Building on the enduring reputation of its motor grader lineage, Caterpillar’s new K-Series has been making its presence felt on projects worldwide since being launched in 2010. (The K-Series replaces the H-Series standard version.)

The first K-Series model, the Cat 120K, was introduced to the southern African market last year, with the larger Cat 140K construction grader now available locally from the first quarter of 2011.  “The H-Series has been the industry standard in a variety of heavy construction, mining, road building and governmental applications, and the K-Series continues this class leading tradition,” says Barloworld Equipment product manager, Johan Hartman.Designed to keep on delivering, technological enhancements on the Cat 140K translate into increased productivity and improved serviceability. Cat’s standard lever arrangement (with 8 base functions) has been retained and is designed to allow ease of multi-function control.

“The 140K is driven by Cat’s proven C7 ACERT engine, with its 7.2 litre displacement, which combined with an improved power management strategy and an advanced monitoring capability significantly
increases performance whilst keeping
working costs to a minimum,” Hartman continues.

Compared to the 140H’s Cat 3306 engine, the 140K’s C7 power plant provides a torque increase of 8% to 10% depending on the application. Additionally, customised torque curves increase peak torque for improved lugging performance and responsiveness. The torque rise on the Cat 140K is around 47% in contrast to 33% on the previous generation H-Series.

Enhanced power management
Standard on all K-Series models, the variable horsepower (VHP) feature increases machine productivity by matching power to ground speeds. In the lower gears where the machine is traction-limited, engine horsepower is automatically reduced, lowering fuel consumption and minimising tyre slippage.

The power management strategy starts with base power in gears 1 and 2, and increases by 7.5 kW when the unit is shifted into 3rd gear. The horsepower increases another 7.5 kW when the unit is shifted into 4th gear and maintains maximum horsepower through to 8th gear.

This allows the operator to maintain maximum rimpull, increasing ground speed and productivity.Adds Hartman: “Whilst on the move, Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) provides easier and more precise throttle operation, and the addition of the Electronic Clutch Pressure Control (ECPC) system allows optimum inching modulation, providing better feel to the operator and smooth directional shifting. The end result is best-in-class, precision grading.”