Could this be a JCB beater? It’s called the 924K and it’s the latest loading shovel from Caterpillar.

The hefty machine boasts a new four-speed hydrostatic transmission, a Stage 3b engine and updated parallel boom.

Cat says the move from a conventional torque converter to hydrostatic transmission has reduced power demand and significantly boosted torque. There is also a handy setting on the in-cab computer for adjusting torque on the move.

Power is provided by a 6.6-litre Cat powerplant that pumps out 148hp. This uses a diesel particulate filter rather that AdBlue to meet the latest emissions regulations.

Most of the main machine functions are grouped together on the main joystick including the forward/reverse shuttle and diff lock. There’s also a handy memory function for each of the boom movements.

Cat says moving from a centre beam to parallel boom design has improved lateral strength and upped breakout force, too.

Write a cheque for £98,000 and it’s yours.

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