Caterpillar has revamped their new line of 20-ton-class-size excavators, giving them a reboot in response to changing customer needs.
The new line, called the Cat Next Generation excavators, features a 45 per cent increase in efficiency, a 25 per cent decrease in fuel use and 15 per cent less maintenance costs.
The new line includes the 320, the 320 GC and the 323 XE.
“All the new models are different by design but all share the same DNA — increased operator efficiency, lowered fuel use and decreased maintenance costs. Our next generation excavators will give our customers more ways to get more work done at the lowest cost,” says Bob De Lange, group president, construction industries with Caterpillar.
The 320 (the standard model) features integrated Cat Connect Technology that advances productivity gains, the company states.
The Cat 330 GC is a scaled down 320 and is designed for low- to medium-duty applications and offers the lowest operating cost of the three new excavators.
The 323 is the workhorse of the group; delivering high production performance, it boasts standard integrated Cat Connect Technology and the most power and lift capacity.
“We are recognizing a shift in the way our customers are using our equipment across a range of applications,” explains De Lange.
“Understanding if the customer operates in light, medium or heavy-duty applications can help us as Caterpillar to determine the product attributes and performance capabilities that will be most important to them.”
The new Cat 320 and 323 boast the industry’s highest level of standard factory-equipped technology. Both models include Cat Grade with 2D and can be easily upgraded to Cat 2D Advanced or Cat 3D guidance.
Designed for depth, slope and horizontal distance to grade, the Cat Grade with 2D system helps operators reach desired grade quickly and accurately. Standard Grade Assist automates boom, stick and bucket movements, so operators stay on grade simply with single-lever digging.
Cat Payload on-board weighing, integrated on the Cat 320 and 323 at the factory, delivers precise load targets and increased loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing and real-time payload estimates without swinging to prevent truck over/under-loading, the company states.
Using the system’s E-fence feature enables the machine to work safely under structures or near traffic by preventing any part of the excavator from moving outside operator-defined set points.
When working under a bridge, electric wires or indoors, the machines’ E-ceiling prevents the machine from reaching above a designated point. The operator only needs to set the ceiling height using the machine’s control screen.
E-wall prevents the excavators from swinging past a certain point, which is an advantage when working near structures and traffic. This feature can help prevent a lot of damage and injury.
E-Floor prevents the machine from digging below a certain point. This is beneficial when excavating to a specific grade. The feature won’t go over or under grade and it eliminates the need for a labourer standing outside the machine with a grade stick, thereby increasing worksite safety and decreasing labour costs, states Caterpillar.
You can also set the parameters of Cat’s E-fence to prevent the work tool from hitting the excavator or from coming into the cab, which can be lethal.
Several other features also improve productivity.
A new Smart Mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, optimizing both fuel consumption and performance. Engine speed is automatically lowered when there is no hydraulic demand to further reduce fuel usage.
“The new line of Cat Next Generation excavators feature more standard technology, more model options and more choices to match the customer’s application,” says De Lange.
All Next Generation Cat Excavator cabs come equipped with standard features like keyless push-button start, a standard eight-inch touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys for control and sound-suppressed rollover protective structures 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 per cent over previous models to reduce operator fatigue.
Optional machine-mounted cameras mounted at several points on the excavator offer 360-degree visibility.
A Bluetooth integrated radio with USB ports for connecting and charging phones allows operators to stay connected.
All daily maintenance checks (engine oil, fuel water separator, fuel tank water and sediment and cooling system level) can be performed from ground level, decreasing the time taken to do daily checks as well as increasing safety since the operator now doesn’t have to climb up on the machine, the company states.
More synchronized maintenance intervals further reduces maintenance costs. Filter lives have been extended and the number of filters on the machine has been decreased. Cat LINK hardware and software connect jobsites to the office and provide customers with machine-critical operating information.
Recent Comments
comments for this post are closed