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The CAT 950 GC wheel loader is designed to meet the demands of heavy equipment operators who require efficiency, power, and durability for everyday operations. Manufactured by Caterpillar, a leader in the construction equipment industry, this model is tailored to handle a wide variety of tasks, from material handling to light lifting. The 950 GC is part of the CAT wheel loader family, known for its quality engineering and long-term reliability. In this article, we will take a deeper look at the features, specifications, benefits, and applications of the CAT 950 GC.
Background and Evolution of the CAT Wheel Loader Series
Caterpillar has been a dominant force in the manufacturing of heavy equipment for over 90 years. Known for its track record of delivering high-performance machinery, Caterpillar began producing wheel loaders in the 1950s. The CAT 950 series, including the 950 GC, is a testament to the evolution of wheel loaders within the company, with an emphasis on improving productivity, reducing operational costs, and enhancing machine uptime.
The 950 GC is designed to bridge the gap between basic, cost-effective equipment and the more advanced, high-capacity models. With an optimized feature set and user-friendly design, the 950 GC delivers excellent value for businesses that require a reliable machine without the complex technologies and high operating costs found in premium models.
Key Features and Specifications
The CAT 950 GC comes with a well-rounded set of features that cater to a broad range of applications. Below are the key specifications and features that make the 950 GC an excellent choice for medium-duty construction, mining, and material handling operations:
The 950 GC is built for optimal fuel efficiency, which is crucial for operators looking to minimize operating costs. The C7.1 ACERT™ engine provides a balance of power and fuel economy, making it well-suited for tasks that require a consistent output without excessive fuel consumption. Caterpillar’s advanced hydraulics system ensures that the loader maintains high performance with a focus on minimal maintenance downtime.
One of the standout features of the 950 GC is its ability to lift and move materials efficiently. The wheel loader is equipped with a high-efficiency lift system that ensures smooth operation while maintaining an impressive breakout force. Whether you're lifting dirt, sand, gravel, or other materials, the 950 GC’s performance ensures that tasks are completed quickly and safely.
Applications and Versatility
The CAT 950 GC is designed to handle a variety of tasks across different industries. It excels in the following areas:
The operator experience is at the forefront of the 950 GC's design. The spacious cab features a comfortable seat, a large, easy-to-read dashboard, and climate control options, ensuring that operators can work efficiently for long periods without discomfort. Furthermore, the machine’s intuitive controls, coupled with the visibility provided by large windows and a rearview camera, allow for precise operation, even in tight spaces.
The machine's cabin is designed with safety in mind, featuring a roll-over protection system (ROPS) and falling object protection system (FOPS), which further enhance the safety of the operator during use. Additionally, the 950 GC’s low-maintenance design ensures that operators and service technicians can easily access critical components for routine maintenance tasks, minimizing downtime.
Cost-Effectiveness and Value
For operators and businesses looking for a reliable and cost-effective wheel loader, the CAT 950 GC offers an excellent value proposition. While not as expensive as the larger and more feature-heavy models in the CAT wheel loader family, the 950 GC still offers a solid range of capabilities that can be leveraged for a variety of applications. Its relatively low fuel consumption and extended service intervals also contribute to reduced operating costs over time, making it an attractive option for businesses that need to balance performance with affordability.
Conclusion
The CAT 950 GC wheel loader is an excellent choice for businesses that need a powerful, fuel-efficient, and reliable machine for medium-duty applications. With its blend of performance, operator comfort, and low total cost of ownership, the 950 GC stands out as a practical solution for construction, material handling, landscaping, and other heavy-duty tasks. Whether you are a seasoned operator or someone new to the industry, the CAT 950 GC provides the performance and features needed to get the job done efficiently.
Background and Evolution of the CAT Wheel Loader Series
Caterpillar has been a dominant force in the manufacturing of heavy equipment for over 90 years. Known for its track record of delivering high-performance machinery, Caterpillar began producing wheel loaders in the 1950s. The CAT 950 series, including the 950 GC, is a testament to the evolution of wheel loaders within the company, with an emphasis on improving productivity, reducing operational costs, and enhancing machine uptime.
The 950 GC is designed to bridge the gap between basic, cost-effective equipment and the more advanced, high-capacity models. With an optimized feature set and user-friendly design, the 950 GC delivers excellent value for businesses that require a reliable machine without the complex technologies and high operating costs found in premium models.
