1984-1988 CATERPILLAR 990K WHEEL LOADER

Technical Description

The Caterpillar 990K is a heavy-duty wheel loader designed for large-scale material handling, featuring a powerful Cat C27 ACERT engine delivering 699 hp (521 kW) net power with 752 hp (561 kW) gross power and a torque peak of 2624 lb/ft at 1,200 rpm. The engine meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final or Tier 2 emissions standards and offers an 18% torque rise. The machine has an operational weight of approximately 178,517 lbs (80,975 kg) and a rated payload of 17.5 tons (15.9 tonnes). Its bucket capacity ranges from 11.1 to 13 cubic yards (8 to 10 m³), optimized for efficiency in heavy lifting and loading tasks. The 990K’s hydraulics feature double-acting lift and tilt cylinders with positive flow control and operate with quick cycle times, including a 2.9-second dump and a total empty bucket hydraulic cycle time around 13.8 to 15.9 seconds. The steering system uses a pilot load-sensing circuit with a variable displacement piston pump set at 4641 psi relief. Axles consist of a fixed front and trunnion rear with an 8.5° oscillation angle, ensuring stability on uneven terrain. Transmission is a Cat planetary power shift with multiple forward and reverse speeds, up to 24.9 km/h (15.5 mph) reverse and 22.9 km/h (14.2 mph) forward, enhancing maneuverability. Service capacities include a 294.3-gallon (1,113 L) fuel tank and large hydraulic and cooling system reservoirs. Designed for demanding environments such as steel mills and millyards, the 990K offers configurable arrangements including a high-lift bucket variant with up to 85,600 lbs operation weight and superior dump clearance (up to 14.7 ft) for versatile heavy-load applications.