Competitive Bulletin: Cat 950H / 962H vs. Volvo L110E / L120E Stage IIIA Compliant
Competitive Bulletin: Cat 950H / 962H vs. Volvo L110E / L120E Stage IIIA Compliant
Competitive Bulletin: Cat 950H / 962H vs. Volvo L110E / L120E Stage IIIA Compliant
Competitive Bulletin
December 2006
The aim of this study was to compare Caterpillar's 950H & 962H
versus the Volvo L110E & L120E Stage IIIA in a standardized test
application designed to measure machine productivity, and fuel
efficiency. The applications included aggressive truck loading,
moderated truck loading, and a load and carry test cycle.
The table below shows Volvo gross power increase of 10% over Cat from Stage II to Stage IIIA
Both Cat machines, 950H & 962H used in this study are Stage IIIA compliant, equipped with
Michelin XHA L3 tires, and a 3.3 m3 Universal bucket with teeth. Other options included CCS
(Command Control Steering), Autodig and Ride control. Both Volvo machines, L110E & L120E
are Stage IIIA compliant and were also delivered with Michelin XHA L3 tires and a 3.3 m3
4.5 4.5 General purpose bucket with teeth. Other options included Stick Steer and Rear camera.
3 3
The tire pressure on the machines has been set up the same on all machines before starting the
productivity tests at 4.5 bars on the front and 3 bars on the rear.
The new 950H & 962H are equipped with the Stage IIIA compliant ACERT C7 engine with 7.2
liters displacement, and features multiple other improvements, including a new Caterpillar Load-Sensing Hydraulic
system designed to improve performance and efficiency. The L110E & L120E features a new 7.1 liters displacement
Stage IIIA compliant engine, with Volvo’s V-ACT internal exhaust gas recirculation technology. A major change seen
on the new Stage IIIA Volvo machines is the reverse air flow from the back to the side, doing the same as Cat.
For loading operations, three on-highway trucks of 20t were used. These trucks were 3 pass loaded, and weighed on
mobile scales at the quarry site. Fuel measurements were taken using external fuel tanks fitted on the machines and
equipped with supply and return ports. In line on/off valves were used to switch the fuel supply from the main machine
tank to the auxiliary test tanks. The tanks were filled and weighed before and after each individual test segment to
determine fuel consumption. All cycle times were recorded using a computerized software and splitting the travel time
empty, loading time, travel time loaded and dumping time. All results presented in this study are in metric tons.
Fuel Scale
Test Area
Truck Scale
Cat Universal Bucket 3.3m³ with teeth Volvo General Purpose Bucket 3.3m³ with teeth
2nd Gear with 1st Gear Bucket Loading, 20 Sec Average Cycle Time
The aggressive truck loading cycle is designed to reflect
maximum machine production per hour with and average
cycle time of 20-22 sec. It consists to drive the machine in a
"tight V" shape when loading the trucks. Typical operators
would have a difficult time maintaining this cycle for an
entire shift, but could equal or approach this pace during
peak quarry truck loading periods.
In this study, the operator was asked to run the machines at
the quickest pace at which he felt comfortable but keeping
the 20 sec average cycle time.
Three trucks were placed at the base of the material pile and
were three-pass loaded for a total of 18 trucks. After loading
three trucks, the operators were asked to wait for 1 minute
while the three trucks were coming back to their initial
position. On the Cat machine, the parking brake was actuated so that the low idle was activated after 10 sec going
down to 600 rpm. This unique function really saves fuel while the machines are waiting for the trucks.
Machines were tested with demand fan systems operating, Variable Shift Control set to the “ aggressive” position, ride
control off, and neutralizer function on for the Cat machines.
950H / L110E:
In the aggressive truck loading application, the 950H shows similar productivity numbers and a significant reduction in
fuel consumption, burning 28 liters/hour which represents an advantage of 16% over the 33 liters/hour of the Volvo
L110E. With the combination of a better production and less fuel consumption, the 950H is well positioned in terms
of fuel efficiency showing an advantage of 20%.
