Caterpillar announced the launch of two new hydraulic excavators on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, one of just a few major equipment launches ahead of the 2023 CON-EXPO show. The new Cat 340 Hydraulic Excavator features a more powerful engine, wider track, and 7.5-ton counterweight to increase productivity by 10% over the 2020 model year Cat 336, according to Caterpillar. The new Cat 352 Hydraulic Excavator combines more power and a heavier counterweight to work with larger tools, Caterpillar said in a press release.
New Cat 340 Hydraulic Excavator Offers Versatility, Durability
The new Cat 340 excavator’s structure assures durability in loading, hammering and digging projects, according to Caterpillar, which emphasized the 340 excavator's reinforced exterior when compared to the Cat 336.
The excavator has a Cat C9.3B engine, which promises 14 million service hours. Three engine modes ensure the 340 excavator's power matches the particular work needed:
- Power mode delivers maximum power;
- Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to jobsite conditions to attempt to lower fuel consumption; and
- Eco mode reduces the 340's engine speed to 1500 rpm to minimize fuel consumption.
Synchronized 1,000-hour oil and fuel filter service intervals should reduce downtime. According to Cat, the reduced maintenance of combined oil and fuel filter services should eliminate the cost of nine oil and fuel filter changes, as well as the parts cost for 27 oil and fuel filters over 10,000 machine operating hours. This should add up to a significant cost savings over competitors' 30-40-ton excavators.
“The 340 reaches a new level of performance,” said Brian Abbott, Caterpillar global product manager for large hydraulic excavators. “Our additions make the machine more productive and stable with larger work tools, giving contractors more flexibility to complete a wider range of projects.”
The Cat 340 is a highly versatile machine, according to Caterpillar. The machine promises to start in 0˚ F winter weather with auto hydraulic warmup, assures operating capability in ambient temperatures up to125˚ F, and boasts the ability to work at up to 14,764 ft above sea level.
Read more about the new Cat 340 Hydraulic Excavator here.
New Cat 352 Hydraulic Excavator Provides Muscle for Big Jobs
The new Cat 352 excavator's 443-hp engine and electrohydraulic system can power through rocky terrain, tough clay and other hard jobsite conditions. According to Caterpillar, the 352's auto dig boost increases bucket penetration by 8%. Its auto heavy lift feature also increases lift capacity by 8%, which can be useful when lifting heft buckets of sandboxes, pipe and other dense materials. The optional Cat Stick Steer makes for easy one-handed operation and offers cruise control for easier traveling.
“[The 352] can be equipped with high-capacity buckets to dig and load tons of material in fewer passes or large hammers to work in demanding quarry applications," Abbott said.
The 352 Excavator also offers a choice of variable or fixed gauge undercarriage. The variable gauge undercarriage retracts to a 7-ft, 10-in width, ostensibly making transportation easier. When expanded, the 352's variable gauge undercarriage is 6 in wider than the fixed gauge undercarriage, presumably adding stability to the machine.
Cat 2D Grade indicates depth and slope on the in-cab monitor. Upgrading to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Grade with 3D offers the ability to create and edit designs and tackle more complex grading applications.
