Iconic Cat 245 at Swiss Machinery Demo

Is there a more iconic hydraulic excavator than the Caterpillar 245, I have to say I really don’t think so, and have fond memories of collecting material on them as a youngster.

In the wider scheme of things Caterpillar were late comers to the hydraulic excavator sector, despite its dominant position in the earthmoving machinery market. In fact, it was 1972 when they launched the first model the 225 which tipped the scales at 24.5-tonnes.

It was 1974 when Caterpillar launched what was its third machine in the 200-Series the 245, it was a machine that was much applauded by big muckshifting firms both here in the UK and internationally.

Achive Image Courtesy of Dirk Bömer.

A superb example exists in the Eberhard collection in Switzerland, which we can see working in the video below from the Kevin Italian Construction Channel on You Tube, who captured this beautiful machine in action at their quarry vintage machinery event.

I’ve never been fortunate enough to attend this event, but it looks like everyone is able to have a great time and enjoy these wonderful old machines in a natural environment.   

The 245’s main specifications are as follows:

Engine: Caterpillar 3406 Diesel

Power: approximately 205 kW (275 HP)

Operating weight: approximately 60 tonnes

Bucket capacity: up to approximately 5 m³ (depending on configuration)

Enjoy the video from Kevin’s Channel below.