With the improvement of the breakout force and the lifting force on the H series, we can see a real advantage when
loading the bucket, resulting in a 14% faster cycle time, which represents 3.3 seconds faster. The 950H’s ability to
maintain engine speed during directional shifts and simultaneous lift and tilt capability helped make it quick during all
the cycle.
962H / L120E:
In this application , the 962H machine shows outstanding numbers in terms of productivity and fuel consumption,
resulting a great fuel efficiency factor of 18 % better than Volvo. Through key feature changes on the 962H, the
machine stability has improved and that translates into faster digging & traveling cycle times. The higher horse power
and rimpull also permitted to penetrate better in the pile resulting a higher productivity.
The control throttle shifting for the L120E during directional shifts made it more difficult for the operator to maintain
smooth hydraulic motion while approaching the truck. Tilt over lift hydraulic priority also slowed the L120E and
lengthened its cycle times. The smoother, and quicker overall cycle time of the 962H helped it to demonstrate the best
productivity, producing material at the rate of 957 tons/hour. This was 11% better than the 860 tons/hour produced by
the L120E. In terms of fuel consumption, the 962H was burning 29.8 liters/hour vs the 31.7 of the L120E, which
represents a 6% in fuel advantage for the 962H.
Volvo presented a better bucket fill factor of 110% vs. 100% but with Cat machine 16% faster cycle times, Cat offsets
Volvo bucket fill factor and produces more per hour. Volvo gross power increase from Tier II to Tier IIIA of 10%
helped in for Volvo's productivity and digability but at the expense of fuel consumption.
CAT great stability would permit the machine to operate with a larger bucket size than Volvo as the 3.3 m3 was at
Volvo’s static tipping load limit.
600
848 835 Fuel Consumption
500 Economy (L/hr) 28.1 33.2
400 950H Advantage 16%
300
Fuel Efficiency
200
950H L 110E
Cycle Time
Fuel Consumption
Seconds 19.6 22.9
F u el Co n su mp tio n ( L / h r )
3 5 .0
950H Advantage 14%
3 0 .0
2 5 .0
2 8 .1 3 3 .2
2 0 .0
CAT AD VA NTA GE
+/- 3%
Bad for Cat Good for Cat
15 .0
Difference
Important Note: Any results within 3% for
10 .0 productivity (tons/hr) and fuel efficiency
(tons/liter) are considered equal within the
5 .0 accuracy
0 .0
950H L1 1 0 E
Fuel Efficiency
Fu el Efficien cy ( T / L)
4 0 .0
Cycle Times
3 5 .0
25
3 0 .0
3.64
20
2 5 .0 3.18
Time (Seconds)
6.77
15
2 0 .0 6.19
10
1 5 .0 30.2 25.1 6.80
5.30
5
1 0 .0
4.96 5.72
0
5 .0
950H L110E
Travel Empty Load Travel Loaded Dump
0 .0
950H L 110E
700
Fuel Consumption 957 860
600
Economy (L/hr) 29.8 31.7
500
962H Advantage 6%
400
0
Cycle Times 962H L 120E
3 0 .0
2 5 .0
2 8 .1 3 3 .2
CAT AD VA NTA GE 2 0 .0
+/- 3%
Bad for Cat Good for Cat
Difference 15 .0
0 .0
950H L1 1 0 E
Fuel Efficiency
Fu el Efficien cy ( T / L)
4 0 .0
Cycle Times
3 5 .0
25
3 0 .0
3.55
20
Time (Seconds)
2 5 .0
3.06
15 6.77
5.54 2 0 .0
10
6.65
5.39 1 5 .0 30.2 25.1
5
4.92 5.63 1 0 .0
0
962H L120E 5 .0
2nd Gear with 1st Gear Bucket Loading, 25-26 Sec Average Cycle Time
Moderate truck loading is a performance test designed to
most accurately represent a typical truck loading pace. In
this test,
the operator is asked to run the machines at a cycle time
pace that he would be comfortable with over an extended
period of time, or as he would if working a complete shift.
