Caterpillar introduces two new large hydraulic excavators

The 352 offers a choice of fixed- or variable-gauge undercarriage

Caterpillar introduces two new hydraulic excavators - the Cat 340 and Cat 352 - designed for increased power and productivity.

The new Cat 340 has a more powerful engine, wider track, and 7.5-ton counterweight to increase productivity by 10% over the 2020 model Cat 336.

Cat says that the new excavator’s reinforced structures are able to provide long-term durability and make it optimum for harsh digging, truck loading and hammer applications.

“The 340 reaches a new level of performance,” said Brian Abbott, global product manager for large hydraulic excavators at Caterpillar. “Our additions make the machine more productive and stable with larger work tools, giving contractors more flexibility to complete a wider range of projects.”

Built for bigger jobs, the Cat 352 is said to combine more power and a heavier counterweight to work with larger tools.

The 352 offers a choice of fixed- or variable-gauge undercarriage. The variable-gauge undercarriage retracts to a 7-ft, 10-in width, making it easier to transport. When expanded, it is 6 in wider than the fixed-gauge undercarriage for greater stability.

The company adds that the standard Cat Grade technology boosts excavator productivity by up to 45%. Cat 2D Grade indicates depth and slope on the in-cab monitor with auditory alerts, while standard Cat Grade Assist allows the excavator to stay on grade with single-lever digging.

Abbott adds that the 352 “can be equipped with high-capacity buckets to dig and load tons of material in fewer passes or large hammers to work in demanding quarry applications.”

Both models feature Product Link that collects data automatically. Information like location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, maintenance alerts, diagnostic codes and machine health online can be viewed through web and mobile applications. Remote Troubleshoot and Remote Flash allow dealers to remotely connect with the machines to diagnose fault codes and update operating software.

In August, Caterpillar introduced a new 47-tonne excavator, the Cat 350, which is said to consume up to 13% less fuel than the Cat 349 to lower costs, reduce CO2 emissions, and operate more sustainably.

The model also has three power mode options – Smart, Power, and Eco – to match the excavator to the job to further reduce fuel consumption.

“Caterpillar is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while helping our customers meet their climate-related objectives,” said Abbott. “The 350 is our latest example of delivering on that commitment.”