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New fuel-efficient Cat® 323F LN excavator

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World Cement,


The new Cat® 323F LN excavator is specially designed with reinforced structures and massive counterweights to take on the most severe applications. The heavy duty booms and sticks feature high strength steel and box section construction with internal baffles for added durability. The massive upper frame, carbody (lower frame), and track roller frames are designed for strength and long-term durability.

Engine and Hydraulics

This F Series excavator delivers a 4 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, compared with the 323E LN, resulting primarily from the efficiency of the 120 kW net power Cat C4.4 ACERT™ engine that meets EU Stage IV emission standards. Proven electronic, fuel, air, and aftertreatment components (including a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter) provide effective emissions control without interrupting work cycles and with no compromise in productivity, fuel efficiency, reliability, or service life.

The fuel efficiency of the C4.4 ACERT engine is further enhanced with an automatic engine speed control that lowers engine speed during no load/light load conditions, an engine idle shutdown system that stops the engine after a pre-set idling interval, and standard, ECO or HP modes that allow operators to tailor machine performance to the application. The engine also operates efficiently on biodiesel up to B20 when blended with ULSD fuel.

The 323F LN powerful hydraulic system places major components in close proximity to minimise piping lengths and to reduce frictional losses and pressure drops. Combined with boom and stick regeneration circuits that reduce load on the main pumps, the Cat hydraulic system contributes significantly to overall fuel savings. The 323F LN is available with two configurations for the front linkage: Reach and Variable Adjustable.

Operator Environment, Safety, Serviceability

The pressurised cab is spacious and quiet with large glass areas for all-around visibility. The cab features positive air filtration, height-adjustable joystick consoles, large colour monitor and available air suspension, heated and cooled seat options.

Safety features include a cab-integrated roll-over-protection structure (ROPS), anti-skid surfaces, programmable halogen working lights, easily stored upper and lower windows, large skylight, and a rearview and right side view camera system.

Serviceability features include ground-level access to major maintenance points, electric fuel system priming pump, remote fuel tank drain, and a fuel level indicator to help avoid overfilling.

Technology Enhancements

Cat Connect helps customers get more value from their Cat equipment and improve jobsite efficiency by capitalising on Caterpillar technology and Cat dealer services. Equipment owners need to employ machines to full potential in order to realise maximum return on investment—producing more, in less time, while using less fuel, avoiding unnecessary machine wear, and ensuring the safety of everyone on the job.

Cat Grade Control Depth and Slope, included in the Cat Connect technologies, is a standard factory-integrated system that allows operators to attain grades quickly and efficiently. The system incorporates well-protected sensors in the front linkage to provide real-time positioning information and cut-and-fill data via the standard cab monitor. The system helps eliminate digging and slope rework by doing it right first time, saving money on fuel and materials, while also minimising the need for grade checking. The system can easily be upgraded to 3D capability by adding proven Cat AccuGrade™ GPS or Universal Total Station (UTS) systems.

Optional Cat GRADE with ASSIST delivers further gains in efficiency and productivity. With the touch of a button and stick control, the simple to use system automates grade work typically done by the operator with manual boom/stick/bucket controls. Operators of all experience levels can reach target grades up to 45 percent faster than with conventional grading techniques and up to 30 percent faster than with grade control systems that provide indication only guidance. The system's built-in features also include grade protect, ceiling protect, and floor protect. The net result is faster, more accurate grading with less manual input and reduced operator fatigue.

LINK technologies like the optional Product Link™ system, wirelessly connect owners to their equipment, providing access to valuable machine data such as location, hours, fuel consumption, idle time, events and diagnostic codes for analysis and reporting via the online VisionLink® user interface. LINK information assists with fact-based decision making to help increase efficiency and lower owning and operating costs.

Adapted from press release by Joseph Green

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/product-news/14092016/new-fuel-efficient-cat-excavator-252/

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