Key Features and Specifications
The CAT 950 GC comes with a well-rounded set of features that cater to a broad range of applications. Below are the key specifications and features that make the 950 GC an excellent choice for medium-duty construction, mining, and material handling operations:
- Engine Performance
- Model: C7.1 ACERT™
- Rated Power: 173 horsepower (129 kW)
- Engine Type: 4.4L, 4-cylinder diesel engine
- Emissions Standard: Compliant with Stage IV (EU) and Tier 4 Final (US) emissions standards
- Engine Torque: 586 lb-ft (794 Nm)
- Model: C7.1 ACERT™
- Transmission and Hydraulics
- Transmission: Powershift transmission with four forward and three reverse gears
- Hydraulics: High-efficiency hydraulic system with a lift capacity of 12,400 pounds (5,620 kg)
- Hydraulic Pump Flow: 258 liters per minute (68.2 gallons per minute)
- Transmission: Powershift transmission with four forward and three reverse gears
- Operating Weight and Dimensions
- Operating Weight: 21,000 to 24,000 pounds (9,525 to 10,886 kg), depending on the configuration
- Length: 8,425 mm (331.3 inches)
- Width: 2,660 mm (104.7 inches)
- Height: 3,450 mm (135.8 inches)
- Wheelbase: 3,600 mm (141.7 inches)
- Operating Weight: 21,000 to 24,000 pounds (9,525 to 10,886 kg), depending on the configuration
- Loader Performance
- Breakout Force: 17,300 pounds (7,853 kg)
- Bucket Capacity: 2.5 cubic yards (1.9 m³) to 3.5 cubic yards (2.7 m³), depending on bucket type
- Max Lift Height: 3,000 mm (118.1 inches)
- Breakout Force: 17,300 pounds (7,853 kg)
- Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 100 gallons (378.5 liters)
- Extended service intervals and low fuel consumption, reducing the total cost of ownership
- Ground-level maintenance access for ease of service
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 100 gallons (378.5 liters)
- Operator Comfort and Safety
- Spacious, ergonomic operator cab with enhanced visibility
- Air conditioning and heating options for year-round comfort
- Easy-to-use controls and intuitive dashboard
- Standard rearview camera for improved safety
- Spacious, ergonomic operator cab with enhanced visibility
The 950 GC is built for optimal fuel efficiency, which is crucial for operators looking to minimize operating costs. The C7.1 ACERT™ engine provides a balance of power and fuel economy, making it well-suited for tasks that require a consistent output without excessive fuel consumption. Caterpillar’s advanced hydraulics system ensures that the loader maintains high performance with a focus on minimal maintenance downtime.
One of the standout features of the 950 GC is its ability to lift and move materials efficiently. The wheel loader is equipped with a high-efficiency lift system that ensures smooth operation while maintaining an impressive breakout force. Whether you're lifting dirt, sand, gravel, or other materials, the 950 GC’s performance ensures that tasks are completed quickly and safely.
Applications and Versatility
The CAT 950 GC is designed to handle a variety of tasks across different industries. It excels in the following areas:
- Construction: The 950 GC is perfect for moving dirt, gravel, and materials around construction sites. Its lift capacity and quick cycle times make it ideal for tasks such as digging, lifting, and transporting material. Whether used for road building, excavation, or grading, the 950 GC offers versatility and reliability.
- Material Handling: In addition to construction, the 950 GC is frequently used in material handling operations. The loader’s ability to move bulk materials in various environments, including stockpiles and industrial sites, makes it a preferred choice in the material handling sector.
- Landscaping and Quarrying: The 950 GC’s adjustable bucket sizes and lifting power make it suitable for landscaping tasks and quarry operations. Its high lifting capabilities also enable operators to move large quantities of materials quickly and effectively.
- Snow Removal: With the right attachment, the 950 GC can be used for snow clearing during the winter months. Its hydraulic system allows for efficient plowing and pushing of snow, while the machine’s rugged construction ensures it can handle tough winter conditions.
The operator experience is at the forefront of the 950 GC's design. The spacious cab features a comfortable seat, a large, easy-to-read dashboard, and climate control options, ensuring that operators can work efficiently for long periods without discomfort. Furthermore, the machine’s intuitive controls, coupled with the visibility provided by large windows and a rearview camera, allow for precise operation, even in tight spaces.
The machine's cabin is designed with safety in mind, featuring a roll-over protection system (ROPS) and falling object protection system (FOPS), which further enhance the safety of the operator during use. Additionally, the 950 GC’s low-maintenance design ensures that operators and service technicians can easily access critical components for routine maintenance tasks, minimizing downtime.
Cost-Effectiveness and Value
For operators and businesses looking for a reliable and cost-effective wheel loader, the CAT 950 GC offers an excellent value proposition. While not as expensive as the larger and more feature-heavy models in the CAT wheel loader family, the 950 GC still offers a solid range of capabilities that can be leveraged for a variety of applications. Its relatively low fuel consumption and extended service intervals also contribute to reduced operating costs over time, making it an attractive option for businesses that need to balance performance with affordability.
Conclusion
The CAT 950 GC wheel loader is an excellent choice for businesses that need a powerful, fuel-efficient, and reliable machine for medium-duty applications. With its blend of performance, operator comfort, and low total cost of ownership, the 950 GC stands out as a practical solution for construction, material handling, landscaping, and other heavy-duty tasks. Whether you are a seasoned operator or someone new to the industry, the CAT 950 GC provides the performance and features needed to get the job done efficiently.
