by Kyle Molyneux | Wed 15 Dec 2021
New Cat 336 and 340 hydraulic excavators
Caterpillar has revealed two new hydraulic excavators. The 340 weighs in at 37,500kg and features a more powerful engine, wider track, and 7.5 ton counterweight to increase productivity by 10% over the 2020 model year Cat 336. Caterpillar reckons the 340's increased power and stability, combined with Next Generation electrohydraulic system efficiency make it the best choice in the 40-tonne (45-ton) class for moving tons per hour.
Powering the new 340 is a 347hp Cat C9.3B engine with three modes: Power mode delivers maximum power to meet the most demanding tasks; Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions to lower fuel consumption. Reducing engine speed to a constant 1,500rpm, Eco mode minimises fuel consumption.
The other new excavator is an updated 336 model with an operating weight of 36,800kg and said to offer class-leading production and low-cost operation. Its powerful hydraulic system delivers strong digging forces and swing torque to boost production in the most demanding applications. With its strong structures, the new Cat 336 excavator should deliver reliable operation in a variety of applications. Powering the new 336 is a 302hp Cat C7.1 engine with the same three modes as the 340.
Both new Cat excavators have synchronised 1,000-hour oil and fuel filter service intervals to reduce downtime. The extended intervals also eliminate labour cost for nine oil and fuel filter changes and parts cost for 27 oil and fuel filters over 10,000 machine operating hours compared to many competitive 30-40 ton excavators.
High-ambient temperature capability of 52C (125F), cold-start capability at -18C (0F), and the ability to work at up to 4,500m (14,764 ft) above sea level enable the 336 and 340 to work in various climates. Auto hydraulic warm-up in cold temperatures gets the machine to work faster and prolongs the life of machine components. The air intake filter with pre-cleaner features high dust capacity, and a high-efficiency hydraulic fan offers optional automatic reverse to keep cores free from debris.
Product Link collects data automatically. View information like location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, maintenance alerts, diagnostic codes, and machine health online through web and mobile applications. Maximizing machine uptime, Remote Troubleshoot and Remote Flash allow dealers to remotely connect with the machine to diagnose fault codes and update operating software.
From Deluxe to Premium, Next Generation cab trim levels are available on both Caterpillar machines. Deluxe cabs come with a heated air-suspension seat; Premium cabs come with a heated and ventilated air-suspension seat. Both have a tilt up left-hand console for easier access in and out of the machine. A touchscreen monitor and jog dial offer quick navigation through machine controls and provide easy access to the machine’s digital operator’s manual. Keyless pushbutton start is standard, and Bluetooth key fob is available. An Operator ID passcode allows for engine starting, and Operator ID can quickly save and restore joystick button, response, and pattern preferences for individual operators.
The 336 and 340's optional Cat Stick Steer makes travel and turning much easier. A host of standard technologies – Cat Payload on-board weighing, Grade Assist for maintaining grade, and 2D Grade with depth and slope indication – elevate operator efficiency and machine productivity. All Cat Grade systems are compatible with radios and base stations from top third-party technology suppliers. Operators can store up to four depth and slope offsets to quickly cut to grade without a grade checker. Auto Hammer Stop warns operators after 15 seconds of continuous firing and then shuts off the hammer after 30 seconds to prevent wear and tear. Auto Dig Boost and Auto Heavy Lift increase bucket penetration and lift capacity by 8%, and Lift Assist helps operators avoid tipping the machine.
Key stats for the new Cat 336 excavator are as follows: 7,510mm maximum digging depth; 11,060mm maximum reach at ground level; 7,090mm maximum loading height – all with 6.5m boom and 3.2m stick. And for the 340: 8,210 maximum digging depth; 11,760mm maximum reach at ground level; 7,470mm maximum loading height – with 6.5m boom and 3.9m stick.
Got a news story? Email news@earthmoversmagazine.co.uk.
