FLEETS

Cat refines articulated truck design

Caterpillar has improved the design of three new articulated trucks - the 730, 730 EJ and 735

Staff reporter
 The Cat 735 articulated truck

The Cat 735 articulated truck

PRESS RELEASE: To enhance field-proven features and the performance of their C-Series predecessors (730C2, 730C2 EJ and 735C), the redesigned trucks come with new operator stations, including innovative new controls, transmission-protection features, a new hoist-assist system, an advanced traction control system, a new stability-assist system and a fuel-saving ECO operating mode.

In addition, Caterpillar explained, the design of the 730 and 730 EJ is enhanced with automatic retarder control and a hill-start feature. The 735 retains these features from its C-Series predecessor and further incorporates design refinements that include a new Cat C13 ACERT engine, Cat CX31 transmission (also on the 730 and 730 EJ), and structural and dimensional modifications that reduce empty weight by 22%, while retaining the productivity of the outgoing 735C. These features combine for an up to 18% gain in fuel efficiency.

The cab's new external ‘spinal-ROPS' design incorporates a rear-quarter glass that eliminates a structural pillar in the C-Series design, for enhanced rear visibility. Also, a new ‘wake-up' feature initiates the machine's displays when the door is opened. The door is of a lighter, stronger design with a shut-assist feature for improved sealing against dust infiltration. The overall cab design results in lower inside sound levels at 72dB(A), a 7dB(A) reduction compared to previous models.

New cab-mounted mirrors, including a front-visibility mirror, enhance all-around visibility for the operator. Exterior cab features include an improved flexible lower fender and a low-profile exhaust stack that need not be removed for transport.
The optional Cat Connect PAYLOAD technology calculates payload via sensors on the walking-beam suspension, and load-status lights at all four corners of the cab roof ensure visibility to the loader operator from any angle.

A new combined transmission-and-hoist lever provides efficient, single-lever control of vehicle speed and body-hoisting functions to reduce operator effort and to automate repetitive operations. A switch in the cab allows operators to choose either manual or assisted hoisting control, the latter selection automatically applying the waiting brake, shifting the transmission to neutral, and raising the body to maximum angle at engine high idle. Assisted hoisting returns the body to the lower position at the flick of a switch. Both raise and lower functions feature automatic cushioning and speed reduction at limits of movements.

New buttons in the combined transmission and hoist lever allows setting (limiting) machine speed and selecting the transmission waiting brake. In addition, a new shift-protection system brings the truck to a safe stop if a directional shift is made while the truck is moving.

The new 735 replaces the Cat C15 ACERT engine, rated at 441 net horsepower, with the Cat C13 ACERT, rated at 428 net horsepower. The new 730 and 730 EJ continue to use the Cat C13 ACERT engine, rated at 367 net horsepower. The C13 engine used in all the new trucks is available in configurations to meet emissions standards of both highly-regulated and lesser-regulated countries.

The 730 EJ is designed to eject loads while travelling, providing positive dumping of the entire load, and also to work in areas with overhead restrictions and with soft underfoot conditions with improved machine stability.

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