Caterpillar reveal next-generation excavators

Caterpillar reveal next-generation excavators

New Cat 340 UHD demolition excavator features higher vertical reach and more configuration flexibility
Built to withstand difficult demolition of tall structures, the new Cat® 340 UHD Ultra High Demolition excavator boasts a more than 13% higher pin height than the 340F UHD to reach up to eight-floor structures. More UHD and Retrofit boom/stick configurations, along with a range of Cat demolition attachments, deliver increased machine flexibility to meet contractors’ jobsite needs to maximize machine utilization. Its unique coupling system allows for switching between two UHD fronts and Retrofit booms and sticks with no special tools in 15 minutes.

Design updates have increased transportation simplicity of the 340 UHD excavator. The hydraulically actuated variable-gauge undercarriage is built to deliver both outstanding stability and efficient transport by offering a 4000 mm extended width that retracts to only 3000 mm with 600-mm track shoes for transport. A new one-piece cradle design, compared to two-piece on the 340F UHD, reduces UHD boom transportation height to less than 3000 mm. 340 UHD with fixed undercarriage has a reduced transportation height of 3403 mm, a 117 mm reduction compared to the previous F-series.

Next generation Cat 395 excavator delivers more production and durability with less maintenance
The Next Generation Cat® 395 excavator offers contractors up to 10 percent more production, two times more structural durability, and up to 20 percent less maintenance costs than the industry leader it replaces, the 390F.

“We increased swing torque and stick force by 10 percent,” said Brian Abbott, worldwide product manager for Caterpillar large excavators. “These increases enable contractors to use larger buckets for much greater productivity.”

A key driver to the 395’s production is a new dedicated hydrostatic swing circuit — a feature found only on larger Cat mining shovels like the 6015B.

“The circuit enables the excavator to regenerate swing brake energy and independently manage cylinder oil flow,” said Abbott. “What that means for owners and operators is greater fuel efficiency along with smoother, more predictable performance when multitasking with the machine.”

Three modes of operation are available: Power, Smart, and ECO. Power mode is maximum power at all times; ECO mode lowers engine speed and cycle times while maintaining breakout force. Smart mode takes the guesswork out by automatically matching engine and hydraulic power to the actual digging conditions — all to reduce fuel consumption and optimize performance.

The cooling system features a new on-demand fan that’s designed to operate only when required, which helps save fuel. An available auto reverse function assists with cleaning debris from the cooling cores, which enhances operating efficiency.

Next generation Cat 374 excavator delivers high production and more durability with less maintenance
The Next Generation Cat® 374 excavator offers contractors high production, two times more structural durability, and up to 20 percent less maintenance costs than the industry leader it replaces, the 374F.

“A key to production is our new dedicated hydrostatic swing circuit,” said Brian Abbott, worldwide product manager for Cat large excavators. “The circuit enables regenerating swing brake energy and independent management of cylinder oil flow. What that means for owners and operators is higher operating efficiency and smoother, more predictable performance when multitasking with the excavator.”

Three modes of operation are available: Power, Smart, and ECO. Power mode is maximum power at all times. ECO mode lowers engine speed and cycle times while maintaining breakout force. Smart mode takes the guesswork out by automatically matching engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, reducing fuel consumption and optimizing performance. Engine speed automatically lowers when hydraulic demand decreases, further reducing fuel usage.

The cooling system features a new on-demand fan that’s designed to operate only when required, saving fuel and ensuring maximum efficiency. An available auto reverse function assists with cleaning debris from the cooling cores — another plus for enhanced efficiency.

Next generation Cat 352 excavator delivers increased efficiency and lower operating costs
The Next Generation Cat® 352 hydraulic excavator with variable gauge undercarriage offers contractors up to 45 percent more operating efficiency, up to 10 percent more fuel efficiency, and up to 15 percent less maintenance costs compared to the model it replaces, the 352F.

Technology boosts efficiency
The 352 has the industry’s highest level of standard factory-installed technology to enable the improved operating efficiency, including Cat Grade with 2D. The system gives operators visual guidance to grade via the standard touchscreen monitor so they can make more accurate cuts. The system is readily upgradable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D for enhanced accuracy.

Cat Payload helps operators increase loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing; real-time payload estimates can be calculated without swinging to help prevent overloading and underloading trucks.

Lift Assist quickly calculates the weight of the actual load being lifted and compares the result to the rated capability of the excavator. Visual and auditory alerts indicate whether the machine is within a safe working range.

E-Fence prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined points. This helps protect the machine, underground utilities, and other objects from damage.

Cat Product Link™ provides a constant stream of wireless information available via the online VisionLink® interface, allowing machine managers in the office to quickly evaluate critical operating information.

Optimum performance

Fuel efficiency is work per unit of fuel, and the 352 does more work per unit than the 352F.

The new Smart Mode system automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, reducing fuel consumption and optimizing performance. Engine speed automatically lowers when hydraulic demand diminishes, further reducing fuel usage.

The cooling system features a new on-demand fan that’s designed to operate only when required, saving fuel and ensuring maximum efficiency. An available reverse function assists with cleaning debris from the cooling cores — another plus for enhanced efficiency.

The new electrohydraulic control system is built for responsiveness and efficiency; its main control valve eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses, and lowers fuel consumption. Fewer hydraulic lines result in less required oil and lower long-term operating costs.

Reduced maintenance
Extended and synchronized maintenance intervals contribute to the 352’s lower long-term costs.

The new Cat air filter with an integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters provides double the dust-holding capacity of the previous design.

The new Cat hydraulic return filter has a 3,000-hour service life — a 50 percent increase over previous filters.

Fuel system filters are synchronized for service at 1,000 hours — a 100 percent increase over the previous filters.

The fuel system’s water and sediment drains and hydraulic system’s oil level check are positioned close together at ground level, making routine daily maintenance faster, easier, and safer.

Operator-oriented cab
With a Deluxe cab, the 352 is designed to provide operators with maximum comfort and safety. Performance-enhancing features like keyless pushbutton start, large touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys for control, and a sound-suppressed rollover protective structure (ROPS) come standard.

Following are other cab amenities that are sure to please operators:

  • Tilt-up console that allows easy cab entry and exit
  • Advanced viscous cab mounts that reduce vibration as much as 50 percent compared with previous models
  • Bluetooth® integrated radio with USB ports for connecting and charging phones
  • Automatic climate control that maintains temperature settings regardless of ambient temperatures
  • Programmable joystick buttons that allow setting control patterns and hydraulic response rates, permitting machine operation to be tailored to individual preferences.
  • Large front, rear, and side windows along with standard rearview and right-hand-side cameras to enhance visibility
  • An optional 360-degree-visibility package combines images from multiple cameras to enhance the operator’s sight lines in all directions

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