Caterpillar® Introduces Three New Excavators To Launch D-series Line

**James** · #1 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 08:41 AM

Caterpillar introduces three new mid-sized hydraulic excavators to launch the D-Series line. The new D-Series machines, the 324D L, 325D L and 330D L, feature greater performance, flexibility and versatility than the C-Series machines they replace. The new excavators also deliver the lowest engine emissions ever through the use of Cat® engines with ACERTTM Technology. A new, spacious cab and new styling also set the D-Series apart from previous machines.

Each of the excavators has more engine power and increased hydraulic pressure for increased breakout force and greater lift force, which create faster cycle times and superior productivity. The heavy lift circuit is now standard on D-Series models. At the touch of a switch, heavy lift will boost hydraulic pressure for increased lift performance.

The smallest of the three new machines is the 324D L. It has an operating weight of 54,660 pounds (24 790 kg) and net flywheel power of 188 horsepower (140 kW), 12 percent more power than the 322C L, which the new machine replaces. The 325D L has an operating weight of 64,460 pounds (29 240 kg) and net power of 204 horsepower, 8 percent more than the 325C L. The 330D L has an operating weight of 79,700 pounds (36 150 kg) and net power of 268 horsepower (200 kW)—9 percent more than the 330C L.

For expanded versatility, many factory-installed options are available. The D-Series excavators feature a wide range of factory-installed auxiliary hydraulic systems, including a one-way, high pressure, high flow circuit for hammers and vibratory plate compactors. Also, a two-way circuit is available for thumbs and other hydra-mechanical work tools. Another option is the Tool Control System for D-Series models. The Tool Control System is exclusive to Caterpillar and allows operators and technicians to set auxiliary hydraulics flows and pressures by using the monitor in the cab instead of using expensive service tools. The customer can pre-set and store as many as 10 flow and pressure settings for 10 different hydra-mechanical work tools.

More Caterpillar work tools than ever before are available to further expand the jobs that D-Series machines can perform efficiently. And more boom and stick combinations are available to match the machine to the job.

Advanced engines and hydraulics

The Cat C7 engine powers the 324D L and 325D L, and the C9 powers the 330D L. Both engines employ ACERT Technology, which combines incremental improvements in fuel delivery, air management and electronic control to optimize engine performance and to meet U.S. EPA Tier 3 emissions regulations.

The ADEMTM A4 electronic control module manages fuel delivery to get the best performance per unit of fuel used. The engine management system provides flexible fuel mapping, allowing the engine to respond quickly to varying application needs. For reduced power consumption and reduced noise, the 330D L has a hydraulically driven fan controlled by the electronic control module. Fan speed varies depending on the demand for cooling.

The hydraulic system in each of the three new excavators features a component layout that minimizes the lengths of lines and tubes for high efficiency. The layout also reduces heat and sound around the cab. As with the previous models, the D-Series models use a hydraulic cross sensing system that can maximize hydraulic power when needed for faster implement speeds.

An auxiliary hydraulic valve is standard on each machine. Control circuits available as attachments allow easy use of high- and medium-pressure tools.

Expanded versatility and flexibility

The D-Series machines offer a wide array of attachments and configurations. The Tool Control System is available in two factory-installed configurations—as a stand-alone system or with a medium pressure circuit and third pump. The latter system handles tools that require rotate function, such as multiprocessors or rotating grapples. It also can handle hammers, thumbs and similar tools. Single-function and double-function hydraulic tool systems also are available as a factory installed attachment.

A wider variety of booms and sticks equips the D-Series machines for the job—trenching, excavating or general construction. A super long reach boom now is available as an attachment for the 324D L and 325D L. This configuration offers reaches of more than 60 feet (8.3 m) and is well suited for ditch cleaning.

An expanded line of work tools includes heavy duty buckets, general purpose buckets, ditch cleaning buckets, heavy duty power buckets, heavy duty rock buckets and Caterpillar® ground engaging tools. Cat thumbs are available to equip a machine handling debris and other irregularly shaped material. For fast work tool changes, two different quick couplers are available—a dedicated quick coupler and the Pin Grabber Plus.

To aid in machine management, Caterpillar offers Product Link. The optional system provides information on machine location, service hours and machine health via wireless communications. For enhanced security, the optional Machine Security System controls the time when the machine can be operated, and it requires a machine-specific key to deter theft.

New cab and operator station

The operator station of the D-Series excavators is spacious, quiet and comfortable. The seat and armrests are easy to adjust to suit the operator. A new, optional air suspension seat with heater is available. The fully automatic climate control adjusts temperature and air flow, and it also determines which air outlet is best in each situation.

The new monitor is a full color liquid crystal display that can be adjusted to minimize the effects of glare. The graphical display is easier to read and navigate than the C-Series monitor—for both operators and maintenance technicians.

All glass is affixed directly to the cab, which eliminates window frames. Pillar-mounted wipers also increase the operator’s viewing area.

For more information about the new D-Series excavators, customers should contact their Cat dealer or visit the Caterpillar web site at www.cat.com