by Kyle Molyneux | Tue 08 Dec 2020
New Cat 317 and 317 GC excavators
Hot off the back of announcing its new 315 GC compact radius excavator, Caterpillar has revealed new 317 and 317 GC 17-tonne class Next Gen machines with more performance, increased efficiency and lower owning and operating costs than previous models. According to the manufacturer, operating efficiencies are up by as much as 45%, and maintenance costs are down by 20%.
Three available engine operating modes are available to match performance to the job, resulting in significant fuel savings potential. Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to working conditions to improve efficiency, while Eco mode minimises fuel consumption on less demanding applications. Power mode constantly provides maximum power and productivity for the most demanding projects. As seen on the new 315 GC, a new main valve control eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses and lowers fuel consumption. Both the new Cat 317 and 317 GC models come standard with new Cat Advansys bucket tips, which offer increased life, excellent retention and fast changes to maximise uptime on the job.
Performance-enhancing technology increases operator efficiency by up to 45% reckons Cat, meaning best-in-class productivity for the new Cat 317 Next Gen excavator. Standard Cat Grade Assist automates boom, stick and bucket movements, so operators can effortlessly stay on grade with single lever digging. Cat Grade with 2D automatically guides depth, slope and horizontal distance to grade through the touchscreen monitor, making even less experienced operators more accurate. The system is readily upgradable to Cat Grade with Advance 2D or Cat Grade with 3D.
Operators receive on-the-go weighing and real-time payload estimates to improve loading efficiency through the Cat Payload technology standard on the Cat 317 model. All critical operating data such as payload summaries, fuel usage and fault codes are captured by standard Product Link technology and accessed by fleet managers and office personnel via Vision Link and the Cat App to boost fleet management efficiency. Cat Remote Services technologies leverage reported telematics data from the 317 to allow Cat dealers to remotely keep the excavator operating at maximum production and efficiency.
The Cat 317 and 317 GC boast larger cabs than the F-series models; the 317 GC comes as standard with the Cat comfort cab, while the 317 offers the choice between deluxe and premium cab designs. Also on the standard kit list are rear-view and right-hand side view cameras to further improve visibility of the operating area. The Cat 317 can be upgraded to 360-degree visibility to see objects and personnel around the excavator in a single view. Enhanced sounds suppression lowers interior noise levels for increased operator comfort, while the new standard radio’s Bluetooth connectivity allows operators to make hands-free calls.
Spec data for the 130hp Cat C4.4-powered 317 include an operating weight of 17.8 tonnes, a 6.6m maximum digging depth, a 9.2m maximum ground reach, and 6.4m maximum loading height. The Cat 317 GC model is powered by a 119hp Cat 3.6 engine and weighs in at 17.1 tonnes. Its maximum digging depth is 6.4m, whilst its maximum ground reach is 9.0m and its maximum loading height is 6.3m.
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