Caterpillar is known worldwide for its high-tech range of earthmoving equipment, but not everyone needs the level of technology offered in its machines.
Recognising that, Caterpillar has introduced a more basic range of machinery that the company said is more than capable to get the job done but comes without the bells and whistles and higher price tags.
One of the first in the GC range of excavators to arrive in Australia is the 315 GC, which made an appearance at the Civil Construction Field Days in Brisbane earlier this year.
The new model was one of the highlights of Cat dealership, Hastings Deering's stand at the expo.
“This is the first GC in Australia, the 315 GC, which will suit customers that don't want all the bells and whistles with technology,” said Hastings Deering sales manager for hydraulic excavators, Brett Lenz.
“It's still our next-gen platform so it provides all the benefits that we do have with our next gen machinery including great fuel consumption and lots of power.
“The GC has been eagerly anticipated here and now gives us a good mix of machines to offer our customers.”
The 315 GC weighs 15.4 tonnes and has a maximum digging depth of 5990mm.
Lenz said the 315 GC works and operates just as well as the conventional 315 model, the only difference being the tech offering in the cab and hence a lower price point.
“Caterpillar has gone to a lot of effort to make their machines a lot more efficient and cost effective for its customers,” he said.
“Maintenance intervals on the GC range have gone up to 500 hours and we have ground level servicing on these. Our air filters and hydraulic cartridges have extended lives as well.
“Ultimately, when our customers buy these machines, they know they're going to have the lowest cost of ownership, they're going to have a very productive machine and they're going to be very efficient on the job site. And that gives them a competitive advantage when they're out there trying to compete for jobs.”
The 315 GC is the smallest model in the GC range of excavators which also includes the 320 GC, 330 GC and 336 GC with operating weights of up to 34 tonnes.
The inside of the cab is the same as Caterpillar’s next-gen excavators that features automotive styling and intuitive touch screen controls.
Lenz added the GC range is not only available in the excavator line-up but also right across Caterpillar’s product range including dozers, wheel loaders and soil compactors.
While basic in the tech department, the 315 GC will still come fully specced with everything the customer needs to get the job done, Caterpillar said.
“We try and spec them up as best we can for our customers as we tend to have a lot wanting to add on bits and pieces like GPS, grease systems or fire suppression,” Lenz said.
“So we try and give them as much from factory as we can because that's the best place to install them. And then when our customers receive these machines, they know they're getting a machine with the works.”