Next-gen Cat 50-tonne diggers unveiled
New rigs offer the industry’s highest level of standard factory-installed technology to enable up to 45 per cent more operating efficiency, Caterpillar claimedCaterpillar has lifted the covers off its next generation 349 and 352 excavators that the company claimed are 10 per cent more fuel efficient compared to their predecessors, the 349F and 352F.
Thanks to a wide range of standard technology, the units also offer improved operating efficiency as well as reduced maintenance costs by up to 15 per cent, according to Cat.
Some of the technology that come standard with the new 349 and 352 include:
- Cat Grade with 2D gives operators visual guidance to grade via the touchscreen monitor. The system can be upgraded to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or 3D for more accuracy.
- Grade Assist automates boom and bucket movements for better grading accuracy and efficiency
- Cat Payload for on-the-go weighing that allows operators to estimate real-time payload without swinging to help prevent overloading and underloading trucks.
- Lift Assist calculates the weight of the actual load being lifted and compares that to the rated capability of the excavator. Visual and auditory alerts indicate whether the machine is within a safe working range.
- E-Fence prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined points. This helps protect the machine, underground utilities, and other objects from damage.
- Cat Product Link provides a constant stream of wireless information via the online VisionLink interface, allowing machine managers in the office to evaluate critical operating information.
A new Smart Mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, hence reducing fuel consumption and optimising performance.
The cooling system features a new on-demand fan designed to operate only when required, further saving fuel and ensuring maximum efficiency. A reverse function is available to help with cleaning debris from the cooling cores for added efficiency.
The new electrohydraulic control system is built for responsiveness and efficiency; its main control valve eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses, and lowers fuel consumption. Fewer hydraulic lines mean less oil required, hence lowering operating costs.
A new Cat air filter with an integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters provides double the dust-holding capacity of the previous design, Cat said.
The new Cat hydraulic return filter has a 3000-hour service life which is a 50 per cent increase over previous filters, according to Cat. Fuel system filters are synchronised for service at 1000 hours which Cat said is a 100 percent increase over the previous filters.
The fuel system’s water and sediment drains and hydraulic system’s oil level check are positioned close together at ground level, making routine daily maintenance faster and easier.
Operators get a choice between Deluxe and Premium cab packages, but both options come standard with keyless push-button start, large touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys for control, and a sound-suppressed rollover protective structure (ROPS).
Some other features in the cab include:
- Tilt-up console that allows easy cab entry and exit
- Advanced viscous cab mounts that reduce vibration as much as 50 per cent compared to previous models
- Bluetooth integrated radio with USB ports for connecting and charging phones
- Automatic climate control that maintains temperature settings regardless of ambient temperatures
- Programmable joystick buttons that allow setting control patterns and hydraulic response rates, permitting machine operation to be tailored to individual preferences.
- Large front, rear, and side windows along with standard rearview and right-hand-side cameras for enhanced visibility
- An optional 360-degree-visibility package combines images from multiple cameras to enhance the operator’s sight lines in all directions
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