

Minerals 2002

program is now being rolled out across theUK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain andScandinavia. Associations in other countriesare also being approached. The initiative has also attracted the support ofCaterpillar that has announced its participationas the principal sponsor.Speaking at the launch of Minerals 2002,Minerals 2002 chairman John Mortimerwelcomed Caterpillar’s decision to back theinitiative. He also said that explaining what itdoes and why it does it is essential to thefuture success of the European mineralsindustry.This observation was echoed by Caterpillar’sQuarry and Aggregates Industry manager JimHawkins."The European minerals industry has a vitalrole to play in achieving sustainabledevelopment," said Hawkins. "Everyone usesminerals and yet often they do not make thelink to the mines and quarries where they areproduced. Explaining the positive role of theindustry will be a core objective of thisinitiative and we are pleased to be associatedwith it."

Caterpillar Supports Minerals 2002

Systems & Solutions

8

First seen at MinExpo 2000, the 988G isCaterpillar’s all-new wheel loader in the 335 to373 kW class. Larger and more powerful than the 988F SeriesII, it is designed for production loading andbulk materials handling duties where users arelooking for the lowest cost per tonne. This isachieved with a machine that offers manyinnovative design features that result in:increased performance and efficiency;improved reliability and durability; and new

levels of operator comfort andserviceability.

Design features like theboom-style loader linkagethat has three times the

torsional strength of theparallel linkage layout, while

offering an increased dumpclearance, higher digging and lift forces,

and improved visibility to the corners of thebucket.

Then there are the electronically controlledengine, transmission and hydraulic system thatincrease the 988G’s fuel efficiency by up to 15percent over the 988F Series II; and thespacious new cab with its electro-hydraulicloader controls and the now familiar STICcontrol system that combines all thetransmission and steering functions into onejoystick-type lever, eliminating the need for asteering wheel.These design features have proved popularwith the first 988G customers with the earliestmachines having already recorded over 8,000hours in tough quarry applications. They alsoattracted the interest of the UK constructionmagazine Building Trade and Industry thatinvited Caterpillar to put the machine througha BTI site test.This involved BTI testing the 988G in a seriesof typical quarry applications at the Catproving ground in Tucson, Arizona. The test program enabled BTI to measure the

New Loader Demonstrates ProductivityAdvantage

An independent production study has shown that the 988G is

more productive and efficient than the earlier 988F Series II in

typical loading and hauling applications.

The 988G is

designed for

production loading

and bulk materials

handling

50 tonne machine’s productivity in both faceand stockpile loading applications where it wasexpected to load 38/40-tonne-payload Cat®769D and 771D off-highway trucks. A third test provided figures for load-and-carryoperation where the loader was working over aone-way haul distance of 71 metres with anadverse gradient of 3 to 4 percent. Thisincreased to 14 percent over the last 15 metresas the loader approached the trucks that weresited to represent a crusher hopper.The 988G was equipped for the tests with a 6.4m3 quarry bucket and operated by anexperienced Cat demonstrator. A productivityreference point was provided in the shape of aCat 988F Series II equipped with a 6.3 m3rock bucket.Accurate measurements of the two machines’productivity and fuel economy were ensured bythe use of auxiliary fuel tanks and on-siteweigh scales to calculate the amount ofmaterial moved. BTI worked all the productionfigures back to a 50-minute hour to simulatethe conditions of a typical quarry applicationwhere time would be needed for spotting thetrucks and cleaning the quarry floor.The BTI test report showed that when the twoloaders performed the face-loading test the988G’s extra power and higher breakout forces

really showed through with the new machineable to get a far more impressive bucket fillfactor. This resulted in the 988G being 17percent more productive and using eightpercent less fuel than the 988F Series II, givingthe new machine an efficiency advantage of 36percent more tonnes per litre of fuel.With the machine’s hydraulic system switchedto its loose material mode, the 988G was five

Systems & Solutions

9

988G Productivity Test Results

Load-and-Carry

Stockpile Loading

Rock Face Loading

482

1.387

1.256

0 250 500 750 1.000 1.250 1.500

Output (tonnes per 50 min hour)

