Cat’s 374 excavator is built to be twice as durable with 20% less maintenance

Cat’s new 374 large excavator is built to be twice as durable as its predecessor

The Next Generation Cat 374 excavator is designed to give contractors high production, two times more structural durability, and up to 20% less maintenance costs than the model 374F which it replaces.

At a virtual press conference broadcast from Caterpillar’s Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center near Peoria, Ill., it was reported the 374 is capable of loading up to 33 40-ton trucks per hour.

“A key to production is our new dedicated hydrostatic swing circuit,” explained Brian Abbott, worldwide product manager for Cat large excavators. “The circuit enables regenerating swing brake energy and independent management of cylinder oil flow. What that means for owners and operators is higher operating efficiency and smoother, more predictable performance when multitasking with the excavator.”

Three modes of operation are available: Power, Smart, and ECO. Power mode is maximum power at all times. ECO mode lowers engine speed and cycle times while maintaining breakout force. Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, reducing fuel consumption and optimizing performance. Engine speed automatically lowers when hydraulic demand decreases, further reducing fuel usage.

The 374 is designed to be durable. Caterpillar reports that booms, sticks and frames are twice as strong as those on the previous model — all to give owners reliable performance for the life of the machine.

Booms have increased top and bottom plate thickness; sticks have increased side, bottom, and bracket plate thickness; and frames have increased base frame and counterweight mounting plate thickness.

Additional reinforcements are built into the car body, track link, track rollers, and boom, stick, and bucket cylinders to ensure long-term, trouble-free performance.

Extended and synchronized maintenance intervals contribute to the 374’s lower long-term costs.

The new Cat air filter with an integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters provides double the dust-holding capacity of the previous design, according to the company.

The new Cat hydraulic return filter has a 3,000-hour service life for a 50% increase over previous filters, while fuel system filters are synchronized for service at 1,000 hours, a 100% increase over the previous filters.

Technology is built in or upgradable

“An additional key to production is simple, easy-to-use technology,” added Abbott. “We make it available as standard equipment. In fact, the 374 has the industry’s most comprehensive offering of factory-installed technology in its size class – all to take an owner’s operating efficiency to a much higher level.”

Cat Payload helps operators increase loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing; real-time payload estimates can be calculated without swinging to help prevent overloading and underloading trucks. The monitor’s USP port lets operators download results from a single shift all the way up to 30 days of work with no need for an internet connection or VisionLink subscription.

Cat Grade with 2D gives operators visual guidance to grade via the standard touchscreen monitor so they can make more accurate cuts. The system is readily upgradable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D for enhanced accuracy.

Advanced 2D includes an additional touchscreen monitor to enable in-field design. 3D adds GPS and GLONASS positioning for pinpoint accuracy. The 374’s built-in communication technology is designed to make it easier than ever to connect to 3D services like Trimble Connected Community or Virtual Reference Station.

Lift Assist is a new safety feature that helps prevent the excavator from tipping. It quickly calculates the weight of the actual load being lifted and compares it to the excavator’s rated capability. Visual and auditory alerts show and tell the operator if the excavator is within a safe working range.

Whether equipped with a bucket or hammer, standard 2D E-Fence prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined points. This helps protect the machine and other objects from damage and reduces the risk of fines related to zoning or underground and above ground utility damage. It also helps prevent operator fatigue by reducing over swinging and digging.

The 374 offers a choice between a Deluxe and Premium cab. Performance-enhancing features like the front-facing control panel, keyless push-button start, and large touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys come standard.