Robust Structures

Your bottom line is improved by highly durable structures that achieve multiple life cycles and withstand the toughest loading conditions.

• Full box-section rear frame resists torsional shock and twisting forces.
• Heavy-duty steering cylinder mounts efficiently transmit steering loads into the frame.
• Axle mounting has been optimized for increased structural integrity.
• Lower hitch pin, frame plate, and bearing size have been increased for longer life.

Lift Arms

• Excellent visibility to the bucket edges and work area through a Z-bar design.
• High load stresses are absorbed by the solid steel lift arms.
• Enhance strength in key pin areas through the use of one piece castings.
• Stress relieved lift arms increase durability and lengthen time to repair.

Front Linkage

To ensure long life and reliability, the linkage pin joints feature a greased pin design with an auto lube system attachment available from the factory.

Steering and Transmission Integrated Control System (stic™)

Experience maximum responsiveness and control with STIC that combines directional selection, gear selection and steering into a single lever.

• Simple side-to-side motion turns machine right or left, minimizing operator movements.
• Easy to operate finger controlled gear selection.
• Smoother, faster cycles and less operator fatigue through the use of low effort integrated controls.

Cat Planetary Powershift Transmission

Building your success begins with a best-in-class transmission designed specifically for mining applications.

• Consistent, smooth shifting and efficiency through integrated electronic controls that utilize Advanced Productivity Electronic Control Strategy (APECS).
• Long life and reliability through heat treat gear and metallurgy.
• Four forward and three reverse speeds to match your application.

Cat C18 Engine

Durability and efficiency at the heart of your 988K comes from the Cat C18 Engine. Optimum performance is built in through the use of a 6 cylinder, four-stroke design.

• Optimized performance and quick engine response with an electronic control module.
• Reliable efficiency with complete control over injection timing, duration and pressure with Mechanically Actuated Electronic Unit Injection (MEUI™).
• Extended engine life and improved fuel efficiency with reduced rated speed.
• Designed to meet Tier 4 Final/Stage IV OR Tier 3/Stage IIIA Equivalent OR Tier 2/Stage II Equivalent emission standards.

Impeller Clutch Torque Converter (ictc) and Rimpull Control System (rcs)

Lower your cost per ton utilizing advanced ICTC and RCS for modulated rimpull.

• Reduce tire slippage and wear by modulating rimpull from 100 to 25 percent while depressing left pedal. After 25 percent rimpull is achieved the left pedal applies the brake.
• Reduce the potential for wheel slippage without reducing hydraulic efficiency with RCS.
• Improve fuel efficiency in certain applications with our lock-up clutch torque converter providing direct drive.

Positive Flow Control Hydraulics

Increase efficiency through our Positive Flow Control (PFC) Hydraulic System. PFC has concurrent pump and valve control. By optimizing pump control, hydraulic oil flow is proportionate to implement lever movement.

• Fast, productive cycles are enabled by the fully variable implement pump.
• Increase bucket feel and control through increased hydraulic response.
• Consistent performance and efficiency with lower system heat.
• Full hydraulic flow down to 1,400 engine rpm enabled by flow sharing technology.

Electro Hydraulic Controls

Operators increase productivity with our responsive implements feature.

• Operate comfortably through electronically controlled hydraulic cylinder stops.
• Handle easy-to-use soft detent controls.
• Conveniently set automatic implement kickouts from inside the cab.

Steering System

Confident loader operation starts with precise machine control enabled by the 988K’s load sensing hydraulic steering system.

• Increase efficiency with our variable displacement piston pumps.
• Achieve precise positioning for easy loading in tight areas with 43 degrees of steering articulation.
• Enhance operator comfort with integrated steering and transmission control functions.

Filtration System

Benefit from extended performance and reliability of your hydraulic system with our advanced filtration system.

• Case drain screens.
• Hydraulic oil cooler return filter.
• Pilot filter.
• Return screens inside hydraulic tank.
• Axle oil cooler screens if equipped.

Your operators can work more efficiently and stay comfortable with our customer-inspired cab features.

Entry and Exit

Enter and exit the cab easily and safely with these newly designed, ergonomic features.

• Fold up STIC steer/armrest.
• Reduced access stairway angles.
• Standard stairway lighting.

Cat Comfort Series Iii Seat

Enhance comfort and helps reduce operator fatigue with Cat Comfort Series III seat.

• Mid back design and extra thick, contoured cushions.
• Air suspension system.
• Easy-to-reach seat levers and controls for six way adjustments.
• Seat-mounted implement pod and STIC steer that moves with the seat.
• 76 mm (3 in) wide retractable seat belt.

Control Panel

Ergonomic placement of switches and information display keep your operators comfortable all day every day.

• Large backlit membrane switches feature LED activation indicators.
• Switches feature ISO symbols for quick function identification.
• Two position rocker switch activates the electro hydraulic park brake.

Environment

Your operator’s productivity is enhanced with our clean, comfortable cab environment.

• Experience reduced vibrations from isolated cab mounts and seat air suspension.
• Maintain desired cab temperature with automatic temperature controls.
• Pressurized cab with filtered air.
• Reduced operator sound levels.
• Convenient floor storage tray/lunch box.

Integrated electronics provide flexible levels of information to both the site and the operator. This integration creates a smart machine and more informed operator, maximizing the productivity of both.

Information Display

We have worked hard to help our customers and operators perform at their best through our newly upgraded touch screen information display.

• Intuitive operation and easy navigation with our enhanced user interface.
• Decrease service time by keeping operators informed about machine systems.
• Quick on-the-go weighing with the Cat Production Measurement.

Cat Product Link™

With the Product Link telematics system, you no longer have to rely on guesswork when managing your machine.

• Access information through the easy-to-use VisionLink® website.
• Optimization of the machine availability through constant accessible information about machine systems and diagnostic codes.
• Track machine health with overviews of productivity, fuel consumption and payload.
• Up-to-date information on machine location, operating hours and geopolitical jurisdiction.

Vital Information Management System (vims™)

Connect directly to the machine for access to a wide range of sensor information and enhanced machine data.

• Create productivity reports with payload and work cycle segmentation.
• Identify operator training needs through productivity data.
• Detailed data logging of machine parameters and diagnostic codes.
• Track machine sensor information with trend analysis and histograms to monitor machine health.