New Cat 336 and 340 excavators
Latest machines designed to deliver class-leading productivity and low owning and operating costs
ACCORDING to Caterpillar, the new Cat 336 hydraulic excavator is said to offer class-leading production and low-cost operation, with its powerful hydraulic system delivering strong digging forces and swing torque to boost production in the most demanding applications, whilst the new Cat 340 machine features a more powerful engine, wider tracks, and a 7-tonne counterweight, increasing its productivity by 10%.
‘Our new Cat 336 model delivers the right balance of power and payload, resulting in a rugged and reliable machine that delivers excellent production along with low owning and operating costs,’ commented Brian Abbott, Caterpillar’s global product manager for large hydraulic excavators.
‘The new Cat 340 reaches a new level of performance,’ he continued. ‘Our additions make the machine more productive and stable with larger work tools, giving contractors more flexibility to complete a wider range of projects.’
Powered by Cat C7.1 and Cat C9.3B engines respectively, three engine modes match excavator power to the demands of the job while saving fuel. Power mode delivers maximum power to meet the most demanding tasks, whilst Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions to reduce fuel consumption, and by reducing engine speed to a constant 1,500 rev/min, Eco mode minimizes fuel consumption.
Synchronized and extended 1,000-hour oil and fuel filter service intervals reduce downtime and eliminate the labour cost for nine oil and fuel filter changes and parts cost for 27 oil and fuel filters over 10,000 machine operating hours, compared with many competitive 30–40-tonne excavators.
A high ambient temperature capability of 52C along with cold-start capability at –18C, allow the 336 (pictured) and 340 to work in various climates, with auto hydraulic warm-up in cold temperatures getting the machines to work faster and prolonging component life.
Product Link collects data automatically, with information such as location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, maintenance alerts, diagnostic codes, and machine health all available online through web and mobile applications. Maximizing machine uptime, Remote Troubleshoot and Remote Flash allow dealers to remotely connect with the machines to diagnose fault codes and update operating software.
Next-generation cab trim levels from Deluxe to Premium are also available. Deluxe cabs come with a heated air-suspension seat, whilst Premium cabs come with a heated and ventilated air-suspension seat. Both have a tilt-up left-hand console for easier machine access and egress.
A touchscreen monitor and jog dial offer quick navigation through the machine controls and provide easy access to the digital operator’s manual. Keyless pushbutton start is standard on the 336 and 340, and a Bluetooth key fob is available. An Operator ID passcode allows for engine starting, and Operator ID can quickly save and restore joystick button, response, and pattern preferences for individual operators.
Optional Cat Stick Steer makes travel and turning much easier, whilst standard technology such as Auto Dig Boost and Auto Heavy Lift increase bucket penetration and lift capacity by 8%, Lift Assist helps operators avoid tipping the machine, and Auto Hammer Stop warns operators after 15 seconds of continuous firing and shuts off the hammer after 30 seconds to prevent wear and tear.
