Caterpillar Launches Next Generation 36-Ton Crawler Excavators

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Cat’s new 336 excavator is the more powerful and high-tech of the two Next Generation 36-ton (32,700-kilogram) models. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Caterpillar’s new 336 and 336 GC represent its Next Generation excavators in the 36-ton (32,700-kilogram) size class. The company’s goal with the new models is to give you more efficiency on the job, lower operating costs (both fuel and maintenance), and better comfort for the operator.

The 336 is the more powerful and technologically equipped of the two. Its Cat C9.3B engine pumps out 314 horsepower (234 kilowatts), and yet it sips up to 15% less fuel than its predecessor, according to Cat. Its operating weight is 81,900 pounds (37,200 kilograms).

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The new Cat 336 GC is a more fuel-saving, simpler version of the 336. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

The more fuel-efficient 336 GC uses a smaller Cat C7.1 engine rated at 275 horsepower (205 kilowatts). It weighs in at 80,500 pounds (36,500 kilograms). Both units can dig approximately 27 feet (8.2 meters) down and have a maximum reach of about 38.5 feet (11.8 meters).

High Tech For High Efficiency

Cat Connect Technology comes standard with the 336 to increase your productivity onsite. In fact, Cat says, efficiency can improve up to 45% with Cat Connect as compared with low-tech grading.

Some of the Cat Connect technologies integrated into the 336 are touchscreen grading assistance (the upgradeable Cat Grade), automated digging movements (Grade Assist), payload weighing (Cat Payload), and geo-fencing to keep the excavator from leaving a user-defined work area (E-fence).

The 336 also features Cat LINK, which transmits data to you from your Cat fleet. This can let you track machine locations, alert you when a machine is shut down or leaves the work site, alert you to error codes, and give you periodic reports on current hours and fuel burn rate.

The 336 also has a 360-degree camera visibility option for safety and awareness of your surroundings.

Cost Savings & Comfort

These Next Generation Cats reduce fuel costs through automatic engine speed control per operational demand (Smart Mode), an on-demand coolant fan, and a simpler electrohydraulic system with fewer lines. They also cut maintenance expense by up to 15%, Cat says, with longer-lasting air, hydraulic return, and fuel filters.

Finally, a new cab gives you less vibration, a touchscreen with jog dials, programmable joystick buttons, phone charging, Bluetooth, auto climate control, and other creature comforts.

Source: Caterpillar

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