Cat debuts excavator for quarry use

Caterpillar says the 352 hydraulic excavator offers reliable performance in virtually any environment. Photo: Caterpillar

Caterpillar unveiled a new hydraulic excavator that it sees as a fit for aggregate applications.

According to Caterpillar, its new 352 combines more power and a heavier counterweight to work with larger tools. The result is greater production for more profit potential, Caterpillar says.

“Built for big jobs, the 352 delivers unmatched performance in its size class,” says Brian Abbott, global product manager for large hydraulic excavators at Caterpillar. “It can be equipped with high-capacity buckets to dig and load tons of material in fewer passes or large hammers to work in demanding quarry applications.”

The 352 offers a choice of fixed- or variable-gauge undercarriage, the company adds. The variable-gauge undercarriage retracts to a 7-ft., 10-in. width, making it easier to transport. When expanded, it is 6 in. wider than the fixed-gauge undercarriage for greater stability.

Different cab trim level options are available. Cat says the Deluxe cab option comes with a heated air-suspension seat. The Premium cab option comes with a heated and ventilated air-suspension seat. Both have a tilt-up left-hand console for easier access in and out of the machine.

Additionally, the 352 features keyless push-button start with an available Bluetooth key fob. Engine ignition can also be accomplished through an operator ID passcode that can save and restore joystick button, response and pattern preferences for individual operators.

Another new excavator

In addition to the 352, Caterpillar released the new Cat 340 hydraulic excavator.

Cat says the 340 features a more powerful engine, wider track and a 7.5-ton counterweight to increase productivity by 10 percent over the 2020 model year Cat 336. The machine is a fit in the 45-ton class.

“The 340 reaches a new level of performance,” Abbott says. “Our additions make the machine more productive and stable with larger work tools, giving contractors more flexibility to complete a wider range of projects.”