BRITISH & METRIC FLUID CONVEYING PRODUCTS

Caterpillar introduce new 350 excavator

WEIGHING 47.7 tonnes and featuring powerful digging force and strong swing torque, the new fixed-gauge Cat 350 excavator can be equipped with large buckets up to 3.2 cubic metres (4.2 cubic yards) for class-leading productivity, yet consumes up to 13% less fuel than the Cat 349, to lower costs, reduce CO2 emissions, and operate more sustainably.

Moreover, three power mode options – Smart, Power, and Eco – match the excavator to the task at hand to further reduce fuel consumption.

‘We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while helping our customers meet their climate-related objectives,’ commented Brian Abbott, Caterpillar’s global product manager for large hydraulic excavators. ‘The 350 is our latest example of delivering on that commitment.’

Cat Payload onboard weighing gives real-time weight estimates to achieve precise load targets and improve efficiency. When combined with VisionLink, Payload offers remote managing of production targets. Alternatively, the monitor’s USB port allows fleet managers to download up to 30 days of work for progress management without an Internet connection or VisionLink subscription.

For truck loading applications, Swing Assist automatically stops excavator swing at operator-defined setpoints to consume less fuel. Lift Assist helps to avoid machine tipping by letting the operator know the load is within safe working range limits. To safely work around obstructions, 2D E-Fence prevents the excavator from moving outside of operator-defined set points.

The 308kW (413hp) Cat C9.3B engine has more than 14 million hours of service to attest to its long-term reliability. Synchronized 1,000h oil and fuel filter service intervals reduce downtime, whilst the hydraulic oil filter offers a 3,000h replacement interval – an increase of 50% over the previous design – and provides improved filtration performance.

The 350 features standard high-ambient temperature capability of 52C and cold-start capability at –18C, with optional cold-start capability at –32C. Automatic hydraulic warm-up in cold temperatures gets the machine to work faster and prolongs the life of machine components. A double-element air intake filter with pre-cleaner features high dust capacity, and the machine’s high-efficiency hydraulic fan offers an optional automatic reverse function to keep cores free from debris.

Product Link collects data automatically and gives fleet managers critical operating information such as location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, maintenance alerts, diagnostic codes, and machine health online through web and mobile applications. Maximizing machine uptime, remote troubleshoot and remote flash allow dealers to remotely connect with the machine to diagnose fault codes and update operating software. Operators can easily track filter life and maintenance intervals through the touchscreen monitor.

The new 350 features easy keyless starting via a push-button, Operator ID passcode, or Bluetooth key fob. Operators can programme each joystick button to preference – including power mode, response, and pattern – using the unique Operator ID, and the machine will recall individual preferences. Its large, high-resolution touchscreen monitor with jog dial offers quick navigation through machine controls and provides quick access to the machine’s digital operator’s manual.

Read more: Caterpillar introduce new 350 excavator

Caterpillar Announces Two New Hydraulic Excavators, Both Promising More Power and Productivity

Caterpillar announced the launch of two new hydraulic excavators on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, one of just a few major equipment launches ahead of the 2023 CON-EXPO show. The new Cat 340 Hydraulic Excavator features a more powerful engine, wider track, and 7.5-ton counterweight to increase productivity by 10% over the 2020 model year Cat 336, according to Caterpillar. The new Cat 352 Hydraulic Excavator combines more power and a heavier counterweight to work with larger tools, Caterpillar said in a press release.

New Cat 340 Hydraulic Excavator Offers Versatility, Durability
The new Cat 340 excavator’s structure assures durability in loading, hammering and digging projects, according to Caterpillar, which emphasized the 340 excavator’s reinforced exterior when compared to the Cat 336.

The excavator has a Cat C9.3B engine, which promises 14 million service hours. Three engine modes ensure the 340 excavator’s power matches the particular work needed:

Power mode delivers maximum power;
Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to jobsite conditions to attempt to lower fuel consumption; and
Eco mode reduces the 340’s engine speed to 1500 rpm to minimize fuel consumption.
Synchronized 1,000-hour oil and fuel filter service intervals should reduce downtime. According to Cat, the reduced maintenance of combined oil and fuel filter services should eliminate the cost of nine oil and fuel filter changes, as well as the parts cost for 27 oil and fuel filters over 10,000 machine operating hours. This should add up to a significant cost savings over competitors’ 30-40-ton excavators.

“The 340 reaches a new level of performance,” said Brian Abbott, Caterpillar global product manager for large hydraulic excavators. “Our additions make the machine more productive and stable with larger work tools, giving contractors more flexibility to complete a wider range of projects.”

