Late last year, Caterpillar launched its largest wheel loader ever, also known as the Caterpillar 994K Wheel Loader. Heavy machinery fans the world over have been marvelling at its sizeable increase in capacity, boosted power output and mechanical upgrades. Here are five facts about the new Caterpillar wheel loader that you need to know.

1. IT HAS A PAYLOAD CAPACITY THAT'S EQUIVALENT TO ABOUT SIX AVERAGE ELEPHANTS

The new Caterpillar wheel loader can carry 18 to 20% more weight than previous models. This means that it can handle 40.8 tonnes per pass, while the high lift version is built to cope with 38.1 tonnes per pass.

2. IT HOLDS ENOUGH FUEL TO RUN ALL DAY - AND ALL NIGHT

If you have a project in mind that requires a wheel loader for 24 hours straight, the 994K can take care of it for you. It's been fitted with an optional fuel tank, which contains enough fuel for 24 hours of operation, without a break.

3. IT CAN HANDLE EXTREME HEAT WITH THE STAMINA OF A CAMEL

The Caterpillar wheel loader has been designed specifically with Australian conditions in mind. As anyone who works in Australian mining knows, that means long hours in the harsh rays of the sun, intense heat that lasts all day and unpredictable weather patterns. So the 994K is built to cope in the extreme heat - as high as 50 degrees Celsius.

4. ITS BUCKET IS AS BIG AS A SKIP BIN

The 994K's bucket capacity is between 19.1 and 24.5 cubic metres. Its design has had a revamp, now featuring a larger floor, a bigger radius and special angled side bars, enabling quicker loading and better reliability.

5. IT HAS OODLES OF KILOWATTS

A Cat 3516E engine powers the Caterpillar wheel loader. This creates 1297 kW of power and features a planetary powershift transmission, which has been developed with mining applications in mind.

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CATERPILLAR MACHINERY?

You can discover everything you need to know about Caterpillar earthmoving equipment and mining equipment at National Plant and Equipment. National Plant supplies businesses with all of their heavy equipment needs, full range of equipment tailored to your needs and if we don’t have the plant that you need, we will source it for you. Our focus is on helping our clients to maximise efficiency, increasing profit and output whenever possible.