Cat C-Series Excavators
New machines offer increased productivity and versatility
Caterpillar have introduced the first four models in their new range of C-Series hydraulic excavators. Competing in the 20–35-tonne classes, the new machines – the 320C, 322C, 325C and 330C – are the latest models in an excavator line that dates back 30 years to the launch of the 25-tonne Cat 225 in 1972.
As a mark of their popularity and success, over 160,000 Cat 300-family excavators have been delivered worldwide since 1993. However, according to Caterpillar, the new C-Series models offer a wide range of further enhancements including sleeker styling, improved performance and productivity, greater reliability and durability, lower operating costs, more comfort for the operator, and simplified maintenance.
All four machines are powered by fuel-efficient, low-noise Cat diesel engines that are designed to deliver an improved response. The engines in the 325C (128kW) and 330C (184kW) models both feature electronic unit injection (EUI) fuel systems and an electronic control module (ECM) which ensures optimum fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The ECM’s advanced diagnostic and prognostic capabilities also allow technicians to quickly identify and diagnose machine faults and predict the cause of potential future malfunctions.
The engines drive a hydraulic system that, according to Cat, delivers unrivalled levels of efficiency and controllability in all applications. For maximum productivity the easy-to-use system provides automatic priority selection between the swing and boom circuits according to the input from the excavator’s joystick controls, thereby eliminating the need for manual selection of the work mode on the Multipro console.
Efficiency is further enhanced by boom and stick regeneration circuits and a SmartBoom attachment that allows the boom to descend under its own weight, simultaneously increasing oil flow to other machine functions. SmartBoom is said to provide greater operator comfort and faster cycle times in most applications, including rock scraping and finishing, working with hydraulic hammers, materials handling and truck loading.
The C-Series excavators are built around a rugged main frame and mounted on an X-pattern carbody that offers a choice of up to five different undercarriage configurations, according to the model selected. A wide application range is catered for by a large number of booms and sticks as well as a complete range of job-matched buckets and work tools including quick-couplers, hydraulic hammers, demolition and sorting grapples, and multiprocessors.
Work tool performance has been increased by the introduction of Tool Control Pro, a new electronically controlled auxiliary hydraulic system that permits the flow/pressure settings for up to five hydro-mechanical tools to be pre-set on the Multipro console, allowing the operator to select the correct work tool settings without having to leave the cab.
The C-Series cab itself provides a high level of operator comfort thanks to its ergonomic seat and control layout, low lever and pedal efforts and high-efficiency ventilation system. Operator efficiency is further increased by automatic climate control, an improved field of vision and new joysticks incorporating sliding switches that reduce fatigue by providing smooth, modulated control for hydro-mechanical tools.
The new Multipro control console allows the operator to focus on produc-tion by monitoring key machine functions and presenting information on an easy-to-read display. It also warns of low coolant or engine/hydraulic oil levels before the engine is started and alerts the operator when filters and oils need changing.
A number of other features help simplify routine maintenance and lower operating costs, including: an engine oil change interval that has been doubled to 500h; self-lubricated bearings that extend the front linkage greasing interval from 50h to 1,000h; a mesh bearing that extends the bucket linkage greasing interval from 50h to 100h; and grease-lubricated tracks (GLT) that deliver longer track link and inner bushing life while reducing both travel noise and the potential for frozen track joints.
The new C-Series excavators are also among the first Cat machines to feature the company’s new Caterpillar Product Link, a system option that simplifies fleet management by providing the facility to remotely monitor a machine’s location, operating hours and key machine functions via a satellite-based communications network.
Finning (UK) Ltd, Watling Street, Cannock, Staffs WS11 3LL; tel: (01543) 461461; fax: (01543) 461700.
Caterpillar have introduced the first four models in their new range of C-Series hydraulic excavators. Competing in the 20–35-tonne classes, the new machines – the 320C, 322C, 325C and 330C – are the latest models in an excavator line that dates back 30 years to the launch of the 25-tonne Cat 225 in 1972.
As a mark of their popularity and success, over 160,000 Cat 300-family excavators have been delivered worldwide since 1993. However, according to Caterpillar, the new C-Series models offer a wide range of further enhancements including sleeker styling, improved performance and productivity, greater reliability and durability, lower operating costs, more comfort for the operator, and simplified maintenance.
All four machines are powered by fuel-efficient, low-noise Cat diesel engines that are designed to deliver an improved response. The engines in the 325C (128kW) and 330C (184kW) models both feature electronic unit injection (EUI) fuel systems and an electronic control module (ECM) which ensures optimum fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The ECM’s advanced diagnostic and prognostic capabilities also allow technicians to quickly identify and diagnose machine faults and predict the cause of potential future malfunctions.
The engines drive a hydraulic system that, according to Cat, delivers unrivalled levels of efficiency and controllability in all applications. For maximum productivity the easy-to-use system provides automatic priority selection between the swing and boom circuits according to the input from the excavator’s joystick controls, thereby eliminating the need for manual selection of the work mode on the Multipro console.
Efficiency is further enhanced by boom and stick regeneration circuits and a SmartBoom attachment that allows the boom to descend under its own weight, simultaneously increasing oil flow to other machine functions. SmartBoom is said to provide greater operator comfort and faster cycle times in most applications, including rock scraping and finishing, working with hydraulic hammers, materials handling and truck loading.
The C-Series excavators are built around a rugged main frame and mounted on an X-pattern carbody that offers a choice of up to five different undercarriage configurations, according to the model selected. A wide application range is catered for by a large number of booms and sticks as well as a complete range of job-matched buckets and work tools including quick-couplers, hydraulic hammers, demolition and sorting grapples, and multiprocessors.
Work tool performance has been increased by the introduction of Tool Control Pro, a new electronically controlled auxiliary hydraulic system that permits the flow/pressure settings for up to five hydro-mechanical tools to be pre-set on the Multipro console, allowing the operator to select the correct work tool settings without having to leave the cab.
The C-Series cab itself provides a high level of operator comfort thanks to its ergonomic seat and control layout, low lever and pedal efforts and high-efficiency ventilation system. Operator efficiency is further increased by automatic climate control, an improved field of vision and new joysticks incorporating sliding switches that reduce fatigue by providing smooth, modulated control for hydro-mechanical tools.
The new Multipro control console allows the operator to focus on produc-tion by monitoring key machine functions and presenting information on an easy-to-read display. It also warns of low coolant or engine/hydraulic oil levels before the engine is started and alerts the operator when filters and oils need changing.
A number of other features help simplify routine maintenance and lower operating costs, including: an engine oil change interval that has been doubled to 500h; self-lubricated bearings that extend the front linkage greasing interval from 50h to 1,000h; a mesh bearing that extends the bucket linkage greasing interval from 50h to 100h; and grease-lubricated tracks (GLT) that deliver longer track link and inner bushing life while reducing both travel noise and the potential for frozen track joints.
The new C-Series excavators are also among the first Cat machines to feature the company’s new Caterpillar Product Link, a system option that simplifies fleet management by providing the facility to remotely monitor a machine’s location, operating hours and key machine functions via a satellite-based communications network.
Finning (UK) Ltd, Watling Street, Cannock, Staffs WS11 3LL; tel: (01543) 461461; fax: (01543) 461700.
