Idle time can add up to as much as 50% of total running time, according to industry experts. The impact of idling just 30% of the time can produce a five-year cumulative cost of $9,750! Another way to look at it: nonproductive hours of idle time can translate into one or more gallons of wasted fuel, every hour. In addition to driving up fuel costs, nonproductive machine time creates more emissions and threatens component life. Idling can also cause unnecessary fluid and filter changes and lower the resale value of your Cat equipment.

The Small Wheel Loaders of the Cat® K Series departed from the H Series preceding them with fundamental design changes. The Cat K Series 924K, 930K and 938K Wheel Loaders incorporate the fuel-efficient Cat C6.6 engine, a hydrostatic drive system with electronic controls, and a redesigned operator station. The Z-bar loader linkage has been optimized to pair aggressive digging power with parallel lift.

Three newly designed Cat® C-Series brooms now include features that greatly improve productivity and simplify maintenance. The BP115C and BP118C pickup models, and the BA118C angle model are built for use with Cat Skid Steer Loaders, Multi-Terrain Loaders, Compact Track Loaders and Compactheel Loaders.

Engineering refinements in the new Cat® 824K Wheel Dozer's power train and operator station, and structures, combine with enhancements in safety, service and management features to optimize the machine's value and long-run durability. The Cat 824K Wheel Dozer can be customized with six available blade configurations for stockpile or production dozing or cleanup jobs.

Optimize operator safety and comfort and get outstanding versatility from the new Cat® 903C Compact Wheel Loader. Designed to work productively in construction, agricultural, industrial, and other applications, the 903C features a universal-type coupler and auxiliary hydraulics. It's also easy to operate and is built to ensure that safe routine maintenance is quick and simple.

A Cat® Connect Grade Technology known as Cat Grade Control Depth and Slope now comes as standard equipment on Cat 323F Hydraulic Excavators that are sold in North America and have the 9.5-foot stick and standard boom reach. This factory-installed improvement helps operators:

Operators and owners who are seeking tips for higher productivity will find several valuable ideas in an article by Product and Application Specialist Roy Brookhart. He recommends evaluating application practices in three areas in order to increase efficiency, sharpen jobsite strategy, and extend equipment lifecycles. 

What can you do to prevent equipment theft and recover stolen equipment more quickly? Take these 5 steps to help keep equipment safe and retrieve it sooner in case of theft.