Big Cat on the loose in Finland

Inspired by my recent return to Finland I came across this video by well known and respected Finnish videographer Juhani Viitanen, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at the Maxpo show, featuring the giant Caterpillar 994K wheeled loader.

First launched back in 2014 and commercially available since 2016, Caterpillar’s 994K is an impressive piece of kit! And that’s coming from someone who generally doesn’t get too excited about wheeled loaders. But whichever way you look at this behemoth machine its pretty mind blowing. Caterpillar’s largest wheeled loader to date, the Cat 994K boasts impressive size and power. In its standard specification the 994K can carry 40.8 tons per pass, with the high lift version able to move 38.1 tons per pass, approximately 18 and 20 percent more, respectively, than the previous models.

The 994K is capable of loading mining trucks in the 250, 200 and 150 short ton classes in one less pass than the previous model. The high lift configuration is a six-pass match with the popular Cat 793 mining truck, and the high lift as well as the standard configuration loads the Cat 789 in five passes, according to Caterpillar. The 994K’s Cat 3516E engine produces a net power of 1,739 horsepower (1297kW) and works through a Cat planetary powershift transmission specifically designed for mining applications. The example in this video was sold by Finnish Caterpillar dealer Witraktor and works at the Terrafame mine, which is located in Sotkamo in the Kainuu region of Finland, the mine is one of the largest nickel mines in the country. 

It sure would be good to get up there and see this giant in action for myself, one for the ever expanding tick list I think!