Cycle times tended to increase approximately 5 seconds, or
20% vs. those of the moderated truck loading cycle. The
key difference between this and aggressive truck loading is
the measure. In the truck loading cycle, the key
comparison is fuel efficiency, or the amount of fuel burned
per ton of material moved. As in the aggressive cycle,
trucks were placed at the base of the material pile and
three-pass loaded. Machines were tested with demand fan systems operating, Variable Shift Control set to the
“economy” position, ride control off, and neutralizer function on for the Cat machines.
950H / L110E:
As expected, productivity fell during this test cycle. Production fell 6% (848 to 804 tons/hr) on the 950H, and 8% (835
to 771 tons/hr) on the L110E. Fuel consumption also followed. In liters/hour the fuel rate fell 20% (28.1 to 22.6) on
the 950H and 35% (33.2 to 21.4) for the L110E compared to the results of the aggressive truck loading cycle.
In the moderate truck loading application, the 950H shows 4% more productivity but even with consuming a bit more
than the competitive machine, the Cat machine shows equivalent fuel efficiency as Volvo.
According to the operator, the 950H is a fast machine and it could ideally run at a faster moderate cycle. With this Cat
can beat Volvo on productivity if needed, using faster comfortable cycles times and Volvo can no longer claim the
advantage on fuel efficiency on moderate cycles. The average 950H cycle time was up to 11% faster than Volvo,
which resulted higher productivity.
962H / L120E:
Fuel consumption fell during this test cycle. In liters/hour the fuel rate fell 35% (29.8 to 19.3) on the 962H and 33%
(31.7 to 21) for the L120E compared to the results of the aggressive truck loading cycle.
In the moderate truck loading application where fuel efficiency is the key measure, the 962H is well positioned in
terms of fuel efficiency with the combination of a similar production and burning only 19 liters per hour.
The average 962H Cat cycle times were similar to the L120E Volvo machine.
The dealer should tailor the demonstration according to major customer critical requirement (fuel burn / productivity).
700
950H Disadvantage 6%
400
300
Fuel Efficiency
200
Efficiency (Tonne/L) 35.5 36.1
100
950H Disadvantage 2%
0
950H L 110E
Cycle Times
Seconds 24.6 27.6 Fuel Consumption
Fu el C o n s u m p tio n ( L / h r)
950H Advantage 11% 35. 0
30. 0
25. 0
CAT AD VA NTA GE
+/- 3% 20. 0
Bad for Cat Good for Cat
Difference
Important Note: Any results within 3% for 15. 0
21. 4
22. 6
productivity (tons/hr) and fuel efficiency
(tons/liter) are considered equal within the 10. 0
accuracy
5. 0
0. 0
950H L 110E
Fuel Efficiency
Fu el Efficien cy ( T / L)
Cycle Times 40. 0
35. 0
30
30. 0
25 4.44
4.12
Time (Seconds)
25. 0
20 8.29 35. 5
7.40 36. 1
15 20. 0
6.98 7.86
10 15. 0
5 10. 0
7.17 7.03
0
5. 0
950H L110E
Travel Empty Load Travel Loaded Dump
0. 0
950H L 110E
Productivity
900
600
Fuel Consumption
727 747
500
Economy (L/hr) 19.3 21.0
400
962H Advantage 8%
300
200
Fuel Efficiency
100
Efficiency (Tonne/L) 37.8 35.6
0
962H Advantage 6%
962H L 120E
2 5 .0
2 0 .0
CAT AD VA NTA GE
1 5 .0 +/- 3%
Bad for Cat Good for Cat
19. 3 21. 0 Difference
1 0 .0
Important Note: Any results within 3% for
productivity (tons/hr) and fuel efficiency
5 .0
(tons/liter) are considered equal within the
accuracy
0 .0
962H L 120E
Fuel Efficiency
Fu el Efficien cy ( T / L)
40. 0
Cycle Times
35. 0
30
30. 0
25 4.11 4.76
Time (Seconds)
25. 0
37. 8
35. 6 20 8.09 8.16
20. 0
15
7.70 7.27
15. 0 10
5
10. 0 7.41 6.99
0
5. 0 962H L120E
950H / L110E
In the load & carry application, the 950H
shows a 6% higher productivity where as fuel
consumption is penalized. As observed, when
traveling up the hill, Cat load sensing
hydraulics presented an advantage vs. Volvo
as the Cat machine was not going slower
when lifting the bucket and the speed was
constant.
