Caterpillar introduce the new 352F excavator

Cat 352F combines fuel-efficiency and powerful hydraulics with operator comfort and safety

THE new Cat 352F hydraulic excavator featuring a variable-gauge undercarriage has a maximum operating weight 53.3 tonnes and is powered by a 317kW Cat C13 ACERT engine that meets EU Stage IV emission standards.

The 352F’s pilot-operated hydraulic system, with a maximum flow of 770 litres/min, is designed to deliver powerful digging and lifting forces, as well as ample power for hydro-mechanical work tools.

The 352F features heavy-duty main structures for long-term durability, a spacious operator’s station, simple routine maintenance, and fuel-saving systems that reduce operating costs in a range of applications, including quarrying, road building and heavy earthmoving.

Fuel-saving features include three power modes – High, Standard and Economy – that allow the operator to select an engine operating speed to match the application. In addition, an automatic speed control adjusts engine rev/min to match the machine’s operating load, and an idle shutdown system stops the engine after a pre-set idling interval. These systems not only save fuel, but also reduce emissions and extend service intervals.

The 352F’s hydraulic system is designed with major components in close proximity – an arrangement that allows shorter connecting tubes and hoses to reduce frictional losses and pressure reductions, resulting in reduced loading on the system for added fuel savings. The main control valve is designed to respond proportionally to control-lever movement for precise controllability of hydraulic functions.

In addition, electrically controlled regeneration circuits for the boom and stick cylinders reduce the volume of oil required from the main pumps, thus reducing engine load, saving fuel and further enhancing controllability.

Available couplers and auxiliary hydraulic circuits expand the capability of the 352F by equipping it to handle an extensive range of Cat work tools, including buckets, hammers, grapples, shears, multi-processors, and rippers.

The 352F’s boom and stick options are fabricated from premium steel plate and use high-strength castings and forgings in high-stress areas.

Fitted with the heavy-duty 6.9m reach boom and 3.5m stick, the 352F has a maximum digging depth of 7,510mm. Alternatively, a mass-excavation boom can be paired with either of two sticks for high production in large-scale earthmoving and heavy-material applications.

Heavy-duty construction of the 352F’s upper frame, carbody and track frames ensures structural durability in the most severe applications, and the upper frame also incorporates special mountings to support the heavy-duty cab.

The variable-gauge undercarriage – featuring massive track roller frames and high tensile strength steel components – provides both a wide, stable working base and a reduced shipping width. The track chains are grease lubricated to reduce undercarriage noise and internal pin-and bushing wear.

The 352F’s spacious and comfortable cab features a pressurization system that provides positive, filtered airflow to resist dust intrusion. Low-effort joystick controllers are mounted in height-adjustable consoles that complement adjustable armrests and a fully adjustable, high-back seat.

The cab’s large glass areas enhance visibility, while a large, easy-to-navigate, high-resolution LCD monitor provides critical operating information, including alerts for filter-change intervals.

The monitor also displays images from the standard rear-view camera, which can be supplemented with available Cat Detect technologies to increase the operator’s awareness of the machine’s surroundings.

For the operator’s convenience, a radio is standard with an MP3 audio port, and for added safety, a bolt-on falling objects protective structure (FOPS) is available, as are halogen boom lights and cab-mounted working lights with a time delay.

Routine maintenance points are easily accessed, including a remote greasing block on the boom that delivers grease to hard-to-reach locations. Service intervals for engine oil and filter are 500h, and quick drains are available for engine oil and hydraulic fluid. Standard oil-sample and pressure ports allow easy monitoring of machine condition.

Technology such as the optional Cat Product Link system helps fleet owners manage equipment productivity and reduce owning and operating costs through the online VisionLink interface by tracking critical items, such as location, hours, fuel usage, diagnostic codes, and idle time.