The Cat 340 is a highly versatile machine, according to Caterpillar. The machine promises to start in 0˚ F winter weather with auto hydraulic warmup, assures operating capability in ambient temperatures up to125˚ F, and boasts the ability to work at up to 14,764 ft above sea level.

Read more: Caterpillar Announces Two New Hydraulic Excavators, Both Promising More Power and Productivity

Cat boosts power, speed on new 304, 305 CR compact excavators

Completing its family of Next Generation compact hydraulic excavators, Caterpillar unveiled the reengineered 304 and 305 CR.

Cat says both machines deliver up to a 20 percent increase in performance with up to 10 percent lower owning and operating costs compared with previous models.

“The technology we’ve put in these machines gives us a base for growing and expanding the offering even further,” says Greg Worley, Cat product expert. “We don’t end here. We’ll continue to grow and develop these machines with some of those technologies you see in the larger Caterpillar world.”

Cat now offers 17 compact excavator models ranging from the 1.5- to 10-ton size class. Common features and a consistent control layout across the range make training and operation easier, the manufacturer says.

Before we dig into the differences, let’s take a look at some of the commonalities between the two machines.

Performance Enhancements
Both new machines can travel faster, lift more and multifunction better compared to E2 series. This is due to a new engine and hydraulic system improvements.

Meeting Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emissions standards, the Cat C1.7 Turbo engine delivers more power than the previous C2.4 engine. Fuel usage is reduced through standard auto-idle, auto-engine shutdown and efficient load-sensing hydraulics with a variable displacement pump.

High main-relief pressures, paired with flow rates, generate the hydraulic capacity for high digging and lifting forces and more efficient use of a range of attachments. Complete with quick-disconnect lines, the standard auxiliary system provides the choice of one-way, two-way or continuous flow.

Inside the Cab
If the cab looks familiar, that’s because it is the same one on other Next Gen models.

“Inside the cab, seat forward – the monitors, the console, the controls, the pattern changer – everything is common through the range of our machines from the 1.5- to the 10-ton,” says Worley. “Operators aren’t readily available like they used to be. Commonality is great as you’re moving from one machine to another.”

Read more: Cat boosts power, speed on new 304, 305 CR compact excavators

New Cat 304 and 305 CR Mini Hydraulic Excavators deliver more power and performance

Built to deliver an improved customer experience, the new 4-tonne, Cat 304, and 5-tonne, Cat 305 CR, Next Generation Mini Hydraulic Excavators deliver more power to the pumps, higher bucket breakout forces, and deeper standard digging depths to increase performance by up to 20% over their E2 series counterparts. Their industry-leading grease intervals and extended filter service life, combined with common components throughout the line and flat, easy-to-replace side panels, deliver up to 10% lower owner and operating costs.

The new 304 and 305 CR models are the final machines to be reengineered to the Cat next-generation mini hydraulic excavator line concept. From the 1.5- to 10-ton class models, all 17 – 20 Cat mini hydraulic excavators in the range (depending on region) offer common features and consistent controls layout to simplify training and operator adaptation.

New 304 increases stability
Built with a new reduced radius design, the 304 features a narrow, 1700-mm (66.9-in) track width, 254 mm (10 in) slimmer than the 304 E2, for more versatility and access to confined spaces. While narrower, the new 304 design increases the performance, balance, and stability of the 4-tonne class model. Its reduced radius allows for greater stability, both 360-degree and when traveling with loads, while its extra counterweight option takes the model to an even higher level of stability.

Read more: New Cat 304 and 305 CR Mini Hydraulic Excavators deliver more power and performance

New Caterpillar mini hydraulic excavators deliver more power and performance

The new four-tonne, Cat 304, and 5-tonne, Cat 305 CR next-generation mini hydraulic excavators deliver more power to the pumps, higher bucket breakout forces and deeper standard digging depths to increase performance by up to 20% over their E2 series counterparts.

Their grease intervals and extended filter service life, combined with common components throughout the line and flat, easy-to-replace side panels, deliver up to 10% lower owner and operating costs.

The new 304 and 305 CR models are the final machines to be reengineered to the Cat next generation mini hydraulic excavator line concept. From the 1.5- to 10-tonne class models, all 17 – 20 Cat mini hydraulic excavators in the range (depending on region) offer common features and consistent controls layout to simplify training and operator adaptation.