The 950H demonstrated cycle times in this
test of just under 42 seconds. This proved to
be 2 seconds, or 4% quicker than the L110E
average time of 44 seconds. The L110E was
at the same path than the 950H in the pile
loading the buckets.
962H / L120E:
On the 962H, the additional power on the
machine helped when traveling up the ramp,
enhancing cycle times but burning more fuel
per hour. According to the operator, one of
the great features is the Cat planetary
transmission that is smoother when changing
gears vs. Volvo that demands more operator
input when traveling empty down hill.
The 962H demonstrated cycle times in this
test of just under 40 seconds. This proved to
be 3 seconds, or 7% quicker than the L120E
average time of 43 seconds.
600
Fuel Consumption
500
Economy (L/hr) 31.1 28.2
400
950H Disadvantage 10%
559
300 526
Fuel Efficiency
200
Efficiency (Tonne/L) 18.0 18.6
100
950H Disadvantage 4%
0
950H L110E
Cycle Times
Fuel Consumption
Seconds 41.9 44.0
Fuel Cons um pt i on ( L / hr )
35. 0 950H Advantage 4%
30. 0
25. 0
30. 5
CAT AD VA NTA GE
20. 0 28. 8 +/- 3%
Bad for Cat Good for Cat
Difference
15. 0
Important Note: Any results within 3% for
10. 0 productivity (tons/hr) and fuel efficiency
(tons/liter) are considered equal within the
5. 0 accuracy
0. 0
950H L 110E
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Ef f i ci ency ( T / L)
40. 0
Cycle Times
35. 0
50
30. 0
45
4.19
40 4.36
25. 0
Time (Seconds)
35 10.48
10.17
30
20. 0
25 8.32
8.23
20
15. 0 6.10
15 6.10
10
10. 0 14.89
5 13.02
18. 0 0
5. 0 18. 6
950H L110E
Travel Empty Load Travel Loaded Up Ramp Ld Dump
0. 0
950H L 110E
700
Fuel Consumption
600
Economy (L/hr) 32.2 29.7
500
962H Disadvantage 8%
400 552
595
30. 0
25. 0
0. 0
962H L 120E
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Efficiency ( T / L)
Cycle Times 40. 0
35. 0
40
30. 0
35 4.18 4.12
30
Time (Seconds)
5 7.41 6.99
0 10. 0
When parked with engine running at low idle, the 950H / 962H
consumed fuel at a rate of 2.5 liters/hr vs the L110E / L120E at 2.9
liters/hr which represents 14% less fuel consumption than the Volvo.
Iff we consider the Load & Carry application, which is the worst case
scenario in this productivity test, and we take into account 30% of the
time is idling and 70% of the time is productivity, Cat ties with Volvo
in fuel efficiency. The numbers below show that we come to an
equivalent fuel efficiency for Cat and Volvo.
Cat/Volvo equal
Cat Better
Volvo Better Productivity (tons/hr) considered equal for anything <3%. Fuel efficiency (tons/liter) considered equal for anything <4%
I. Durability / Reliability
Cat Engine
• Cat 950H / 962H is powered by the Cat C7 engine
with ACERT™ Technology
• Fuel Efficiency advantage over competitive Stage
IIIA solutions – competitive Systems use EGR
• Cat engines with ACERT Technology use only cool,
clean, fresh air to control combustion temperatures
through multiple injection fuel delivery.
