June 2010 Vol. 65 No. 6
New Products
Bobcat 324 compact excavator
The 324 compact excavator is a conventional tail swing unit in the 1.5-ton operating class. Its boom cylinder is attached to the top of the boom instead of the bottom, giving it more protection from damage while digging.
It also features a lighter-weight yet durable boom fabrication with cast pivot joints. As a result, the 324 offers a maximum dig depth of 8 feet 6 inches, reach at ground level of 14 feet, and dump height clearance of 8 feet 8 inches. The undercarriage on the 324 excavator hydraulically retracts to a width of just 38.6 inches for travel through gates and doorways, or alongside homes. It can then expand to 53.7 inches for greater performance. Overall height is just 85.5 inches.
A 13.9-hp, Tier 4 water-cooled diesel engine powers the 324, and two travel speed ranges are standard. Equipped with a hydraulic system similar to the larger Bobcat excavators, the 324 has impressive cycle times and breakout forces to complete jobs faster. The system’s torque-limiting piston pump is able to sense and react to hydraulic loads, for better utilization of the engine’s torque curve. The standard dozer blade features two self-storing extensions that provide a working width of 54 inches. Auxiliary hydraulics with boom-mounted, flush-face quick couplers make changing attachments easy. Boom swing on the 324 excavator is 80 degrees to the left and 60 degrees to the right.
Bobcat’s exclusive in-track swing frame keeps the swing castings and cylinders within the width of the tracks when digging in an offset position, helping the operator dig flush against an obstacle. A TOPS/ROPS canopy with comfort seat, retractable seat belt, cup holder and armrests is standard. An enclosed cab with heat is optional. Available attachments include grading and trenching buckets, an augur, a hydraulic breaker and a hydraulic clamp. www.bobcat.com/excavators
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