Compact Wheel Loader Industry Inventory: The Caterpillar 906H, 907H and 908H
NOTE: This is the second of many blogs detailing an industry-wide summary of compact wheel loaders. Be sure to check back throughout July for the entire listing.
Caterpillar is the world’s largest manufacturer of earth moving equipment. They have just about every size and category of equipment in their product line, including compact wheel loaders. Cat has three models — the 906H, 907H and 908H — and all three are designed to deliver high performance in compact packages. Each of the three loaders features a Cat C3.4 turbocharged engine, hydraulically actuated skid-steer-loader-type coupler, two-speed hydrostatic drive, differential lock in both axles and parallel-lift Z-bar loader linkage for powerful and productive performance. Articulated steering allows smooth and precise maneuvering, and axle oscillation maintains traction in rough terrain.
The hydraulically actuated skid steer-loader-type coupler allows use of many of the hydro-mechanical work tools used for Cat skid steer, multi terrain and compact track loaders, so that a single machine can perform several different jobs at the worksite. Optional 33-gpm high-flow hydraulics are available for operating the most demanding work tools, such as cold planers and snow blowers.
All of the three operator stations available — canopy, comfort dab or deluxe cab — ensure operator safety and comfort. An optional heated, high back air ride seat combined with low-effort steering and pilot controls reduce operator fatigue and provide convenient, intuitive operation. Optional ride control cushions loads, which provides a more comfortable ride and better load retention.
The single, multi-functional joystick provides basic lift and tilt functions as well as controls for selecting travel direction, travel speed, third-function hydraulics, continuous flow or activating the differential lock. The operator station positions the operator to have clear sight lines to the work area all around the machine.
The 906H features a cab height of only 8 ft, 1 in., to enable the loader to work indoors and to travel through low door openings. The 906H has a bucket capacity of 1.18 cu yds. The 907H offers a standard bucket capacity of 1.3 cu yds, and the 908H has a standard bucket capacity of 1.4 cu yds. The parallel lift Z-bar linkage provides high digging forces and ample dump clearance for productive truck loading. Parallel lift allows the operator to place loads surely and precisely when using forks to handle materials. For operations requiring travel, such as snow clearing or carrying materials distances, an optional high speed transmission boosts travel speeds to 21.7 mph.
From a service perspective, the Cat compact wheel loaders offer speed and convenience. Maintenance points are grouped together and accessible from the ground. A hinged hydraulic oil cooler makes radiator cleaning faster and easier, and vertical spin-off fluid filters reduce maintenance time. Of course, all Cat compact loaders are supported by your local Cat dealer.
Advice to Buyers:
“Consider the variety of jobs that a compact wheel loader could do around your work sites, and equip it with the options, such as high flow hydraulics, and the work tools, such as forks and a broom in addition to a bucket, to get the most work from it. Plan to take advantage of the versatility built into compact wheel loaders,” says Kevin Coleman, senior project engineer, compact construction equipment.
