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Machine History and Manufacturer Background
The Caterpillar 980C is a medium-to-large wheel loader produced by Caterpillar Inc., a leader in heavy construction and mining equipment manufacturing since its founding in 1925. The 980C model, introduced in the early 1980s, represents a significant advancement in loader design from Caterpillar, with improvements in power, hydraulics, and operator comfort compared to earlier models. Its rugged construction and reliable performance positioned it as a favorite in mining, quarrying, and large-scale construction operations.
Specifications and Performance
Operators often share that the 980C remains dependable decades after purchase due to its solid engineering. One quarry operator noted that with proper maintenance, units exceed 20,000 operational hours before major overhauls—significantly reducing total cost of ownership.
Technological advancements such as the Autodig system introduced in later models provide automated bucket filling, increasing productivity up to 10%. Additionally, features like Cat Payload with Assist enable load accuracy and data-driven jobsite management.
Summary
The Caterpillar 980C wheel loader stands as a robust, efficient machine tailored for heavy material handling with powerful engine performance, fast hydraulic cycles, and durable construction. It remains a benchmark for reliability and productivity in wheel loader applications, underscoring Caterpillar's long legacy of innovation in construction equipment. Proper operation and maintenance ensure these machines serve profitably over years of demanding use.
The Caterpillar 980C is a medium-to-large wheel loader produced by Caterpillar Inc., a leader in heavy construction and mining equipment manufacturing since its founding in 1925. The 980C model, introduced in the early 1980s, represents a significant advancement in loader design from Caterpillar, with improvements in power, hydraulics, and operator comfort compared to earlier models. Its rugged construction and reliable performance positioned it as a favorite in mining, quarrying, and large-scale construction operations.
Specifications and Performance
- Engine: The 980C is powered by a Caterpillar 3406 diesel engine delivering approximately 270 horsepower (201 kW). This engine boasts a displacement of 14.6 liters (890.9 cubic inches), designed for dependable power and fuel efficiency.
- Operating Weight: The machine weighs around 40,764 pounds (18,489 kg) in a static tipping load configuration, balanced to optimize both load capacity and mobility.
- Fuel Capacity: Equipped with a fuel tank holding about 105.7 gallons (400 liters), enabling extended operation on jobsites.
- Hydraulic System: Contains 54.9 gallons (208 liters) of hydraulic fluid with an output flow optimized for fast cycle times—raising the bucket in 7.3 seconds, dumping in 2 seconds, and lowering in 3.4 seconds.
- Bucket Capacity: The standard heaped bucket holds approximately 5.2 cubic yards (4 cubic meters), with a bucket width of 11.1 feet (3.37 meters), suitable for heavy material handling.
- Transmission: Features a powershift transmission with four forward and four reverse speeds, allowing a top forward speed of 15.3 mph (24.6 km/h) and a reverse speed of 24.6 mph (39.6 km/h).
- Dimensions: Length with bucket on ground is approximately 28.3 feet (8.6 meters), height to top of cab about 12.5 feet (3.8 meters), and maximum reach during lift and dump is 4.3 feet (1.3 meters).
- Power and Efficiency: The 3406 engine provides a balance of raw power and fuel economy, ensuring the loader can handle large material volumes while minimizing operational costs.
- Hydraulics and Cycle Times: The hydraulic system is engineered for speed and smoothness, reducing cycle times to improve jobsite productivity.
- Durability: Heavy-duty axles and transmission components are built to endure extreme workloads and prolonged use.
- Operational Comfort: The operator cab is designed to maximize visibility and ease of control, improving safety and reducing operator fatigue.
- Routine hydraulic fluid monitoring and filter replacements to ensure optimal performance and prevent system degradation.
- Periodic transmission inspections and fluid changes to maintain smooth gear shifts and extend component life.
- Regularly check tire condition and pressure, particularly given the large 26.5-25 tire size rated for heavy duty (20 Ply Rating, L-4 tread pattern).
- Inspect and maintain cooling system components to avoid overheating in intense operating conditions.
- Static Tipping Load: Maximum load a loader can carry without tipping over from a stationary position.
- Heaped Capacity: Volume measurement of a bucket filled to the point of overflow, used to estimate material moved.
- Powershift Transmission: A transmission type allowing gear changes under load without interrupting power flow.
- Cycle Time: The duration taken for a full load and dump operation.
- Tire Ply Rating: Indicates tire strength; a higher ply rating corresponds to greater load carrying capacity.
Operators often share that the 980C remains dependable decades after purchase due to its solid engineering. One quarry operator noted that with proper maintenance, units exceed 20,000 operational hours before major overhauls—significantly reducing total cost of ownership.
Technological advancements such as the Autodig system introduced in later models provide automated bucket filling, increasing productivity up to 10%. Additionally, features like Cat Payload with Assist enable load accuracy and data-driven jobsite management.
Summary
The Caterpillar 980C wheel loader stands as a robust, efficient machine tailored for heavy material handling with powerful engine performance, fast hydraulic cycles, and durable construction. It remains a benchmark for reliability and productivity in wheel loader applications, underscoring Caterpillar's long legacy of innovation in construction equipment. Proper operation and maintenance ensure these machines serve profitably over years of demanding use.
