Caterpillar’s new hydraulic excavators

Caterpillar has released two new hydraulic excavator models which are both said to feature more powerful engines and increased productivity. 

Cat 352 Hydraulic Excavator (Photo: Cat)

The new Cat 340 Hydraulic Excavator 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, Caterpillar’s global product manager for large hydraulic excavators. “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 Hydraulic Excavator is said to combine more power and a heavier counterweight to work with larger tools.

Cat 340 Hydraulic Excavator (Photo: Cat)

The 352 Excavator offers a choice of fixed or variable gauge undercarriage. The variable gauge undercarriage retracts to a 2390-mm (7-ft, 10-in) width, making it easier to transport. When expanded, it is 150 mm (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.”