Caterpillar has announced major launches and upgrades to its excavator and wheeled loader quarrying equipment lines in markets around the world.
In Europe, Cat has launched the new 336 hydraulic excavator which 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 1,500 rpm, Eco mode minimises 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 4,500m (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,” says 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.
“The 340 reaches a new level of performance,” Abbott comments. “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 by 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 wheeled loaders. Fully automating bucket loading, Autodig improves fill factors and decreases loading time. Working in conjunction with Autodig, Auto Set Tires promote proper loading techniques to significantly reduce tyre slip and wear.
Hitachi has launched the ZW180-7, a smaller next-generation model from its Stage V-compliant wheeled loader range, which the manufacturer says has been designed to appeal to both owners and operators. It says owners benefit from the new model’s exceptional efficiency and maximum uptime, as this gives them greater control over their profit as well as their fleet, thanks to remote monitoring tools and services provided by Hitachi.
For operators, the company says the spacious and fully redesigned cab will enable them to work more productively. The ZW180-7 is claimed to offer some of the lowest noise and vibration levels in the market. Much consideration has been given to easy operation with the improved seat with mounted electric pilot control leavers, ergonomic multifunction lever, anti-slip steering wheel, 40% larger and fully adjustable armrest with integrated controller and convenient side switch panel. The hi-res screen is also easier to view.
The cab of the new ZW180-7 is said to offer operators superb all-round visibility and intelligent systems. With the Aerial Angle camera system, they have a 270-degree bird’s-eye view of the job site and can work in challenging conditions with the full LED work lights package. If anything is close to the rear of the machine, they are alerted immediately by the rear obstacle detection and warning system.
Hitachi says owners will be able to increase their profits due to the impressive fuel economy, efficiency, and versatility of the ZW180-7. This model can be used on a wide range of applications, with three types of lift arms available: standard, high and parallel.
Faster and more efficient short loading operations are enabled by the Approach Speed Control feature, which reduces fuel consumption by 16%, further satisfying owners’ requirements. Productivity is boosted by reduced cycle times gained by the auto power-up function, which automatically increases the RPM to maintain travel speed on inclines.
The performance and traction force of the ZW180-7 have also been enhanced by significant improvements to the engine torque, resulting in easier bucket filling, faster cycle times, and higher productivity with reduced fuel consumption.
Hitachi says the new ZW-7 model loads trucks more accurately, saving time and money, using the payload monitoring system. In addition, operators can monitor the fuel consumption via the new ECO gauge and performance can be improved with several adjustable functions.
The manufacturer adds that the use of high-quality Hitachi buckets, customised to suit the application, and robust ground engaging tools that are easy to install and replace, further maximises uptime.
Hyundai Construction Equipment is launching three EU Stage V-compliant A-Series crawler excavators in the popular 13-15 tonne sector, designed to deliver new levels of performance, efficiency and productivity for rental companies and contractors.
Powered by the latest Cummins diesel engines, the reduced tail swing HX130A LCR, conventional HX140A L and the reduced swing HX145A LCR feature improved hydraulic control, for enhanced productivity and increased uptime.
Features include a Cummins EU Stage V F3.8 diesel engine that produces a 3% increase in power and 12% more torque in the popular HX140A L versus its predecessor.
They offer particulate matter (PM) reduction of 60% with no requirement for AdBlue in HX130A LCR, with no exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for larger models.
The Eco Report function assists the operator to achieve improved working efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.
The new lifting mode improves fine hydraulic control, through engine rpm reduction, power boost action and pump flow control.
The upgraded intelligent power control (IPC) optimises hydraulic pump flow rate and power to match the machine’s working conditions.
Though offering similar operating weights, the HX130A LCR, HX140A L and HX145A LCR deliver very different performance operating envelopes, to suit a range of customer requirements. The reduced swing HX130A LCR is designed to appeal to rental customers, and is powered by a 55kW (74hp) version of the Cummins F3.8 engine. The engine meets the EU Stage V emissions standard without the need for an exhaust fluid such as AdBlue.
When using a CK-4 E/G engine oil, this engine offers service intervals of up to 1,000 hours, twice as long as for the previous machine. This reduces operating cost for the customer, boosting uptime on site. The HX130A L also benefits from Hyundai’s ECD engine-connected diagnostics, providing remote diagnostics and ensuring that technicians arrive at the machine with the required parts and tools.
In December Doosan Infracore Europe launched ten new models in its DX-7 Series excavator range, which the equipment manufacturer says feature numerous upgrades and improvements.
The manufacturer says that the new DX-7 models combine performance, smooth and intuitive controls, sustainable manufacturing and value for money for customers.
The launches include three new 23-25 tonne Stage V-compliant crawler excavators - the DX235LC-7, DX235LCR-7 and DX255LC-7 models - that are suited to quarrying and mining applications.
Gilles Bendaoud, VP sales and marketing at Doosan Infracore Europe, says that the new models in the DX-7 range bring improvements in four key areas - safety, efficiency, comfort and sustainability.
In terms of safety, 360° cameras and ultrasonic object detection provide full visibility around the machine, allowing operators to focus on their job while minimising risks.
For comfort there is an all-new, spacious cab with premium seating equipped with heating and cooling controls. In addition, the operator has a large 8-inch user-friendly touchscreen monitor through which they can input and change all settings needed during daily operation.
Bendaoud says efficiency is improved through a new smart hydraulic system that introduces a priority valve, providing optimal flow to the attachment when both the arm and attachment are working simultaneously. This is claimed to result in 30% better work efficiency.
The latest Stage V-compliant engines boost fuel efficiency, while an improved combustion system improves sustainability and reduces particle emissions. This increases the lifetime of the diesel particulate filter (DPF), with no maintenance required until 8,000 hours.
Two other larger models - the DX490-7 and the DX530LC-7 - have previously been launched in the DX-7 range that are suited for quarrying and mining applications, offering higher digging force and high productivity.
In September 2021 Doosan launched the DX245NHD-7 25-tonne heavy-duty crawler excavator, a completely new model designed for the most abrasive of applications. Whilst it is a real 25-tonne excavator, the DX245NHD-7 incorporates 30-tonne class undercarriage components - the chains, rollers, sprocket and the chassis itself are oversized to increase the working lifetime of the machine, even on the toughest jobs.
New features in the DX245NHD-7 include a heavy 5.0-tonne standard counterweight particularly suited for working with heavier attachments such as tiltrotators. The heavier counterweight also contributes to the higher lifting and digging capacities of the DX245NHD-7. The DX245NHD-7 also incorporates as standard a new lifting eye that forms part of the casting for the push link for the bucket attachment at the end of the arm. The new lifting eye has a maximum capacity of 5 tonnes and has a special bush insert to prevent deformation of the lifting hole.
