Cat debuts pair of hydraulic excavators

By |  October 29, 2020

Logo: CAT

Caterpillar launched a pair of next-generation hydraulic excavators that are designed to increase efficiencies and lower operating costs.

The 349 and 352 excavator models are new from Cat, with the company making the case that the excavators each offer 45 percent more operating efficiency.

About the models

The Cat 349 excavator offers contractors up to 45 percent more operating efficiency. Photo: Cat

The Cat 349 excavator offers contractors up to 45 percent more operating efficiency. Photo: Cat

According to Cat, the 349 and 352 offer up to 10 percent more fuel efficiency and up to 15 percent less maintenance costs compared to the models they replace: the 349F and 352F.

The 349 and 352 feature Cat Grade with 2D, a system giving operators visual guidance to grade via the standard touchscreen monitor so they can make more accurate cuts. The system is readily upgradable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D for enhanced accuracy, the company adds.

Another feature of the excavators, Grade Assist, automates boom and bucket movements to help operators of all skill levels improve their results. Cat Payload, meanwhile, helps operators increase loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing. Real-time payload estimates can be calculated without swinging to help prevent overloading and underloading trucks, Cat says.

Lift Assist, yet another feature of the 349 and 352, quickly calculates the weight of the actual load being lifted and compares the result to the rated capability of the excavator. Visual and auditory alerts indicate whether the machine is within a safe working range, Cat says.

The company’s E-Fence feature prevents the excavators from moving outside operator-defined points.

While the 349 model features an operating weight of 108,900 pounds, the 352 boasts an operating weight of 110,500 pounds.

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Kevin Yanik

About the Author:

Kevin Yanik is editor-in-chief of Pit & Quarry. He can be reached at 216-706-3724 or kyanik@northcoastmedia.net.

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