Caterpillar introduce new demolition excavator
Latest Cat 352 straight boom excavator designed for low-level demolition work
CATERPILLAR have strengthened their demolition excavator range with the launch of the new 352 straight boom excavator, which has been designed specifically for dismantling bridges, industrial infrastructure, and buildings up to five stories high.
With a maximum reach of 12.85m (42ft 2in), Caterpillar say the demolition excavator delivers 36% more stick pin height than the standard 352 reach configuration. The new straight boom machine can also handle attachments weighing up to 6,000kg.
The 352 features reinforced booms, sticks and frame for added durability in demanding applications. Other new features of the excavator include an optional 11.35-tonne removable counterweight that provides more transportation options and reduces transport costs.
The mechanical variable gauge undercarriage can be retracted to a width of 9ft 10in for easy transportation. And when working, the undercarriage can be expanded to 19ft 7in wide for maximum stability.
The 352 straight boom is powered by a Cat C13B engine (442hp) that offers three power modes – Smart, Power and Eco – to match engine and hydraulic power to the task at hand whilst reducing fuel consumption. The excavator also comes with a standard quick coupler and medium- and high-pressure circuits, so that a range of Cat demolition attachments can be used.
For increased safety, the standard FOGS protects the roof and P5A laminated windows from falling debris during demolition, while helping to maintain all-round visibility of the jobsite. Smaller cab pillars, larger windows, a standard radial roof wiper and washer also improve visibility around the 352 machine.
The excavator’s track frame is sloped to prevent mud and debris accumulation and reduce track damage. Sealed track pins and bushings have been added to help reduce travel noise and increase undercarriage life, whilst a full track guiding guard comes as standard.
Routine maintenance tasks, such as hydraulic oil checks and fuel system purging of water, are all performed from the ground level. Elsewhere, an updated hydraulic system improves filtration performance, while anti-drain valves help keep the hydraulic oil clean when replacing filters.
A host of Caterpillar technologies now come standard on the 352 straight boom excavator. These include: Operator ID that allows users to program joystick functions, which are remembered when operators enter their unique ID; Cat Lift Assist, which notifies operators when the load is within the excavator’s safe working range; Auto Dig Boost, which provides an automatic power increase when needed, resulting in better bucket penetration, shorter cycle times and greater payloads; and Cat Product Link, which makes machine operating data (eg location, hours, fuel usage, productivity etc.) easily accessible to help increase jobsite efficiency and reduces costs.
