The C Series of articulated trucks have an increased capacity over their B class predecessors, giving faster cycles and significant production gains.

Caterpillar says its new C Series of articulated trucks increase profit potential with improved cycle times, fuel efficiency, automated systems and ease of operation.

The new Cat 735C, 740C EJ, and 745C articulated trucks build on the proven performance, reliability and durability of their B Series predecessors with significant new features, says a spokesman for the leading construction and mining equipment manufacturer.

“These include engines that meet US EPA Tier Four Final/EU Stage IV emission standards, new transmissions with expanded electronic control, automatic traction control, automatic retarder control, hill assist and waiting brake systems, and an optional payload weighing system — all aimed at delivering lower costs per tonne by reducing cycle times, saving fuel, and easing the operator’s work load,” says the spokesman.

Rated payload capacities for the new models are 32.7, 38, and 41 tonnes, respectively, with all models replacing their B Series predecessors. The new 745C’s 1.5-tonne capacity increase (compared with the 740B’s capacity) combines with its faster cycle times for significant production gains.

The new 740C EJ ejector model, which combines the 745C’s tractor with a horizontal-discharge body, provides added versatility and safety in certain operations. It can unload material to uniform depths while travelling at speed, potentially reducing the need for on-site spreading equipment, and can discharge the load with added stability in soft underfoot conditions, on side slopes and grades, and in environments where overhead obstructions are present.

Engines in the new models while meeting Tier Four Final/EU Stage IV emission standards, are also available in versions meeting applicable emission standards for lesser- and non-regulated areas. The 735C’s Cat C15 Acert engine is rated at 452 hp and the C18 Acert engine in the 740C EJ and 745C is rated at 511 hp.

Articulated trucks designed for sale in higher regulated territories are equipped with the Cat Clean Emissions Module (CEM).

“This after-treatment system includes a diesel particulate filter that can automatically regenerate (remove accumulated soot) without operator intervention or work cycle disruption,” says the spokesman.

The Cat 745C.

The fully integrated Cat CEM also includes a selective catalytic reduction system and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank which is easily accessed from ground level.

The new Cat CX38 high density power shift transmission used in the C Series trucks has nine forward speeds, two reverse speeds, and a number of electronic features that enhance overall performance and productivity.

The spokesman elaborates: “Electronic clutch pressure control, for example, modulates transmission-clutch engagement for smooth shifting and extended component life, and the advanced productivity electronic control strategy feature is aimed at optimising gear selection in all operating situations for efficient performance and fuel economy.

“Shift torque management, combined with the improved shift control logic feature, maintains consistent torque flow through the transmission during gear-range changes, provides automatic shift selection tailored to machine operation, and automatically downshifts for acceleration. Part throttle shifting allows shifting at lower engine speeds, resulting in improved fuel efficiency, quieter operation, and easier low-speed manoeuvring.”

As the new C Series trucks, with permanent six-wheel drive, encounter changing terrain and underfoot conditions, the automatic traction control feature adjusts the level of engagement for the clutch locks in the inter-axle differential and in the three axle differentials.

“The system makes these adjustments while the machine is moving and does not require operator intervention. It maintains optimum traction for steady production, relieves the operator of manually engaging the system, saves fuel by proportionally applying the locks based on operating conditions, and does not hinder tight-manoeuvre steering,” the spokesman explains.

Retarding control for the C Series, models can now be set to fully automatic, in addition to manual control. In the automatic mode, the machine manages retarding through a combination of engine brake, gear selection, and service-brake application without operator intervention. The automatic system is available for both forward and reverse operations, and the manual system provides two levels of engagement for more experienced operators.

Other features that contribute to the overall efficiency and ease of operation include the hill assist system, which facilitates stopping and starting on grades, and the waiting brake system, which temporarily applies the service brakes during pauses in the work cycle, whether waiting at the loading or dumping site or delays from site congestion.

Cat Connect Payload technologies for the 735C, 740C EJ, and 745C help customers optimise operations and improve overall jobsite efficiency. With Cat production measurement as an option, operators can measure and deliver accurate payloads with confidence to boost productivity, lower costs and prevent the potential for overload damage.

“When used with Cat Connect Link technologies, Payload data can be accessed through the online VisionLink user interface. With accurate, reliable, performance and productivity data, customers can make timely, fact-based decisions about their fleet and effectively manage their jobsites,” the spokesman concludes.