Get FinancingCaterpillar’s 45-Ton Class 340 Hydraulic Excavator Increases Productivity, Wields Bigger Attachments
Caterpillar's new 340 crawler excavator has an operating weight of 82,700 pounds (37,500 kilograms) and a maximum digging depth of 26.9 feet (8.2 meters). The machine’s maximum reach is 38.6 ft (11.8 m) at ground level, and it has a max loading height of 24.5 ft (7.5 m). Its more powerful engine, wider undercarriage, and 7.5-ton (6.8-metric-ton) counterweight all help to increase its productivity by 10% over the model it replaces, the 2020 Cat 336.
“The 340 reaches a new level of performance,” says Brian Abbott, Caterpillar global product manager for large hydraulic excavators. “Our additions make the machine more productive and stable with larger work tools, giving contractors more flexibility to complete a wider range of projects.”
Long-Term Savings
Cat engineered the new 340 for low ownership and operating costs with efficient features such as its Next Generation electrohydraulic system. Compared to competing excavators in its weight class, the 340’s long, synchronized, 1,000-hour oil and fuel filter service intervals can save nine maintenance sessions’ worth of labor and 27 sessions’ worth of parts over the life of the machine, the manufacturer says.
Cat’s proven C9.3B engine runs the 340 with 347 horsepower (259 kilowatts). The engine offers three selectable power modes for maximum power, max fuel efficiency, or power-on-demand. A pre-cleaner with a high dust capacity removes most particulates before they reach the engine’s air filter. An optional, auto-reversing hydraulic fan can clear the cooling system of dust and debris for efficiency’s sake.
The Cat 340 can operate at altitudes of up to 14,764 ft (4,500 m), in hot temperatures of up to 126 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius), and in freezing conditions at temps as low as 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C). An automatic hydraulic system warmer helps the excavator to start working faster in cold environs, which also makes its components last longer, Cat says.
Ergonomics & Efficiency
Optional Deluxe and Premium trim levels for the 340 include automatic climate control and a tilt-up left console for ease of entry and exit. The Deluxe option upgrades the seat to a heated air suspension unit, and the Premium trim level adds seat ventilation as well.
Another option for the high-visibility cab is Cat Stick Steer, which makes traveling and turning much simpler with one-hand operation. Cat’s Product Link system provides Remote Troubleshoot, Remote Flash, and telematics capabilities such as fleet monitoring and reporting.
The user can start up the machine using the standard keyless push-button start, an optional Bluetooth key fob, or an Operator ID passcode. The Operator ID code also allows individual operators to save and restore their personal control settings preferences.
Get A Better Grade
There’s a plenitude of assistive technologies that come standard or as an option on the Cat 340. Lift Assist helps to avoid tipping when a load is too heavy. Cat Payload is an onboard weighing system with reporting capabilities. Grade Assist enables single-lever digging. 2D Grade displays depth and slope information. Cat makes all its Grade systems compatible with equipment from top suppliers such as Trimble, Topcon, and Leica.
Swing Assist can automatically stop slewing at user-defined points, sparing infrastructure and conserving fuel. Cat’s Auto Hammer Stop prevents hammer damage by alerting the user when the attachment has fired continuously for 15 seconds, then shutting off the hammer if it’s still firing at 30 seconds. The 340’s Auto Dig Boost and Auto Heavy Lift features both temporarily increase power by 8% as needed.
Options for the crawler include a Cat Command remote control, Cat Detect – People Detection, a swing alarm, single- or dual-antenna satellite guidance to grade, and more.
Source: Caterpillar