• Proven Technology
• Over 10 000 000 hours of operation to date
• Low new parts content -990% common core parts from
previous engine
• Trained dealer technician network with stocked parts
Volvo Engine
• Volvo D7E with Volvo Advanced Combustion
Technology, V-ACT
• Internal EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) technology
is used to meet EU Stage IIIA regulations
• A double rocker with an extra arm (follower arm)
creates a small second exhaust valve lift, in turn,
reintroducing exhaust gases back into the combustion
chamber during the inlet stroke
• L110E / L120E benefits from increased low speed
torque between 800 and 1500 rpm
• Maximum fuel economy is realized when operating the
loader at 1600 rpms or less
• Increased fuel consumption is reported in aggressive
applications at full throttle
I. Durability / Reliability
Alternator Alternator
Cat uses a brushless alternator designed to provide Volvo’s brush style alternator requires a breather to
long life. By removing the brushes from the alternator, cool the alternator and reduce ingestion of debris.
the system is not susceptible to fine dust contamination Volvo also offers an optional filter for this breather,
like that of the brush type alternator. which is a serviceable part.
I. Durability / Reliability
Transmission Transmission
Standard on the 950H/962H is a new Cat designed and Volvo L110E/L120E uses a countershaft transmission that
manufactured planetary transmission that spreads gear presents several disadvantages when compared to a
contact over a larger area. Thanks to the optimized planetary transmission. The first disadvantage is that there
gear ratio, the 950H/962H transmission presents a 5% are fewer gears in contact with each other than
rimpull increase in 1st gear versus the previous GII in a planetary transmission. The result is fewer teeth
Series. spreading more force. The second disadvantage is the
spreading forces created from gears “repelling” against
one another. These two factors reduce transmission
component life compared to a planetary transmission.
II. Productivity
Cat Hydraulics
• New, proprietary Load Sensing Hydraulic
Implement System
• 20% increase in lift force over the 950G II and 962G
II Volvo Hydraulics
• Simultaneous lift and tilt capabilities facilitates • The Volvo L110E/L120E uses a common hydraulic
quicker truck loading and hopper charging cycles. circuit for steering and the implements. The operator
• New fingertip electro-hydraulic controls with soft will easily notice that the bucket raise time will
detents and fine modulation capabilities for improved considerably slow when steering and attachments
ease of operations and improved bucket control. are used concurrently.
• Optional Command Control Steering system (CCS), • Stick Steer Option is available on Volvo machine.
provides nearly quarter-turn steering
(± 70 degrees) for less operator fatigue.
Welcome to
the Green Zone!
• Cat engines with ACERT Technology use only cool, • Volvo utilizes Internal EGR (Exhaust Gas Re-circulation)
clean, fresh air to control combustion temperatures to suppress combustion temperatures. Internal EGR
through multiple injection fuel delivery. reintroduces non-combustible exhaust gas back into the
• Caterpillar’s Engine Idle Management Software (EIMS) cylinder chamber during combustion. This gas contains
will reduce engine rpm during machine idle, in turn, contaminants that can potentially reduce the life of key
improving fuel economy. In addition to reduced engine components resulting in earlier engine rebuilds and
rpm during idle, there are three other modes available increased operating costs.
with EIMS: low voltage, warm-up and working mode. • Volvo uses multiple engine oil and system breather
filters that are all serviceable parts, in turn driving up
O&O costs.
V. Serviceability
Service Centers
• The Hydraulic and Electric Service Centers on the 950H/962H
provide ground level access to key filters and drain ports
as well as diagnostic taps, centralized grease points
and S•O•SSM ports.
