Caterpillar unveil new Stage IV-compliant machine
New Cat 330F excavator offers high levels of productivity, operator comfort and fuel efficiency
CATERPILLAR have added a new hydraulic excavator to their F-Series range, the 330F model, which combines field-proven reliability and productivity with low-operating costs for customers.
The excavator is powered by a 178kW Cat C7.1 ACERT engine that meets EU Stage IV emission standards. The 330F unit also features automatic engine-speed control which optimizes efficiency by lowering speed when work does not require full power.
Complementing this feature on the machine are two power modes (standard and eco) and an automatic engine-idle shutdown system that turns off the engine after a pre-set idling interval. With these systems in place, the operator benefits from reductions in fuel usage, exhaust emissions, engine wear, noise levels and maintenance/repair costs.
The 330F’s main-system hydraulic flow of 494 litres/min and a standard relief pressure of 35,000kPa (38,000kPa for heavy lifting) are designed to deliver ample power for challenging digging and lifting applications. The machine’s powerful hydraulic system also provides exacting control for handling a selection of Cat buckets and work tools, while heavy-duty structures throughout ensure long-term durability in the most demanding applications.
Fluid-regeneration systems for the boom and stick circuits recycle fluid between ends of the cylinders, lessening the load on the main pumps, saving fuel, enhancing hydraulic response, and reducing system heat.
The main hydraulic valve is designed to respond precisely to operator input, ensuring optimum control, and the heavy-lift circuit boosts system pressure, while reducing engine speed and pump flow, for added lifting power.
The Cat excavator, which has maximum operating weight of 29,753kg, is equipped with a 6.15m boom and 2.65m and 3.2m sticks to provide all-round visibility for general excavation work, while all front linkage pins have thick chrome plating for wear resistance. The reach boom and stick structures , box-section fabrications that use internal baffle plates, have been stress-relived for added durability and inspected ultrasonically to ensure quality.
The 330F’s ROPS-certified cab features special viscous mount and roof lining with effective seals to reduce in-cab noise levels and vibration. Inside, the cab’s ample glass areas enhance visibility for the operator, while an easy-to-navigate LCD monitor provides critical operating information.
Routine maintenance points, such as fluid taps and grease points, are easily accessible from ground level. The 330F is equipped with the Cat Product Link system as standard, which provides key equipment information (hours, fuel usage, idle time etc.) to fleet operators.
