Cat 36-tonne compact radius excavator surfaces

Caterpillar has dropped its latest 335 next-gen hydraulic excavator featuring a tight tail swing radius that enables it to work in space-restricted jobsites, such as road projects with lane closures and urban compounds for building excavations.

It’s powered by a C7.1 engine that meets the latest emissions standards and comes with a no-maintenance after-treatment system. There are three selectable operating modes – Power, Smart and Eco – with one-touch low idle help to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent, Caterpillar said.

Better power

The new 335 features increased stick and bucket cylinder sizes to provide 15 per cent greater digging forces to power through hard ground and asphalt. Hydraulic power has also been increased by 20 per cent but fuel consumption remains similar to the previous model, Cat said.

Selecting the engine Smart mode automatically matches engine speed and hydraulic power demand, based on how hard the operator is digging, saving operators even more fuel.

There are several auxiliary hydraulic options to cater for a wide range of Cat attachments. Cat’s Advansys bucket tips help with material penetration and improved cycle times and can be quickly changed without a hammer or special tool.

A new, wider blade covers the width of wide track shoes.

Performance upgrade

The Cat 335 come with plenty of standard technologies to assist operator performance that will increase machine efficiency by up to 45 per cent compared to manual operation, Cat said.

The Cat Payload technology offers on-the-go weighing of material to help prevent overloading or underloading. By calculating the load being lifted and comparing it to the rated load for the excavator, Lift Assist lets operators know when the machine is within a safe working range or action is necessary to avoid tipping.

The standard Cat Grade with 2D helps operators cut and fill to exact specifications without overcutting, allowing the machine to reach grade faster. The system stores up to four most used target depth and slope offsets to save time at the jobsite. Cat Grade with Assist automates boom, stick and bucket movements to deliver more accurate cuts with less operator effort. Operators can upgrade to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D for further productivity gains and expanded grading capabilities.

Cat Link telematics gathers data generated by the new 335 to assist fleet management. Product Link automatically collects machine operating data, regardless of type or brand, which can be accessed anytime, anywhere through VisionLink.

Simplified maintenance

The Cat Remote Services function lets companies troubleshoot and update machine software to improve efficiency. Remote Troubleshoot allows Cat dealers to perform diagnostic testing remotely and pinpoint potential issues, while the machine continues to work.

The Remote Flash feature allows on-board software to be updated at a time when it is convenient and without a technician present.

Cat said the 335 offers operators savings of up to 20 per cent on maintenance compared to the 335F. All fuel filters have 1000-hour change intervals including the air intake filter with precleaners. The hydraulic filter has been improved to include anti-drain valves to keep the oil clean during filter replacement, pushing the replacement interval to 3000-hour – a 50 per cent increase.

Better comfort and safety

The Cat 335 Next Gen excavator gives customers a choice between reengineered Deluxe and Premium cab designs featuring vibration-reducing viscous mounts, adjustable operator seats and automatic climate control to increase operator comfort.

Customisable joysticks allow operators to save pattern and response settings to their preferences.

A flat engine hood design, smaller cab pillars and large panoramic windows give operators great visibility into the trench and to either side of the machine, Cat said. Rear-view and right-view cameras come standard for enhanced visibility and safety, with the option to upgrade to a 360-degree camera.

All daily service points are accessed from ground level. The new service platform toward the front of the machine features an anti-skid punch plate to prevent slipping and provides easy and safe access to the upper service platform.

For more information on the new Cat 335 Next Gen excavator, visit cat.com.