Caterpillar introduce new 395 excavator
Next-generation machine delivers high production and more durability with less maintenance
ACCORDING to Caterpillar, the Next Generation Cat 395 excavator offers up to 10% more production, two times more structural durability and up to 20% less maintenance costs than the 390F machine it replaces. Weighing 94 tonnes and powered by a 543hp (405kW) Cat C18 engine, the new machine has a maximum digging depth of 9.67m and a maximum reach of 14.71m.
‘We increased swing torque and stick force by 10%,’ said Brian Abbott, worldwide product manager for Caterpillar large excavators. ‘These increases allow operators to use larger buckets for much greater productivity.’
A key driver to the 395’s production is a new dedicated hydrostatic swing circuit – a feature found only on larger Cat mining shovels such as the 6015B.
‘The circuit enables the excavator to regenerate swing brake energy and independently manage cylinder oil flow,’ said Mr Abbott. ‘What that means for owners and operators is greater fuel efficiency along with smoother, more predictable performance when multi-tasking with the machine.’
Three modes of operation are available: Power, Smart, and ECO. Power mode is maximum power at all times; ECO mode lowers engine speed and cycle times while maintaining breakout force. Smart mode takes the guesswork out by automatically matching engine and hydraulic power to the actual digging conditions — all to reduce fuel consumption and optimize performance.
The cooling system features a new on-demand fan that is designed to operate only when required, which helps save fuel. An available auto-reverse function assists with cleaning debris from the cooling cores, which enhances operating efficiency.
Simple, easy-to-use technology helps operators and owners get the most out of their Cat excavator.
‘The 395 has the industry’s most comprehensive offering of factory-installed technology in its size class,’ continued Mr Abbott. ‘Our goal is taking an owner’s operating efficiency to a much higher level.’
For example, Cat Payload helps operators increase loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing; real-time payload estimates can be calculated without swinging to help prevent overloading and underloading trucks. The monitor’s USP port lets operators download results from a single shift all the way up to 30 days of work with no need for an Internet connection or VisionLink subscription.
Lift Assist is another new safety feature that helps prevent the excavator from tipping. It quickly calculates the weight of the actual load being lifted and compares it to the excavator’s rated capability. Visual and auditory alerts show and tell the operator if the excavator is within a safe working range.
In addition, whether equipped with a bucket or hammer, standard 2D E-Fence prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined points. This helps protect the machine and other objects from damage and also helps prevent operator fatigue by reducing over swinging and digging.
Auto Hammer Stop prevents unnecessary wear and tear on the attachment and machine. A warning message appears on the monitor after 15 seconds of continuous firing, and the hammer will automatically stop after 30 seconds of continuous firing.
Cat Product Link makes managing the machine easy. It provides a constant stream of wireless information available via the online VisionLink interface, allowing machine managers in the office to quickly evaluate critical operating information.
The 395 is designed take on demanding work. Booms, sticks and frames are twice as strong as those on the previous model. Booms have increased top and bottom plate thickness; sticks have increased side, bottom, and bracket plate thickness; and frames have increased base frame and counterweight mounting plate thickness.
The reinforced car body, track link, track rollers, and boom, stick, and bucket cylinders help ensure long-term, trouble-free performance.
Extended and synchronized maintenance intervals contribute to the 395’s lower long-term costs.
For example, the new Cat air filter with an integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters provides double the dust-holding capacity of the previous design.
Likewise, the new Cat hydraulic return filter has a 3,000-hour service life – a 50% increase over previous filters, whilst the fuel system filters are synchronized for service at 1,000 hours – a 100% increase over the previous filters.
In addition, the fuel system’s water and sediment drains and hydraulic system’s oil level check are positioned close together at ground level, making routine maintenance faster, easier, and safer.
The 395 offers a choice between a Deluxe and Premium cab. Performance-enhancing features like the front-facing control panel, keyless push-button start and large touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys come standard.
Other key cab features include: a tilt-up console that allows easy cab entry and exit; advanced viscous cab mounts that reduce vibration as much as 50% compared with 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 for individual preferences; and large front, rear, and side windows along with standard rear-view and right-hand side view cameras to enhance visibility.
