A new traction control system takes care of all underfoot conditions automatically.

Caterpillar takes all-terrain hauling to new performance levels with the release of the B-Series articulated truck range.

Featuring a distinctive new styling design and durable, state-of-the-art technologies, all B Series models will be manufactured at Caterpillar’s production facility in Peterlee, UK for global distribution.

Available in southern African from the third quarter of 2011, the three model line-up comprises the Cat 735B, 740B and 740B EJ (Ejector body), with their respective payload capacities of 32.7, 39.5 and 38 tonnes. All units will be powered by an EPA Tier 2 and EU Stage II compliant Cat ACERT C15 engine.

“Key features that stand out on Caterpillar’s new B-Series articulated trucks include revised automatic transmission and traction control systems that boost productivity and maximise safe operation,” says Barloworld Equipment product marketing manager, Mark Senyard.

“From a safety perspective, the new CMPD (or Colour Multi-Purpose Display), for example, incorporates a live feed from the truck’s rear view camera, which is automatically engaged when reverse gear is selected.”

Meanwhile, on site, machine operation is now seamless. On the previous generation, the operator had to manually engage floor and dash-mounted switches to bring cross and inter-axle differential locks into play. However, all this has changed on the B-Series where the trucks are governed by a new fully proportional torque-distribution automatic traction control (ATC) system.

In a nutshell, ATC eliminates the need for any driver intervention and maintains maximum traction in difficult operating conditions. Additionally, ATC further reduces the possibility of system abuse, lowering wear rates and prolonging component life.

“With ATC the truck automatically and constantly varies the required proportion of lock-up on both cross-axle and inter-axle diff locks as underfoot conditions change,” Senyard explains.

In addition to the ATC system, upgrades to Caterpillar’s field proven automatic transmission enables torque to be maintained through each gear change. This means that each gear shift change is much smoother, in turn improving acceleration, especially on grades, and helping to achieve faster cycle times.

Adds Senyard: “For B-Series owners, these and other features take all-terrain trucking to new output levels.”