Technical Description
The Caterpillar 980K Wheel Loader features a Cat C13 ACERT six-cylinder engine delivering a net power of 369 hp (275 kW) at 1,800 rpm, with a maximum gross power of up to 402 hp (300 kW) under ISO conditions. It has a fixed front axle and oscillating rear axle with ±13° oscillation and a maximum single-wheel rise and fall of 21.6 inches (53 cm). The machine's operating weight is approximately 68,862 lbs (31,236 kg), with a wheelbase of 12.2 ft (4 m), an overall length of 31.1 ft (9 m) with the bucket on the ground, and a width over tires of 10.6 ft (3 m). The loader's bucket capacity ranges from 5.25 to 16 cubic yards (4 to 12 m³), with a heaped capacity around 5.5 cubic yards (4 m³) and breakout force rated at 61,425 lbs (27,862 kg), allowing excellent material handling performance.
Its hydraulic system is robust, with a gear pump delivering up to 123 gallons per minute (466 L/min) and an implement system operating at a maximum pressure of 4,496 psi, supporting optional third-function hydraulic flow of 79.3 gallons per minute at 3,000 psi. The loader's hydraulic cycle times include a 6-second raise, 3.4-second lower, and 2.1 seconds dump time, optimizing work efficiency. It uses a powershift transmission with four forward and four reverse gears, achieving maximum speeds of 22.6 mph forward and 25.8 mph reverse. The cab meets ROPS/FOPS safety standards and features advanced operator comfort with in-cab programmable functions and optional joystick controls. Additional design highlights include OSHA, SAE, and ISO compliant brakes, a fuel capacity of 127 gallons (481 L), and ground clearance of 1.5 ft (0.46 m), making the 980K a versatile and powerful medium wheel loader ideal for demanding construction and mining operations.
