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Digger Man

Digger Man Blog

by Nick Drew  |  Sat 07 Mar 2015

Marathon Cat Product Launch in Malaga (Part One)

There was plenty of “new iron” to see last week during the Digger Man Blogs visit to Caterpillar’s impressive Demonstration and Learning Centre in Malaga and today I am posting a brief round-up featuring some of the latest machines we saw at the event.

One of the largest gatherings of International Press that I have witnessed so far at a product launch event, were treated to a full on information packed couple of days, bathed in the glorious sunshine of the Costa Del Sol. This event was a hot topic on social media platforms, especially on Twitter where it was followed by using the #CatProductLaunch hashtag. The American plant and machinery giant had assembled plenty for us to see and to try out, many of which we will be reporting on in more detail in an upcoming edition of Earthmovers Magazine. First up was the new 336F L XE Hybrid excavator which replaces the outgoing E series model. The machine features a Cat C9.3 ACERT engine that meets EU Stage IV emission standards and offers a power output rating of 320hp (235kw).  The Hybrid machine is said to deliver fuel savings of up to 20% when compared to the standard 336F L and up to 25% fuel saving improvement over the old 336E models. Another significant launch was the new 313F L GC hydraulic excavator. This Japanese designed and manufactured machine has been produced to meet the demands of the UK plant hire sector and looks set to be a sure fire winner for UK dealers Finning. According to Cat this machine is aimed at the user whose bottom line depends on reliable performance at a low cost per hour. At the heart of this new machine is Cat’s C3.4B engine which meets EU Stage 3B emissions standards with a power rating of 70hp (52kw) and most importantly for the UK sector requires no diesel exhaust fluid. The machine features a simple and well proven one-pump hydraulic system which performs well in a wide variety of tasks including fine grading, soil spreading and excavation works. This model also sees a return to a lower bonnet arrangement offering excellent rear vision which is also improved by the provision of a standard rear view camera. I took the opportunity to have some “stick time” on this exciting new machine and will report in more detail in the magazine. A new Cat D6N model has been rolled out which is powered by Cat’s C7.1 ACERT EU Stage IV emissions standard engine and which is rated at 166hp (124kw). According to Caterpillar this model delivers a 10 – 15% boost in fuel efficiency and 10% increase in productivity when compared to its predecessor model. These impressive fuel-efficiency gains have been obtained thanks to the machines new direct-drive transmission, which uses a torque converter to provide the power multiplication for moving productively through the cut, as well as a lock-up clutch that allows the D6N to carry loads in direct drive for optimum fuel efficiency. New C series articulated truck models were also launched in Malaga including the 745C model which was displayed. This new machine is joined in the range by 735C and 740C EJ models which feature EU Stage IV emission compliant engines, new transmissions with expanded electronic control, automatic traction control, automatic retarder control, hill assist and waiting brake systems, and an optional payload weighing system—all aimed at delivering lower costs per ton by reducing cycle times, saving fuel, and easing the operator's work load. Rated payload capacities for the new models are 36, 42, and 45.2 tons (32.7, 38, and 41 m3), respectively, with all models replacing their B Series predecessors. The new 745C's 1.7-ton (1.5 m3) capacity increase (compared with the 740B's capacity) combines with its faster cycle times for significant production gains. The 735C's Cat C15 ACERT engine is rated at 452 horsepower (337 kW) and the C18 ACERT engine in the 740C EJ and 745C is rated at 511 horsepower (381 kW). Towards the end of the first day there was a fun element to the proceedings as the assembled journalists were invited to take part in a competition. Using a new Cat 305E 2 CR compact radius mini excavator, each competitor had to knock off 4 tennis balls against the clock, with the winner claiming a prize which would be presented by England rugby legend Martin Corry at the evening dinner. Look out for more Malaga highlights on the Digger Man Blog over the coming days.    

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