Caterpillar Introduces 50-Ton 350 Excavator With Greater Fuel Economy

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The new Caterpillar 350 uses up to 13% less fuel than Cat’s 349 model. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Caterpillar has revealed its new 350 hydraulic excavator, a 105,100-pound (47,700-kilogram) machine with a maximum digging depth of 26.9 feet (8.2 meters). The manufacturer says the new crawler supplies great digging force and powerful swing torque. The Cat 350 also uses up to 13% less fuel than the 349 model.

“Caterpillar is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while helping our customers meet their climate-related objectives,” says Brian Abbott, Caterpillar global product manager for large hydraulic excavators. “The 350 is our latest example of delivering on that commitment.”

The Nitty & The Gritty

The new 350 excavator can use buckets with up to 4.2 cubic yards (3.2 cubic meters) of capacity. It has a maximum reach of 39.8 ft (12.13 m) at ground level and a max loading height of 24.25 ft (7.39 m).

A 413-horsepower (308-kilowatt) Cat C9.3B engine runs the crawler with three available power modes. The machine can operate in hot temperatures of up to 126 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius). In frigid areas, the 350’s automatic hydraulic warmup feature and cold-start ability allow for work at temps as low as 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C). An optional cold-start package facilitates operation in weather as cold as -25 degrees F (-32 degrees C).

The Cat 350’s 3,000-hour hydraulic oil filter lasts 50% longer than the previous model’s, Caterpillar says. The cooling system includes an auto-reversing hydraulic fan.

Technological Features

The 350 comes standard with a number of Cat technologies. Lift Assist helps the operator avoid tipping the excavator by indicating whether the load is too heavy. The Cat Payload on-board weighing system can report productivity data through a VisionLink connection or by download to a USB drive. Grade Assist makes single-lever digging possible to help the operator concentrate on the task. 2D Grade displays depth and slope information and provides feedback on efficiency.

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The Cat 350’s auto dig boost and auto heavy lift features temporarily increase power by 8% as needed. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Swing Assist can conserve fuel by automatically stopping slewing motions at operator-defined points. The 2D E-Fence feature can likewise keep the excavator inside a user-set area to avoid collisions with obstructions. Cat gave the 350 an auto stop system that time-limits usage of a hydraulic hammer attachment to avoid damage. The machine also comes with standard auto dig boost and auto heavy lift features, which both temporarily increase power by 8%.

The optional Cat Grade with Advanced 2D system comes with a second high-resolution touchscreen monitor. Another option, Cat Grade with 3D, adds visibility on the full range of motion of the excavator’s front linkage.

Comfortable Operation

The deluxe, high-visibility cab of the Cat 350 includes automatic climate control and a heated seat. The left console tilts upward to help the driver enter and exit the operator station. An optional Cat Stick Steer feature assists in traveling and turning the machine with one-hand operation.

The 350 has a keyless push-button start, a Bluetooth key fob, and an Operator ID passcode, any of which can start the machine. The Operator ID also recalls individual operators’ control settings preferences.

Finally, Cat’s Product Link telematics system provides remote troubleshooting, flash updating, and monitoring capabilities, as well as reporting and more.

Source: Caterpillar