Cat 350 excavator surfaces

Caterpillar’s latest addition to its 50-tonne class excavator range, the Cat 350, is claimed to be more productive, more fuel efficient and more environmentally friendly compared to its predecessors.

Featuring powerful digging force and strong swing torque, the fixed-gauge Cat 350 can be equipped with large buckets up to 3.2 cubic metres, Caterpillar said.

While productive, the 350 consumes up to 13 per cent less fuel than the Cat 349, according to the company, to help lower costs and reduce CO2 emissions. Three power mode options – Smart, Power, and Eco – are available to match the excavator to the job to further reduce fuel consumption.

“Caterpillar is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while helping our customers meet their climate-related objectives,” said Caterpillar global product manager for large hydraulic excavators, Brian Abbott. “The 350 is our latest example of delivering on that commitment.”

The new 350 excavator comes standard with the Cat 2D Grade system that indicates depth and slope on the monitor with alerts to increase operating efficiency. Grade Assist helps the operator stay on grade with single-lever digging, while Swing Assist stops excavator swing at operator-defined setpoints to consume less fuel for truck loading and trenching applications. Lift Assist helps to avoid machine tipping by letting the operator know the load is within safe working range limits. To safely work around obstructions, 2D E-Fence prevents the excavator from moving outside of operator-defined set points.

Cat Payload onboard weighing gives real-time weight estimates to achieve precise load targets and improve efficiency. When combined with VisionLink, Payload offers remote managing of production targets. Alternatively, the monitor’s USB port allows fleet managers to download up to 30 days of work for progress management without an internet connection or VisionLink subscription.

Optional tech upgrades include Cat Grade with Advanced 2D for creating and editing grade designs via a second high-resolution touchscreen monitor, and Cat Grade with 3D to create and edit designs on that second monitor plus see the front linkage’s full range of motion. All Cat Grade systems are compatible with radios and base stations from top third-party technology suppliers.

The Cat 350 is powered by the tried and tested Cat C9.3B engine that has more than 14 million hours of service, according to Caterpillar. The oil and fuel filter service intervals are 1000 hours, helping to reduce downtime. The hydraulic oil filter has a 3000-hour replacement interval – an increase of 50 per cent over the previous design – and provides improved filtration performance, Caterpillar added.

Caterpillar has designed the 350 to work in harsh conditions. It can work at up to 4500m above sea level and features standard high-ambient temperature capability of 52 degrees Celsius, cold-start capability at -18 degrees Celsius with optional cold-start capability at -32 degrees Celsius.

Automatic hydraulic warm-up in cold temperatures gets the machine working faster and prolongs the life of machine components.

The machine also features a double element air intake filter with pre-cleaner and a hydraulic fan with an optional automatic reverse function to keep key machine components free from debris.

The Cat 350 comes standard with Product Link, which collects operating data automatically and provides fleet managers with critical information such as location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, maintenance alerts, diagnostic codes, and machine health online through web and mobile applications.

Remote troubleshoot and remote flash functions allow dealers to remotely connect with the machine to diagnose fault codes and update operating software, maximising machine uptime for operators. Operators can track filter life and maintenance intervals through the touchscreen monitor.

The new 350 features easy keyless starting via a push button, Operator ID passcode, or Bluetooth key fob.

Operators can program each joystick button to preference – including power mode, response, and pattern – using the unique Operator ID, and the machine will recall individual preferences based on the ID.

The large, high-resolution touchscreen monitor with jog dial offers quick navigation through machine controls and provides quick access to the machine’s digital operator’s manual.

When cutting through tough material, standard auto dig boost delivers an automatic eight per cent power increase for better bucket penetration, shorter cycle times, and greater payloads. Auto heavy lift offers an eight per cent increase in lifting power when needed.

At the touch of a button, operators can switch to the optional Cat Stick Steer for simple one-hand operation of travel and turning.

Customers can choose between deluxe and premium cabs, with both designs featuring automatic climate control and a tilt-up left seat console for easy entry and exit.

The deluxe cab comes standard with a heated seat, while the premium trim has a heated and ventilated seat. All controls are placed ergonomically in front of the operator to reduce fatigue.

Large cab windows, along with a lower front, right, and rear machine profile, offer great visibility all round.

For more information about the new Cat 350 hydraulic excavator, visit cat.com.