Caterpillar Replaces 330D & 345 C Material Handlers With New MH3250 & MH3260, Improving Fuel Efficiency & Operating Costs

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The next-generation Cat MH3250 and MH3260 tracked material handlers boast longer maintenance intervals and improved fuel efficiency to decrease owning and operating costs by as much as 20%. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Caterpillar says its new MH3250 and MH3260 tracked material handlers decrease owning and operating costs by up to 20% when compared to the 330D MH and 345 C MH material handlers they are replacing. Both the MH3250 and MH3260 feature a new mechanical variable-gauge undercarriage to improve transportation without sacrificing lifting performance. The track gauge retracts to 10 feet 7 inches (3,225 millimeters), and when in the yard, the gauge extends to 12 ft, 2 in. (3,708 mm) wide to increase stability and maximize lift capacities.

More Efficient & Productive

Cat built the MH3250 and MH3260 with impressive 52-ft, 6-in. (16,002-mm) and 59-ft 1-in. (18,008-mm) respective maximum reach capabilities which reduce the number of times the material handlers have to be repositioned at the yard to increase productivity. The MH3250 is powered by a Cat C9.3B engine rated for 311 net horsepower (232 kilowatts), and the MH3260 utilizes a 424-HP (316-kW) Cat C13 engine. The machines’ new fuel-efficient engines meet stringent U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards and can run up to B20 biodiesel. Further fuel savings are available through the machines’ various power modes (Eco, Smart, and Power), highlighted by the Smart mode’s ability to automatically match engine and hydraulic power to working conditions and reduce fuel consumption.

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Caterpillar’s MH3250 and MH3260 material handlers feature new mechanical variable-gauge undercarriages that flexibly improve machine transportation without sacrificing lifting performance. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Performance In Extremes

Both material handlers are designed to operate at up to 8,530 ft (2,600 m) above sea level without derating; they have standard high-ambient temperature capability of 125 degrees F (52 C) and cold-start capability of -25 F (-32 C˚). An auto warm-up also reduces the time it takes for hydraulic oil warming in cold temperatures and helps prolong the life of system components. Cat designed the machines with a new valve priority that automatically places hydraulic pressure and flow where it’s required to increase material handling efficiency while balancing power and load control.

Source: Caterpillar