June 2009 Vol. 64 No. 6
New Products
New Cat Excavators Combine Compact Working Envelope With Power
The new Cat 314D CR and 314D LCR (long undercarriage) hydraulic excavators are compact-radius models that build on the C-Series with a new fuel-efficient Cat C4.2 ACERT engine, more hydraulic power, expanded work-tool versatility, a spacious new operator station and a new intermediate-length stick.
The compact design of the 314D CR/LCR limits tail swing over the side to 7 inches when using 24-inch shoes and a standard counterweight. An optional 1,170-pound counterweight, which enhances digging and lifting performance, adds only 2 inches more. In addition, the position of the boom, near the center of the machine, reduces front swing radius.
The new operator station, with standard air conditioning, borrows its basic design from larger Caterpillar cabs used on standard-tail-swing models. Controls feature a system that automatically selects boom or swing priority, based on joystick movement, thus eliminating work mode and power boost switches. Automatic climate control, low effort levers and a fully adjustable seat (or available heated, air-suspension seat) keep operators at ease. A new in-cab monitor communicates in text, not codes, in 28 languages.
Increased hydraulic pressure yields higher breakout forces, greater lifting capacity and more drawbar pull. In addition, three new auxiliary hydraulic control packages are available, allowing customers to tailor auxiliary system functions to specific work tool applications. To simplify auxiliary circuit installation, all required hydraulic and electrical lines are factory routed to the boom foot, and mounting blocks are in place.
These new 90-horsepower, 14-metric-ton machines have a new C4.2 engine that complies with U.S. EPA Tier 3 and EU Stage 3A emissions regulations. Caterpillar estimates fuel consumption for the new 314D CR/LCR models, working in typical applications, to be 5 percent less (compared with C-Series models), and as much as 10 percent less when performing light-duty applications in Economy Mode (selected via the in-cab monitor).
The new intermediate length (9.17-foot) stick, which complements 8.17-foot and 9.83-foot versions, provides added opportunity for customers to match machine capability more closely to typical applications. www.cat.com
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