Continue on next page

The 988G was

equipped for the

tests with a 6.4m3

quarry bucket

Systems & Solutions

10

percent more productive than the 988F SeriesII in the stockpile loading test and eightpercent more productive in the load-and-carrytest. When these figures were combined withthe two machines’ fuel consumption in the twotests, it resulted in a 23 percent fuel efficiencyadvantage for the 988G in the stockpileloading test and a 14 percent advantage in theload-and-carry test.So what does all this mean for customers thatare looking for a new 6.0 to 7.0 m3 class

wheel loader. "Quite a lot," according to BTIeditor Dan Gilkes."The 988F Series II was a competitivemachine, but the 988G offers quarry owners alower cost per tonne in typical loading andhauling applications," says Gilkes. "The 988G bristles with new technology thatmakes it more productive and efficient than itspredecessor. It is also easier to operate andcheaper to maintain. You can’t ask for morethan that."

The 988G bristles

with new technology

that makes it more

productive and

efficient than its

predecessor

988G Fuel Consumption Test Results

56

54

52

50

48

46

44

42

51 47,8 56

Rock FaceLoading

Stockpile Loading

Load-and-Carry

Fuel Used (litres per 50 min hour)

Technology

11

While some engine manufactures strive tomeet the requirements of the Tier 2/Stage IIemissions regulations for diesel engines,Caterpillar has turned its attention to meetingthe even more exacting Tier 3 standards.This dedication to safeguarding theenvironment has delivered a significantbreakthrough in emissions technology that willallow Cat engines to meet Tier 3 andanticipated Stage III regulations without cooledexhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems.Technical details of the new ACERT(Advanced Combustion Emissions ReductionTechnology) system have not been disclosed.But Caterpillar explains that it combinesadvanced combustion technology, next-generation fuel systems, advanced integratedcontrols and after treatment to improve on theexcellent emissions standards of Caterpillarengines.By controlling emissions through theimprovement of engine combustionperformance, Caterpillar also succeeds inreducing noise emissions. ACERT alsoimproves engine performance and has thecapacity to eliminate exhaust odour withoutaffecting engine reliability and durability. Ofparticular interest to Original Equipment

Manufacturer customers will be the minimalamount of change required in applicationengineering when switching to ACERT-equipped engines to comply with Tier-3 /anticipated Stage-III regulations."ACERT offers an optimal emissions solutionto our European engine customers and globalengine market," says Roberto Dionisio, PowerSystems manager for Caterpillar SARL(Europe, Africa and the Middle East).According to Dionisio, the simplicity of theinstallation will greatly benefits Caterpillar’scommercial engine customers, while offering asmooth and rapid transition to comply with thenext generation of emission regulations."The ACERT system leverages Caterpillar’sexpertise in the latest engine designtechnology, next generation fuel systemtechnology, and integrated electronic controlsystems. Since ACERT-equipped engines havesignificantly fewer components than EGR-based engines, the new hardware requirementsfor our industrial customers are minimizedduring the transition to Tier-3 and anticipatedStage-III compliant engines."

Redefining Clean PowerACERT will greatly benefit Caterpillar’s commercial engine cus-

tomers

Focus on Cat

The versatility of the Caterpillar track-mountedChallenger tractor has seen it work in manydiverse applications from agriculture toconstruction. But a specialist Belgiancontractor is using a 168 kW Challenger 55 inan innovative and possibly unique application:soil stabilisation.The family-owned Cloet company from Pittem,Flanders specialises in soil stabilisation usinglime or cement to provide a firm, stable basefor earthworks and construction projects."Traditionally, wet ground conditions canhamper the progress of earthmoving work,"explains Daniel Cloet. "By treating the soilwith lime and cement, we can ensure that workcan continue in very poor weather conditions,without the need for large quantities ofimported fill material."

