Cat lands next-gen 20-tonners

Caterpillar has unveiled its next generation 20-tonne size class excavators designed to offer increased operating efficiency, lower fuel costs and improved operator comfort.

The Cat 320 GC, Cat 320 and the range topping Cat 323 combine the latest technology, new fuel-efficient engines and new cabs to offer operators improved performance and productivity.

“We have equipped our Next Generation of excavators with revolutionary technology to optimize our customers' jobsites and maximise the value we provide them,” says Caterpillar's Regional Sales Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Ranil Tennakoon.

“Through our consistent investment in product development, we have managed to improve operator efficiency, and reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs significantly.”

Tech-laden

Equipped with integrated Cat Connect Technology, the Cat 320 and Cat 323 can increase operating efficiency by up to 45 per cent over traditional grading operations, according to Cat.

A Cat Grade with 2D system offers guidance for depth, slope and horizontal distance to grade; helping operators reach the desired grade quickly and accurately. An E-fence feature enables the machine to work safely under structures or near traffic by preventing any part of the excavator from moving outside operator-defined set points.

The standard 2D system can be upgraded to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D.

Standard Grade Assist automates boom, stick and bucket movements, so operators stay on grade effortlessly with single-lever digging.

Cat Payload on-board weighing, integrated on the Cat 320 and 323 at the factory, delivers precise load targets with on-the-go weighing and real-time payload estimates without swinging to prevent over or under-loading.

Cat LINK hardware and software connect job sites to the office and provide customers with machine-critical operating information.

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Fuel-saving

Equipped with durable Cat engines, the next-gen machines offer power outputs of 145 to 164hp. According to Cat, the new engines consume 20 to 25 per cent less fuel compared to previous models.

A new Smart Mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions for optimised fuel consumption and performance. Engine speed is automatically lowered when there is no hydraulic demand to further reduce fuel usage.

A new cooling system employs multiple electric fans which independently monitor hydraulic oil, radiator and air-to-air aftercooler temperatures to deliver the exact airflow required.

With a new hydraulic system built for responsiveness and efficiency, the Cat 320 GC, 320 and 323 feature a new main control valve that eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses and consequently lowers fuel consumption.

Fewer hydraulic lines result in 20 per cent less oil required, Cat adds, lowering long-term operating costs.

With new hydraulic filters, air filters and fuel filters with higher dirt capacity and longer service lives, all three new Cat excavator models need not be maintained as frequently as predecessor models, and can reduce maintenance costs by up to 15 per cent over the previous range, Cat says.

Better cab

All of Cat's next-gen excavator cabs come equipped with standard features like keyless push-button start, large standard 8-inch and 10-inch touchscreen monitors with jog dial keys for control, and sound-suppressed rollover protective structures (ROPS) for improved operator comfort.

Programmable joystick buttons for response and pattern allow the operator to dial in productivity settings. New advanced viscous mounts reduce cab vibration by up to 50 per cent over previous models to reduce operator fatigue.

The spacious cab features a low-profile design and large front, rear and side windows to enhance visibility to the front and side of the excavator. Operators have a choice of Comfort, Deluxe or Premium cab packages.

An optional 360-degree Birdseye visibility feature combines images from multiple machine-mounted cameras to enhance the operator’s sight-lines in all directions.

Automatic climate control maintains internal cab temperature settings, regardless of external ambient temperatures. Other creature comfort features include Bluetooth integrated radio with USB ports for connecting and charging phones.