The new Cat hydraulic excavator offers more engine power, while a reinforced structure ensures durability in harsh digging, truck loading and hammer applications.
The new Cat 340 model hydraulic excavator features a more powerful engine, wider track gauge, and 6.8 tonne (7.5-ton) counterweight to increase productivity by 10 per cent over the Cat 336 (07 series), giving customers a wider choice of Cat excavator models in this important production weight class. Its increased power and stability, combined with next generation electrohydraulic system efficiency, make it an ideal choice in the 40-tonne (45-ton) class when moving ‘tonnes per hour’ matters.
Powerful and rugged
Customers will experience a new level of performance with the new Cat 340. Improvements made over the previous model make the new excavator more productive and stable with larger work tool options, giving customers more flexibility to complete a wider range of projects. The new excavator’s reinforced structures ensures long-term durability during harsh digging, truck loading, and hammer applications. This coupled with the reliable Cat C9.3B engine that has collectively accumulated over 14 million service hours globally attests to its long-term reliability.
The Cat 340 is designed with features to help the excavator power through the most demanding jobs while saving fuel. Three engine modes match excavator power to the demands of the job while saving fuel. Power mode delivers maximum power to meet the most demanding tasks all day. Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions to lower fuel consumption without intruding on even the most seasoned operator’s technique. Operators can simply operate like normal and let Smart mode manage the power when it’s needed and save fuel when it’s not. Reducing engine speed to a constant 1500 rounds-per-minute (rpm), Eco mode minimises fuel consumption.
Low maintenance
One of the design objectives in the Cat 340 model is to help owners lower their operating cost and reduce downtime. The potential for synchronised 1,000-hour oil and fuel filter service intervals reduce downtime. The extended intervals can also eliminate labour cost for nine oil and fuel filter changes and parts cost for 27 oil and fuel filters over 10,000 machine operating hours compared to many competitive 30 to 40-ton excavators.
Industry leading high-ambient temperature capability of 52˚C, cold-start capability at -18˚ C, and the ability to work at up to 4500 metres above sea level make the 340 suitable for any environment. Auto hydraulic warmup in cold temperatures gets the machine to work faster and prolongs the life of machine components. The air intake filter with pre-cleaner features high dust capacity, and a high-efficiency hydraulic fan offers optional automatic reverse to keep cores free from debris.
Information such as location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, maintenance alerts, diagnostic codes, and machine health can be easily tracked and viewed online via web or mobile applications via Cat Product Link. This can allow dealers to remotely connect with the machine to diagnose fault codes and update operation software, all while helping to maximise the machine uptime.
Simple, comfortable operation
The Next Generation cab brings operator comfort and ergonomics to a whole new level. Deluxe cabs come with a heated air-suspension seat with multiple adjustments for seat, console, recliner and armrest. A tilt up left-hand console allows for easier access in and out of the machine. Ergonomic enhancing features like the front-facing control panel, keyless pushbutton start and optional bluetooth key fob, and large touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys come standard, which simplifies the operation.
At the core of the Cat excavator range, simple, easy-to-use technology helps operators and owners get the most out of their machine. Getting more done with standard factory technology is a new benchmark in excavator performance.
Optional Cat Stick Steer makes travel and turning much easier by using the joysticks to control travel functions. A host of standard technologies – Cat Payload on-board weighing, Improved Grade Assist for maintaining grade, and 2D Grade with depth and slope indication – elevate operator efficiency and machine productivity. All Cat Grade systems are compatible with radios and base stations from top third-party technology suppliers. Operators can store up to four depth and slope offsets to quickly cut to grade without a grade checker. Auto Hammer Stop warns operators after 15 seconds of continuous firing and then shuts off the hammer after 30 seconds to prevent wear and tear. Auto Dig Boost and Auto Heavy Lift increase bucket penetration and lift capacity by eight per cent, and Lift Assist ensures operators have real time indication of the suspended load mass and load centre identifying where it can be safely lifted within the excavators working envelope to help avoid tipping the machine.
Caterpillar is revolutionising how owners and operations use machines to maximise performance and productivity all while having the lowest operation costs to improve their profitability. The Cat 340 has to be experienced to be appreciated – it sets a standard that is industry leading and paves the way forward.
For more information, visit the Caterpillar website here.