Soil stabilisation in such poor groundconditions requires a very special machine,according to Cloet; a machine that is powerful,manoeuvrable and, above all, with low groundpressure characteristics. "We use theChallenger 55 to tow a heavy milling machinewith a 2.5 metre wide rotor that treats the soilto a depth of up to 500 mm," Cloet explains. Cloet believes that the pulling power of thetractor combined with a ground bearingpressure of just 300 gr/cm2, makes it ideallysuited to this application. "In the past, we haveused a traditional tractor but that had to usehalf its engine power simply to move across amuddy site," Cloet continues. "The hightractive force of the Challenger 55 means thereis more power available to mill and mix thesoil for greater productivity."

A Challenger 55 tractor has

provided an innovative solu-

tion for a Belgian soil stabil-

isation project,

12

Rising to theChallenge

Systems & Solutions

13

Shipping companies like Norway’s Rolf Wagleonly earn money when their ships are at sea.When the ships are in port, the company iseffectively losing revenue. For this reason, the company recentlypurchased a new Cat 345B Material Handlerfrom local dealer Pay & Brinck. Equipped witha clamshell bucket and a logging grapple, themachine is shortening loading and unloadingtimes on the company’s largest ship, the 4,500tonne "Liv" that transports timber and woodchips between Tallin in Estonia and theBorregards timber yard at Sarpsborg, Norway.The Material Handler is based on a Caterpillar345B hydraulic excavator but incorporatesmany unique features that make it ideallysuited to materials handling and long reachduties. It has a maximum reach of 16.0 metresand a lifting capacity of 4.1 tonnes on astraight linkage. This configuration, combinedwith the 1.5 m2 logging grapple and 4.5 m3capacity clamshell allows the Cat 345B MH tounload the Liv at a rate of around 350 m3 perhour. Other important features of the machineinclude an under-mounted stick cylinder forgreater lift capacity; reinforced upper structure;air conditioning; and automatic lubrication andcorrosion resistant fluids to protect it from theeffects of seawater.The machine will be expected to clock up

more than 2,200 hours per year and has alreadyproved a highly productive solution to RalfWagle’s needs. "The productivity of the Cat345B MH is limited only by the timberprocessing capacity in the harbour," thecompany reports.

Cat Materials Handler Improves Port Efficiency

A 345B excavator is helping a Norwegian shipping company to

shorten its loading and unloading times.

The 345B has a

maximum reach of 16

metres and a lifting

capacity of 4.1 tonnes

Systems & Solutions

The efficient transport of constructionmachines between job sites is an integral partof every equipment owner and operator’s workduties. But there is more to equipmenttransportation than merely ensuring that theright machine arrives at the right time. Increasingly stringent safety and transportregulations impose tight controls onmovements of equipment. And with theincrease in cross-border working, a clearunderstanding of different countries’ legislationis often essential. While it would beimpractical to produce an exhaustive list of allthe regulations in force across Europe, Africaand the Middle East, we offer the followingguidance.

The first step is to measure the width andheight of the machine to be transported. Yourlocal road haulage association or police forcewill be able to advise you on local regulationsgoverning width restrictions on your chosenroute. A critical step is to measure themachine’s height, particularly if you will betravelling under bridges and overpasses.Generally, keep the overall height from theground to the highest point of the machinebelow 4.0 metres. Removal of exhaust stack orROPS may be required to stay below thisheight.

When loading the machine onto a low loaderor trailer, wear a hard hat, gloves, safetyglasses and proper footwear. Most importantly,wear your seat belt. If something goes wrong,this will keep you on the machine, the safestplace to be. The following tips will help ensurepersonal safety:

• Make sure the trailer or low loader is onlevel, firm ground before loading.

• Check all brake and light connections • Ensure the trailer or low loader can handle

the machine weight and check safety chainsat the hitch.

• Remove loose objects such as wood blocksfrom the trailer bed. Likewise, clean rocksand debris from the machine.

• Balance the machine’s weight evenly acrossall axles for optimum stability. Use a"spotter" to assist with proper placement.

