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Digging deep into construction machinery news

Mon 09 Mar 2015

Marathon Cat Product Launch in Malaga (Part Two)

Another impressive machine we were shown was the new MH3037 one of the first models in the company’s new wheeled material handler range which will be built in Northern Ireland. The machine features a ground level cab entry design, a new advanced powertrain and new efficient hydraulics. The stunning and futuristic looking MH3037 has an operating weight of 87,083 lb (39 500 kg.) and is powered by a Cat C7.1 ACERT engine that meets EU Stage IV emission standards. The engine features an electronically controlled, mechanically actuated, unit-injector fuel system that uses multiple-injection fuel delivery for optimum power and economy in all operating situations. The MH3037 configuration is rated at 225 horsepower (168 kW). Whichever way you look at it this is an impressive piece of kit and I was delighted to be given the opportunity to spend a brief spell in the cab on my final day in Malaga. I have to be honest, in all my years in plant I have never operated a machine like this, but it didn’t take long to get the feel for the machine and after the initial shock of being perched high up to operate it, I was amazed by the performance, visibility and all round stability of this machine. Our Editor Graham Black will be covering this machine in more detail in a future issue of Earthmovers Magazine. Sticking with the wheels now and a new range of F series wheeled excavators, comprising of M318F and M320F models. According to Caterpillar these new machines have been designed using customer input which was considered important. Heading the list were initial quality and reliability, low operating costs, operator comfort and safety, simplicity of operation and maintenance, durability, and environmental friendliness. The new models are designed around those goals, while retaining the best features of predecessor models, including the Cat Smartboom, ride control, load-sensing hydraulics, dedicated swing pump, hydraulically driven cooling fan, large working envelope, and configuration/work-tool versatility. On display in Malaga was the 18 tonne class M318F which is powered by a Cat C7.1 ACERT engine that meets Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IV emissions standards and offers a power output rating of 169hp (126kw). I didn’t have time to test drive this model, but hope to catch up with one for a test drive report in the future. The tracked loader is as famous in Caterpillars product range as its track type tractors and this latest reincarnation builds on that long established tracked loader heritage. The new Cat 963K is the successor to the outgoing 963D model. According to Caterpillar the new machine offers the same legendary versatility, along with a 10-30 percent gain in fuel efficiency and improved performance.  The new track loader also offers updated cab and safety features for the comfort and convenience of the operator. The 963K is powered by a 193hp (144kw) Cat C7.1 ACERT engine which meets EU Stage IV Final emission standards. I got to grips with the new 963K and will report in more detail in an upcoming edition of Earthmovers Magazine. Building on the success of its Desford, UK, built backhoe loader range, Caterpillar introduced the new F2-Series range of machines which consist of 5 new models – 427F2, 428F2, 432F2, and 444F2. These latest upgrade models feature an all new cab design with reduced in cab noise levels now down to 74 dBA and the latest emission compliant engines. The new 428F2, 432F2, 434F2, and 444F2, use the Cat C4.4 ACERT™ engine with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) exhaust after treatment system. SCR is a proven, reliable, widely accepted technology for controlling nitrogen-oxide (NOx) emissions by allowing exhaust to react with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF—a specific mix of urea and water) in the presence of a catalyst. No operator intervention is required to support the SCR system other than replenishing the DEF tank. If low fuel consumption is important, the operator can elect ECO mode, enabling proficient performance and controllability at a fuel-saving lower engine speed. Depending on the model, engine-power choices include 70 kW (95 hp), 74.5 kW (101hp), or 82 kW (110 hp) configurations. For added convenience, a remote jump-start system is standard equipment. A new model has been added to the Cat backhoe loader range, the 427F2. This machine is powered by a 55-kW (74.9-hp) Cat C3.4B engine that requires no SCR after treatment and meets Stage IIIB emission standards with only a diesel particulate filter. The 427F2 can be fitted with an optional 6F/3R Autoshift transmission with a lock-up torque converter that provides efficient road speeds. The 427F2 combines excellent all-round performance and up to 10 percent lower fuel consumption than the 428F2. Like the new 313F L GC excavator this machine is likely to appeal to the plant hire sector. There were so many new products launched at this event, it was hard to take it all in, but it goes without saying it was a very enjoyable experience and I hope to catch up with a number of the new machines that I didn’t get time on in the not too distant future.     

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