For example, the new Cat 329E (introduced with the 324E, 349E and 336E) is a replacement for the 329D, and has a 173kW Cat C7.1 ACERT engine meeting EU Stage IIIB emissions standards with design enhancements that are said to give 13% more net horsepower; reduced fuel consumption and a 5% increase in lifting power.
Weighing between 28,717kg - 31,639kg, the 329E incorporates hydraulic refinement, new amenities in the operator’s station, and new safety and serviceability.
The 329E’s engine uses a common-rail fuel system with a new high-pressure injection pump, electric priming pump and high-durability fuel lines that allow the use of B20 (a blend of ultra-low-sulphur diesel fuel and up to 20% biodiesel) meeting industry standards. Its particulate filter, part of its emissions-control system, can be regenerated to remove accumulated particulate matter in either an automatic or manual mode.
The 329E reduces fuel consumption with a combination of features including electronic adjustment of engine operation to precisely meet load demand; constant engine speed (electronically controlled); variable-speed cooling fan that runs only when required; one-touch idle control for reducing engine speed to low idle with the touch of a button, and an engine shut-down system that stops the engine after it has idled a pre-set time.
Cedric Masson, Caterpillar product application specialist, speaking at Caterpillar’s Malaga Demonstration and Learning Centre in Spain, said: “Lowering the fuel consumption on these hydraulic excavators is where a lot of money was spent on research and development, and we have also looked at the operator’s environment. You can’t reach high productivity without operator comfort and safety.
“This year we are introducing the 324E, 329E, 336E and 349E hydraulic excavators. In future the range will expand.”
In-cab sound levels for the 329E are lowered by 4dB (A), and a new LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor is 40% larger, has higher resolution, and presents a simpler, easy-to-use menu.
A selection of booms and digging arms allows tailoring the 329E to the application. Choices include three booms (reach, super-long reach and mass-excavation), which are complemented by four appropriately sized digging sticks and Cat’s New Generation buckets. An optional Cat grade control system is available.
The new Cat 775G off-highway truck, a 63.5tonne payload-class truck, has a Tier 4 final emissions standards solution, and offers a combination of new drive train strategies and a 5% power increase over the previous model.
New components and control changes are said to boost efficiency, with the next generation of Cat transmission controls (Advanced Productivity Electronic Control Strategy) being a key.
“The system enhances productivity, fuel efficiency and drive train durability, and it enables enhanced machine control,” says Caterpillar.