• After balancing the machine on the trailer,lower all implements, lock the controls andapply the parking brake. As always, use threepoints of contact

There are many important points to consider when you are

preparing to transport equipment between jobs. Caterpillar

Magazine provides a list of simple guidelines that will help make

the job as simple and efficient as possible

Increasingly stringent

safety and transport

regulations impose

tight controls on

movements

of equipment

14

Getting to the Next

Systems & Solutions

15

when getting off the machine.• Tape over the exhaust stack port to prevent

possible damage to the turbo.

Equally important in the safe transportation ofequipment is the way a machine is fixed to thetrailer. Your machine’s Operation andMaintenance Manual will identify the propertie-down locations. The number of chainsrequired will vary with each machine butCaterpillar recommends the use of one 9.5 mmgrade seven chain for every 3,855 kg ofmachine weight.

As you tie down the machine, ensure thatchains do not come into

contact with hydraulic or electric lines,suspension components or any other items thatmight be damaged. For optimum chain strengthand to prevent unnecessary wear, a chainshould be straight and not wrapped arounditself.An oversize long or wide load will require bothfront and rear signs and will almost certainlyrequire special permits and, in extreme cases, a police escort.

For more details of proper chaining techniquesplease consult the Caterpillar Prime ProductHandling Guide (TIR 89-G2), available fromyour local dealer.

Equally important is

the way a machine is

fixed to the trailer.

Job Site

Customer Support

16

In previous editions, we have explored themany ways in which Caterpillar is striving tomeet and exceed the increasingly stringentengine emissions regulations being enactedthroughout the world. But it is equallyimportant for you, the equipment user, tounderstand the role you can play in keepingyour engines operating at the lowest possibleemissions.Particulates are the biggest single contaminantproblem in your engine’s fuel system andshould be tackled with an efficient filter.Caterpillar recommends a two-micron fuelfilter to ensure maximum protection fromsmaller contaminants that can cause damagewith today’s tighter engine tolerances. Forfurther protection, you should avoid pouringfuel into the fuel filter element when installinga filter; and keep all filters in their packaginguntil they are needed to limit the ingress ofdust and dirt. A worn fuel system can generateexcess smoke and the engine will not operate

at peak efficiency.Off-highway fuel regulations require that thefuel contain no more than 0.5 percent sulfur.Many off-highway fuel suppliers provide fuelsimilar to on-highway fuel, or 0.05 percentsulfur. Operating your engine on lower sulfurfuel will extend the engine life, extend the oilchange interval and benefit the environment byreducing the sulfur in the air. We all know thatwater is corrosive. Excessive water in your fuelcan lead to pump damage in fuel systems thatuse fuel oil to lubricate the pump. Water canfind its way into your fuel system either duringshipment or as a result of condensation duringstorage. To avoid this, fuel should be purchasedfrom a reputable source; and fuel/waterseparators should be used whenever possible.As a further tip, fuel tanks should be filled atthe end of each day to minimise condensation.Corrosion of the fuel system can generateexcess

TheEmissionsMission

Good management is essential your want your machines’

engines to keep operating at the lowest possible emissions.

Operating your engine

on lower sulphur fuel

will extend the engine

life, extend the oil

change interval and

benefit the environment

Customer Support

17

smoke and the engine will not operate at peakefficiency.To further reduce engine emissions, itimportant to understand the types of emissionsa diesel engine can produce and the role thatparts wear plays in emissions and, ultimately,engine performance.Diesel engines produce emissions that includeoxides of nitrogen (NOx) and hydrocarbons(HC), both of which contribute to the

destruction of the Earth’s ozone layer; carbonmonoxide (CO); sulphur dioxide (SO2);particulate matter (PM); and smoke. Yourengine is designed to meet the regulations foreach of these emissions, both when the engineis new and during the useful life. Eventually,engine wear will result in reduced engineefficiency and increased emissions. Increasedoil consumption is usually the first sign ofengine wear. You should monitor yourturbocharger seals and check for blowby tomake sure your piston rings are in goodcondition.There are many other steps you can take tohelp control engine emissions, many of whichcan be found in your owner’s instructions.Most important among these is to practicegood maintenance procedures; and use goodoperations practices like warming the enginebefore putting it under a load.Caterpillar engine design improvements suchas electronic controls and unit injected fuelsystems have reduced emissions greatly. Butthe way you maintain and operate your engineswill have an equally big impact on emissionsand will have the added benefit of making yourengine run longer and more efficiently."

