In Europe Cat has launched the new 336 hydraulic excavator which is is designed to offer class-leading production and low-cost operation. Its powerful hydraulic system delivers strong digging forces and swing torque to boost production in the most demanding applications.
Three engine modes match excavator power to the demands of the job while saving fuel. Power mode delivers maximum power to meet the most demanding tasks; Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions to lower fuel consumption. Reducing engine speed to a constant 1500 rpm, Eco mode minimizes fuel consumption.
Synchronised 1,000-hour oil and fuel filter service intervals reduce downtime. Cat says the extended intervals also eliminate labour cost for nine oil and fuel filter changes and parts cost for 27 oil and fuel filters over 10,000 machine operating hours compared to many competitive 30-40 ton excavators.
High-ambient temperature capability of 52˚ C (125˚ F), cold-start capability at -18˚ C (0˚ F), and the ability to work at up to 4500m (14,764 ft) above sea level enable the 336 to work in various climates. Auto hydraulic warmup in cold temperatures gets the machine to work faster and prolongs the life of machine components. The air intake filter with pre-cleaner features high dust capacity, and a high-efficiency hydraulic fan offers optional automatic reverse to keep cores free from debris.
“Our new Cat 336 model delivers the right balance of power and payload,” said Brian Abbott, Caterpillar global product manager for large hydraulic excavators. “The result is a rugged and reliable machine that delivers excellent production along with low owning and operating costs.”
Also in Europe, Cat is launching the new 340 hydraulic excavator which features a more powerful engine, wider track, and 7.5 ton counterweight to increase productivity by 10% over the 2020 model year Cat 336. The manufacturer says its increased power and stability, combined with next-gen electrohydraulic system efficiency, make it the best choice in the 40-tonne (45-ton) class for moving tons per hour.
The new excavator’s reinforced structures are designed to ensure long-term durability in harsh digging, truck loading, and hammer applications. The Cat C9.3B engine’s 14 million hours of service attest to its long-term reliability. Three engine modes match excavator power to the demands of the job while saving fuel. Power mode delivers maximum power to meet the most demanding tasks; Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions to lower fuel consumption. Reducing engine speed to a constant 1500 rpm, Eco mode minimizes fuel consumption.
“The 340 reaches a new level of performance,” Abbott commented. “Our additions make the machine more productive and stable with larger work tools, giving contractors more flexibility to complete a wider range of projects.”
In North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Turkey, Eurasia, Australia, New Zealand and Asia (excluding Japan and South Korea) Cat has updated the 7-9 tonne 966 and 972 wheeled loader series to boost operator efficiency. The 966 and 972 models deliver consistently high bucket fill factors to increase productivity by up to 10%. Their next generation design is said to extend fluid and filter change intervals to lower maintenance costs up to 20% when compared to the previous models.
The continuous variable transmission (CVT) of the next gen Cat 966 XE and 972 XE loaders improves fuel efficiencies up to 35% compared to the previous powershift models. Prolonged service intervals plus efficiencies gained through the CVT powertrain result in even lower maintenance costs of up to 25%, further reducing operating costs.
All four models in the updated 966 and 972 loader series feature standard Cat Payload with Assist for accurate weighing of bucket payloads, so operators can load to target the first time every time. Real-time data is fed to the operator display and allows manual tip-off function to improve final bucket adjustments and truck load accuracy.
The new Cat Autodig with Auto Set Tires is designed to deliver consistently high bucket fill factors for the updated medium wheel loaders. Fully automating bucket loading, Autodig improves fill factors and decreases loading time. Working in conjunction with Autodig, Auto Set Tires promotes proper loading techniques to significantly reduce tire slip and wear.
In North America, South America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan Cat has introduced updates to its electric drive 988K XE wheeled loader to deliver up to 10% faster downhill speed, improved rimpull and increased hydraulic breakout force for up to 5% better production. The company says the updated design improves cycle times in load and carry applications, while an optional counterweight increases stability and offers faster maneuverability with these tasks.
A new Go-Pedal for the 988K XE features three dynamic breaking levels to give operators easier single right-hand pedal operation. Standard Tire Slip Prevention is desiged reduces tyre slip and wear to increase tyre life and lower owning costs.
New optional Cat Autodig features simplify the digging phase to increase dig cycle optimisation by up to 10%. Further reducing tire slip and wear, available Auto Set Tires sets the front tires to promote proper loading techniques. Lift stall prevention technology automatically manages rimpull in-dig to prevent hydraulic stall while lifting through the face, so the 988K XE spends less time in the pile.
The company adds that the newly available Cat Operator Coaching teaches proper operating techniques which helps to increase machine efficiency and deliver up to 15% faster cycle times and 10% better bucket fill factors. Among other procedures, it shows how to properly shorten travel, avoid unracking in-dig, enter the pile with a level bucket, reduce the dump height and use the kickout. The coaching feedback also results in up to 15% less fuel consumption.
