Caterpillar introduces new fuel-efficient excavator

Caterpillar’s new 335 Excavator is more fuel-efficient than previous models

Caterpillar has launched its next generation of jobsite digging with the new Cat 335 Hydraulic Excavator, which according to the company, increases fuel efficiency and performance while decreasing maintenance costs by 20%.

This is the latest Cat equipment debut, following the M316 wheeled excavator and 315 GC compact tracked excavator in recent weeks.

The 335 excavator’s compact radius design includes an industry-best tight tail swing radius that improves maneuverability within smaller sites, the manufacturer said, yet Cat widened the track gauge for more side stability while keeping the machine’s total weight below 40 tons.

With a Cat C7.1 engine that meets stringent emissions standards, the 335 excavator has three selectable modes – Power, Smart and Eco. Cat said the Smart mode typically reduces fuel consumption by 10% with no dip in productivity.

The engine can operate at temperatures both high (126 degrees F) and low (0 degrees F), as well as at considerable altitudes (15,000-plus feet).

Relative to the previous excavator model, the 335 has 20% more hydraulic power with the same fuel consumption, in addition to larger stick and bucket cylinder sizes that offer 15% more digging forces to power through hard ground and asphalt, Cat said in a release.

The manufacturing giant also said the 335 increases efficiency by 45% compared to manual operation with simple-to-use technology such as Cat Payload (for the on-the-go weighing of material), Lift Assist (which compares the load being lifted to the excavator’s rated load), Product Link (to collect machine operating data to assist fleet management) and Cat Grade with 2D (which allows the machine to grade faster).

The company offers Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or with 3D as upgrades.

Users can troubleshoot and update the 335’s software with Cat Remote Services, and the manufacturer said its Remote Flash system, which lets on-board software updates without the need for a technician, can cut update time in half.

Cat’s newest excavator also has several cab-design options that feature ergonomic innovations for operator comfort and ease, and the cab’s smaller pillars, large panoramic windows, rearview mirrors and right-view cameras enhance operators’ visibility and jobsite safety, the company said.