Intermat 24

News

Digging deep into construction machinery news

CONEXPO LIVE: Caterpillar

by Kyle Molyneux  |  Mon 09 Mar 2020

CONEXPO LIVE: Caterpillar

Caterpillar's enormous exhibit at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 is the temporary home of more than 30 Cat machines, including nine new product introductions from the dozer, excavator, articulated truck and backhoe loader families.

One of those new machines is the Cat D3 dozer (top image), successor to the D5K2. Redesigned controls make operation easier, while the operator cab is said to provide greater visibility. Powertrain advancements improve fuel efficiency by up to 10% over previous models, too. Inside the demo arena, the new 150 AWD motor grader (see picture below) features all-wheel drive that assists with traction and manoeuvring. Eco mode delivers up to 10% greater fuel efficiency without productivity loss, and owning and operating costs are reduced via new filters and longer service intervals. Meanwhile, the new mastless 3D Cat GRADE control system gives the moldboard a full range of motion. The GNSS receivers are bolted to the machine, which increases uptime and reduces costs associated with potential receiver, mast or machine damage when using the dual 3D GNSS system. The integrated 3D Cat GRADE will initially be available on the 140,150 and 160 joystick motor graders.

Caterpillar has also brought along its new 725 articulated trucks with assisted hoist, Automatic Retarder Control and Advanced Automatic Traction Control. Performance improvements include up to 9% increased speed on grades, 8% improved acceleration and a 7% productivity increase. Arguably bigger news, however, is the appearance of Caterpillar’s five new wheeled, small, medium and large hydraulic excavator models at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020. The new Cat M318 wheeled excavator improves operator efficiency by up to 45% with Cat GRADE, E-Fence and PAYLOAD options and delivers up to 10% lower maintenance costs with longer service intervals. The new 313 GC (pictured below) delivers low owning and operating costs through a simple design that is easy to operate, maintain and own. The new 315 (see bottom image) boasts a 13% larger cab and improved performance with up to 10% more swing torque and up to 14% more drawbar pull.

Advanced engine technology and control system for the new 325 medium excavator reduces fuel consumption by up to 25%, while a precise combination of lower engine speed and large hydraulic pump pressure and flow delivers more work per unit of fuel. Extended maintenance intervals means getting more work done with up to 20% lower maintenance costs. The new 395 excavator boasts 10% more swing torque and 10% more stick force than the model it replaces. Cat PAYLOAD also comes standard so operators can validate production at the end of every shift. Plus two times more structural durability means longer service life, and extended service intervals lower maintenance costs by up to 20%.

Got a news story? Email news@earthmoversmagazine.co.uk.

Images: Nick Drew

 

Loads more