Caterpillar launches next-gen 36-tonne excavators

Caterpillar’s new generation 36-tonne excavators which the company said increase operating efficiency, lower fuel and maintenance costs and improved operator comfort have officially touched down in Australia.

The 336 comes standard with Cat Connect Technology which features a suite of products to aid operators in their grading operations.

This includes standard Cat Grade with 2D that provides guidance for depth, slope, and horizontal distance to grade through the standard touchscreen monitor. The system can be upgraded to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D.

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

Cat Payload offers on-the-go weighing and real-time payload estimates to help prevent over or under loading.

The E-fence safety feature prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined set points, which is particularly useful for when working beneath structures or near traffic.

Cat LINK hardware and software allow for remote monitoring and provide customers with machine-critical operating information.

Caterpillar said these features combine to increase operating efficiency by up to 45 per cent over traditional grading operations.

The 336 and 336 GC also consume up to 15 per cent less fuel compared to the predecessor models, according to Caterpillar.

This is thanks to a new Smart mode that automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, hence optimising fuel consumption and performance. Engine speed is automatically lowered when there is no hydraulic demand to further reduce fuel usage.

The cooling system features a new fan that runs on demand to keep the excavator working at the correct operating temperature for maximum efficiency.

The Cat 336 and 336 GC also feature a new electrohydraulic system with a new main control valve that eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses, and lowers fuel consumption. Fewer hydraulic lines on the excavators result in less oil required, hence lowering long-term operating costs, Cat said.

Maintenance costs on the new machines have also been reduced by up to 15 per cent, Caterpillar added. A new air filter with integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters has double the dust holding capacity of the previous design.

The new Cat hydraulic return filter has a 3000-hour service life — a 50 per cent increase over the previous filter.

All next generation Cat excavators are available with a choice of Comfort, Deluxe, or Premium cab packages with standard features such as keyless push-button start, 8-inch touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys for control, and sound-suppressed rollover protective structures (ROPS) for optimum operator comfort and safety.

A tilt-up console available in the Deluxe and Premium cab packages allows for easy cab entry and exit.

New advanced viscous mounts reduce cab vibration by up to 50 per cent over previous models, Cat said.

Other creature comforts include a Bluetooth integrated radio with USB ports, automatic climate control and programmable joystick buttons.