The transmission oil and hydraulic oil filters are located Service Centers
in the Hydraulic Service Center, behind the hinged, • Not all Volvo filters are at ground level.
right-side access ladder. The cartridge style hydraulic filter must be
Batteries, relay panel and an optional tool box are conveniently changed from the cab platform.
located below the left-side access platform. The engine
shutdown switch is housed with the relay panel. A
compartment integrated
into the access platform contains the hood tilt actuation switch,
battery disconnect switch and optional jump-start receptacle.
• Caterpillar’s S•O•SSM ports allow fluid sampling without using
a plunger as on the Volvo. This key feature prevents system
contamination during the process.
Batteries Batteries
Maintenance-free, high quality batteries on the Per the L110E/L120E maintenance guidelines, the Volvo
950H/962H are located the LH side behind the access batteries require maintenance once a week in moderate
ladder. Both batteries are in the same compartment and weather and more frequently in warm weather.
are easily accessible with the removal of four bolts.
Batteries slide out (once ladder is removed) for
servicing if required.
Productivity
• In-cab programmable lift/tilt and bucket kick-outs. This feature allows operators to quickly adjust settings without
having to manually change the position of a magnetic sensor as done on the L110E and L120E.
• Simultaneous lift and tilt hydraulic functionality facilitates quicker truck loading and hopper charging cycles.
Durability
• Volvo radiator guard is gray plastic with lightweight tubular frame, not very durable and expensive to replace.
• Caterpillar’s use of steering neutralizer valves prevents frame-to-frame contact during articulation. This feature not
only eliminates forces through the frame but also reduces loss of engine horsepower from wasted hydraulic flow. Volvo
uses rubber frame stops in the articulation joint.
• Cat uses a brushless alternator designed to provide long life. Volvo’s brush style alternator requires a breather to cool
the alternator and reduce ingestion of debris. Volvo also offers an optional filter for this breather, which is a
serviceable part.
• The planetary transmission in the 950H and 962H spreads gear contact over a larger area vs. Volvo’s countershaft
transmission.
Operator Comfort
• Caterpillar’s right side armrest and implement pod are mounted to the seat and travel with the operator. This feature
reduces shock loads into, and up through, the operator’s arm during movement over rough terrain.
• 950/962H rear visibility is superior to L110E and L120E, which promotes safer operation during stock piling and truck
loading applications.
• Standard electro-hydraulic implement controls provide operators with fingertip controllability as well as the ability to
set lift/tilt/bucket kick-outs from within the cab.
Serviceability
• Caterpillar’s one-piece tilting hood provides unobstructed access to the engine and cooling compartments. Volvo
loaders use multiple doors to completely access both areas.
• Electric fuel priming pump on the 950H and 962H provides complete priming in seconds compared to Volvo’s manual
priming pump, which requires multiple pumps of the plunger. Additionally, Cat Electric fuel priming pump saves
expensive fuel injectors by eliminating the need to prefill fuel filters, additionally it speeds up the service time by
requiring only a few minutes to fill the filters.
• The Hydraulic and Electric Service Centers on the 950H and 962H provide ground level access to key filters and drain
ports as well as diagnostic taps, centralized grease points and S•O•SSM ports. Not all Volvo filters are at ground level.
The cartridge style hydraulic filter must be changed from the cab platform.
• Caterpillar’s S-O-S ports allow fluid sampling without using a plunger as on the Volvo. This key feature prevents
system contamination during the process.
The information contained herein is intended for circulation only to Caterpillar and dealer employees whose duties require
knowledge of such reports and is intended exclusively for their information and training. It may contain unverified analysis and
facts observed by various Caterpillar or dealer employees. However, effort has been made to provide reliable results regarding
any information comparing Caterpillar built and competitive machines. Effort has been made to use the latest available spec sheet
and other material in the full understanding that these are subject to change without notice. Any reproduction of this release
without the foregoing explanation is prohibited.
CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos and “Caterpillar Yellow,” as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are
trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.
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