New 304 increases stability

Built with a new reduced radius design, the 304 features a narrow, 1700-mm (66.9-in) track width, 254 mm (10 in) slimmer than the 304 E2, for more versatility and access to confined spaces. While narrower, the new 304 design increases performance, balance and stability of the 4-tonne class model. Its reduced radius allows for greater stability, both 360-degree and when traveling with loads, while its extra counterweight option takes the model to an even higher level of stability.

Read more: New Caterpillar mini hydraulic excavators deliver more power and performance

Cat unveils new 2.7 to 3.5 tonne mini hydraulic excavators

Boosting operating efficiency, servicing ease and operator comfort, the new Cat 302.7 CR, 303 CR and 303.5 CR hydraulic mini excavators introduce industry-first features for the 2.7- to 3.5-ton class machines. Built on the Next Generation platform that offers consistent operator experience through the 1.5- to 10-ton range, each new model features exclusive stick steer, cruise control, operator adjustable settings, and tilt-up canopy or cab as standard equipment.

Expanded use of common parts throughout the line plus the sturdy exterior design help reduce parts inventory investment and lower repair costs. Daily maintenance checks are quickly made from ground level through side doors, while the tilt-up cab design offers unmatched access to components for servicing. Increased service intervals mean these excavators spend more time on the job and less time in the workshop. Combined, these features lower total ownership costs up to 5% compared to previous models.

At the same time, design enhancements for the new 302.7 CR, 303 CR and 303.5 CR deliver up to 10% more performance in travel and trenching. Hydraulic system upgrades improve lifting performance and cycle times, while customisable operator settings improve efficiency.

The turbocharged Cat C1.1 Turbo engine powers the 302.7 CR and 303 CR models, while the Cat C1.7 anchors the powertrain for the 303.5 CR. Both engines meet EU Stage V emissions standards and offer 17.6 kW net power. Standard auto idle and auto engine shutdown help to conserve fuel usage at the site for more affordable operation.

Read more: Cat unveils new 2.7 to 3.5 tonne mini hydraulic excavators

 

CATERPILLAR 320 GC, 320, 323 HYDRAULIC EXCAVATORS

Three 20-ton-size-class hydraulic excavators (320 GC, 320, and 323) have combinations of features aimed at three different user groups with different productivity and cost targets.

Cat says each unit increases operating efficiency and lowers fuel and maintenance costs compared to previous models. Each machine also features a new cab.

The 320 has integrated Cat Connect Technology designed to advance productivity. Standard technology combined with lower fuel and maintenance costs are meant to deliver low-cost production in medium- to heavy-duty applications.

Designed for low- to medium-duty applications, the value-priced Cat 320 GC combines a balance of productivity features with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs toward the goal of low cost-per-hour performance. A premium-priced Cat 323 has standard integrated Cat Connect Technology and the most power and lift capacity of the three. These features combine with lower fuel consumption and reduced maintenance costs to deliver maximum productivity, the company says.

The 320 and 323 offer the Cat Grade with 2D system, featuring guidance for depth, slope, and horizontal distance to grade. Using the system’s E-fence feature enables the machine to work under structures or near traffic by preventing any part of the excavator from moving outside operator-defined set points. The standard 2D system can be upgraded to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D.

Standard Grade Assist automates boom, stick, and bucket movements, so operators stay on grade with single-lever digging. Cat Payload on-board weighing, integrated on the Cat 320 and 323 at the factory, is engineered to deliver load targets and increased loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing and real-time payload estimates without swinging to prevent truck over/under-loading. Cat LINK hardware and software connect job sites to the office and provide customers with machine-critical operating information.

Cat ACERT engines provide duty-matched power ratings from 121 to 162 horsepower for the three excavators. Smart mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions to optimize fuel consumption and performance. The machines consume 20 to 25 percent less fuel than the previous, corresponding models. Engine speed is automatically lowered when there is no hydraulic demand, further reducing fuel usage.

A new cooling system employs multiple electric fans that independently monitor hydraulic oil, radiator, and air-to-air aftercooler temperatures to deliver the airflow required. In the hydraulic system, the Cat 320 GC, 320, and 323 feature a new main control valve that eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses, and lowers fuel consumption. Fewer hydraulic lines on the excavators result in 20 percent less oil required, Caterpillar says.

All cabs come equipped with standard features like keyless push-button start, large 8-inch touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys for control, and sound-suppressed ROPS for safety and quiet operation. Programmable joystick buttons for response and pattern allow the operator to dial in productivity settings. New advanced viscous mounts reduce cab vibration by up to 50 percent over previous models.

Read more: CATERPILLAR 320 GC, 320, 323 HYDRAULIC EXCAVATORS

Malone Specialty Inc.

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