Caterpillar says its new 824G Series II wheel dozer is designed and built for high productivity and long life in a variety of rugged applications. With its higher horsepower engine, high-capacity cooling system and ergonomically designed operator’s station, the 824G Series II machine is suitable for production dozing, spreading, backfilling, stockpiling, haul road maintenance and job site clean-up.
Maximum operating weight for the G Series II wheel dozer is 28,724kg. It is powered by a Cat 3406E diesel engine with electronic unit injection. This six-cylinder, turbocharged and air-to-air after-cooled engine delivers 253 net kilowatts (339 net horsepower), a 7% increase over the 824G. The engine uses advanced electronic controls to optimise performance, improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. It meets Stage II and Tier 2 emissions requirements and has a reputation as one of the most reliable, durable, high-performance engines Caterpillar offers.
An upgraded cooling system is also featured on the new wheel dozer. The advanced modular cooling system, a Caterpillar exclusive, is said to provide better cooling capability and reduces service time.
The new machine is equipped with a planetary powershift transmission with four speeds forward, four reverse. Electronic controls enhance performance, improve wear life and shorten diagnostic and repair time. According to the company, electronic clutch pressure control improves shift quality and reduces torque spikes to enhance operator comfort and durability. Controlled throttle shift allows the operator to make smooth, full-speed directional and speed changes without harming the transmission.
A well-balanced hydraulic system on the Series II wheel dozer allows precise, low-effort blade control. The standard straight blade for the machine pushes up to 4.67m3 of material. Its multiple box-section construction, heat treated mouldboard and DH-2 steel edges and end bits make the blade durable. An optional Coal Blade, Woodchip U-Blade And Extreme Service U-Blade are also available. Other options include a counterweight, sliding cab windows, floodlights and a full-cover fender package.
New steel front fenders are standard on the G Series II machine, replacing the non-metallic design on the previous model. An all-steel hood arrangement has also been incorporated on the updated wheel dozer to enhance durability.
The dozer offers many features for the operator. The new model retains command control steering with integrated transmission controls are claimed to reduce fatigue. The blade control pod is situated at the optimum angle for natural wrist positioning, and the heavy-duty joystick provides a sturdy handle for multiple hand positions. The blade tip switch is a button located on the control handle, rather than the control pod. This allows the operator to activate the blade tip function without removing his hand from the control handle. A throttle lock feature lets the operator set the engine speed and remove his foot from the accelerator pedal, much like cruise control in an automobile.
The left foot pedal acts as both a decelerator and a brake, enabling the operator to slow down when the throttle lock is engaged and return to throttle lock without pressing a button, improving manoeuvrability around shovels, trucks and other obstacles. A six-way adjustable Cat Comfort seat incorporates heavy-duty air suspension for a better ride.
A 12V power supply source inside the cab permits the use of radios, telephones or laptop computers. This is particularly useful for powering a laptop running Electronic Technician, an advanced diagnostic tool.
Maintenance and service time have been reduced on the updated wheel dozer. Most daily maintenance can be done from ground level. Scheduled maintenance points are easy to reach. The engine’s oil change interval has been extended from 250 to 500 hours. A swing-out oil cooler and hinged air conditioner condenser minimize cleaning time. The operator’s station can be removed in about 45 minutes without having to disconnect hydraulic lines.
Basic Specifications - 824G Series II Wheel Dozer
Engine Cat 3406E ATAAC
Gross power 283kW
Flywheel power 253kW
Operating weight* 28,724kg
Wheelbase 3700mm
Ground clearance 400mm
Straight blade capacity 4.67m3
Straight blade width 4507mm
Straight blade height 430mm
Axles Fixed front, oscillating rear (± 13º)
Transmission Planetary powershift, 4F, 4R
*Approximate maximum operating weight