Caterpillar unveil new Next Generation excavators
Cat 336 and 336 GC said to offer increased efficiency and lower operating costs in 36-tonne size class
THE Next Generation 36-tonne size class excavators from Caterpillar – the 336 and 336 GC – are said to increase operating efficiency, reduce fuel and maintenance costs, and improve operator comfort compared with previous models.
Delivering high-production performance, the 36.6-tonne Cat 336 offers the most power and biggest lift capacity of the two models, resulting in maximum productivity at the lowest cost, whilst the 34.6-tonne Cat 336 GC is said to combine the right balance of productivity features with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs, resulting in high reliability and low-cost-per-hour performance.
The Cat 336 has the industry’s highest level of standard factory-equipped technology, including: Cat Connect, to boost productivity; Cat Payload, which delivers precise load targets and increased loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing and real-time payload estimates, to prevent truck over/underloading; and Cat LINK hardware and software, which connect job sites to the office and provide customers with machine-critical operating information.
Powered by a Cat C9.3B engine that delivers gross power 234kW (314hp), the Cat 336 has a maximum digging depth of 7.5m, a maximum reach at ground level of 11.03m and a maximum loading height of 7.1m. The 336 GC model is powered by a Cat C7.1 ACERT engine that delivers 205kW (275hp) of gross power. It has a maximum digging depth of 7.53m, a maximum reach of 11.06m and maximum loading height of 7.07m.
By design, Cat Next Generation excavators are said to consume less fuel than the models they are replacing – up to 15% less for the 336. New Smart mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, optimizing both fuel consumption and performance, whilst the cooling system features a new fan that runs on demand to keep the excavator working at the correct operating temperature for maximum efficiency.
With a new electrohydraulic system built for responsiveness and efficiency, the Cat 336 and 336 GC feature a new main control valve that eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses, and lowers fuel consumption.
Offering extended and more synchronized maintenance intervals, the new Cat excavators are said to do more work at a lower cost and reduce maintenance costs by up to 15% over the previous series.
The new Cat air filter with integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters has double the dust holding capacity of the previous design, whilst the new Cat hydraulic return filter has a 3,000h service life – a 50% increase over previous filter, and the fuel system filters are synchronized for service at 1,000h – a 100% increase over the previous filters.
In addition, the fuel system, water and sediment drains and hydraulic system oil level are positioned close together at ground level, making routine daily maintenance faster, easier and safer.
With a choice of Comfort, Deluxe, or Premium cab packages, all Next Generation Cat excavator cabs come equipped with standard features such as keyless push-button start, a large 8in (203mm) touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys for control, Bluetooth integrated radio with USB ports for connecting and charging phones, and sound-suppressed rollover protective structures (ROPS) for operator comfort and safety.
A tilt-up console for the Deluxe and Premium cab designs affords easy cab entry and exit, whilst advanced viscous mounts reduce cab vibration by up to 50% over previous models. Automatic climate control maintains internal cab temperature settings, regardless of external ambient temperatures, and large front, rear and side windows enhance visibility. Optional 360° visibility (336 only) combines images from multiple machine-mounted cameras to enhance the operator’s sight lines in all directions.
