D Day for Cat in North America

Caterpillar has announced the launch of new D series wheeled excavators, mid sized tracked excavators and tracked loadersonto the North American market.

Five new wheeled excavators replace C series machines, the M313D, M315D, M316D, M318D and M322D, which offer improved lift capacity and faster cycle times as a result of changes to engines and hydraulic systems, says the company. This is achieved through the use of Cat ACERT engines (C4.4 for the M313D and M315D, and C6.6 for the M316D, M318D and M322D, with power outputs from 95 to 123 kW), the addition of a dedicated hydraulic pump for the swing function and a heavy lift mode that boosts lift capacity by 7 %.

The dedicated pump maximises swing performance without impacting on the power available for other hydraulic functions, resulting in smoother combined movements and more hydraulic power. Improved hydraulics, power and engine torque also provide faster travel speeds, stick speeds and swing acceleration.

Maximum weights range from 14,000 kg (31,000 lb) in the case of the M313D through to 22,000 kg (48,502 lb) for the M322D. Each machine has greater drawbar pull, increased bucket and stick force, greater dig depth and longer reach than its C Series counterpart.

Three new mid–sized tracked excavatorsare now available with different tail swing radius for a range of applications. The 320D L, replacing the 320C L, provides a standard radius of 2.75 m (9 ft), the 320D LRR, replacing the 320C LU, has a reduced swing radius of 2 m (6.56 ft) and the 321D LCR, replacing the 321C LCR, has a compact swing radius of 1.68 m (5.5 ft). The new machines weigh in at 21,750 kg (47,554 lb), 24,200 kg (53,361 lb) and 24,180 kg (53,307 lb) respectively.

As with the wheeled introductions above, the new Cat C6.4 ACERT engine fitted to the new units, with a net power of 110 kW (148 hp), and increased hydraulic pressure provide increased breakout forces, lift forces and drawbar pull. The new machines also feature the heavy lift circuit now standard on all D series machines.

The 320D L has been designed for general and heavy construction applications, while the 320D LRR has been designed with urban, industrial and demolition applications in mind. The 321D LCR is ideal for use in road building, tunnelling and other underground applications.

Two new D Series tracked loaders have been added to the Cat stable in the shape of the 953D and 963D. The company says that these have been designed with technological advances to provide greater productivity with lower operating costs. Each features a new fuel–efficient Cat C6.6 ACERT developing 110 kW (148 hp) in the 953D and 141 kW (189 hp) in the 963D. They weigh 15,595 kg (34,381 lb) and 20,740 kg(45,128 lb) and offer a bucket capacity of 1.85 m³ (2.42 yd³) and 2.45 m³(3.2 yd³) respectively.

The C6.6 provides 15% greater power for the 953D over the C series model it replaces, and 25% where the 963D is concerned. Advanced electronic control, precise fuel delivery and refined air management results in high performance and lower emissions, says the company.

Both machines feature a new load–sensing electro–hydraulic implement system that provides only the required work flow to the work tool and lift arms to allow more power for the tracks when required, along with increased fuel efficiency.

A hydraulic demand fan that omatically adjusts the fan eed provides optimum cooling rformance, lower sound levels d improved fuel economy. An optional reverse fan is also ailable for purging dust and ebris for the radiator in adverse environments.