To further reduce

engine emissions, it is

important to know the

types of emissions a

diesel engine can

produce

Customer Support

18

The world has changed a lot since Robert Brettstarted his fledgling haulage and roadmaintenance business in Kent, south-eastEngland, at the beginning of the last century.The basic factors affecting the purchase andoperation of construction machines arenevertheless the same today as they were backin 1909 when the company, now known as theBrett Group, purchased its first steam-poweredwagons and excavators."You must first ensure that you buy the rightequipment at the rightprice," says the BrettGroup’s chief buyerColin Smith. "Somebodythen has to acceptresponsibility forkeeping the equipmentserviced and maintained."Otherwise it will be lessproductive, less reliableand more costly to own.The equipment will alsohave a lower residualvalue when the timecomes for it to bereplaced."Smith also believes that

the advanced design features of today’sconstruction machines make it increasinglyimpractical for companies like the Brett Groupto look after their own maintenance. "Themachines are generally more reliable and mucheasier to service and maintain, but the toolingand specialist knowledge that is needed makesit difficult to justify having your ownworkshops and engineers."The Brett Group has, therefore, turned to itsequipment suppliers for the all-importantsupport services needed to keep its large fleetof trucks, wheel loaders and excavatorscorrectly maintained.Smith reports that the most recent example ofthe company’s new approach to equipmentmaintenance was its purchase of eight newCat® machines, including a 322B Excavatorand seven Wheel Loaders, from a 938G to a980G. These machines, which have gone towork in the company’s quarries, landfill sites,concrete and aggregates plants, are all coveredby a Customer Service Agreement (CSA)supplied by the local Cat dealer."Finning (UK) Ltd. provides a completesupport package, which can be tailored to ourspecific operational requirements," says Smith."This gives us the flexibility we need, whileallowing us to focus on what we do best."

CSAs Provide Adaptable Support Package

Colin Smith of the Brett Group (right) with Finning (UK) Ltd’sCustomer Service Salesman Bob Willmore

Somebody then has to accept responsibility for keeping the

equipment serviced and maintained.

Panorama

19

Graders Pass Major Milestone

In June this year, French Caterpillar dealerBergerat Monnoyeur sold the 20,000th Cat H-Series motor grader. This milestone wasachieved with the delivery of a 138 kW Cat140H to GTM Construction in Marseilles, oneof the largest contractors in France and a long-time advocate of Caterpillar motor graders.The H-Series comprises 10 models includingtwo with all-wheel drive and has been availablesince 1998. In that time they have been soldacross the globe, providing high performancein applications as diverse haul roadmaintenance on construction and mining sites,the construction and maintenance of dirt roadsin developing countries and snow clearance. Manufactured at Caterpillar’s Piracicaba,Brazil and Decatur Illinois plants, the H-Seriesmachines incorporate improved hydraulics,efficient direct drive and an Engine PowerManagement (EPM) system that helps reducetyre wear and fuel consumption. The H-Series machines build on the provenreputation for performance and reliabilityestablished by the earlier G-Series unitslaunched by Caterpillar in 1973. Together,almost 100,000 machines from these familieshave been sold in the past 28 years, confirming

Caterpillar’s position as a world leader inmotor graders.Caterpillar’s involvement in this industry sectorstretches back to the turn of the last centurywith the Holt self-propelled motor grader builtin 1906. Rigid frame motor graders became anintegral part of the Caterpillar product line in1931 with the introduction of the Cat AutoPatrol. These machines clearly carried the Caterpillarstamp of reliability and durability. A 1937Auto Patrol grader is still being used on a dailybasis by Gordon Cornish in Klekdorp, SouthAfrica, more than 64years since it rolledoff the Caterpillarproduction line. Thebig question is then,where in the worldwill GTM’s 2001vintage Cat 140H beworking and who willit be at its controls in65 years time.

The H-Series builds on the proven reputation for performance

and reliability established by the earlier G-Series