Caterpillar Reveals MH3050 Next-Generation Material Handler

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The new Caterpillar MH3050 has high swing torque and the Cat Payload weighing system. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Caterpillar says it designed its new MH3050 material handler for reliable performance, efficiency, and operator comfort along with improved uptime. The 53- to 55-ton (48- to 50-metric-ton) machine has up to 59.25 feet (18 meters) of reach, depending upon boom and stick selection.

The MH3050’s enhanced electrohydraulic system is engineered for faster cycle times to handle more material per shift. An optional 25-kilowatt generator kit is available for use with a magnet attachment for working with scrap metal.

Standard Load Weighing

The new Cat MH3050 has high swing torque and standard lowering check valves for the boom and stick. The check valves maintain the position of the front linkage in case of a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure. A standard SmartBoom feature allows the boom to move up and down without using hydraulic oil flow, which lets the operator concentrate on moving the stick and grapple. The chassis, boom, and stick are equipped with 1,800-lumen LED work lights.

The Cat Payload weighing system produces a live weight estimate of each load the machine picks up with its grapple or clamshell attachment. The operator can set E-fence parameters for the MH3050 to keep it from moving into prohibited areas. Likewise, a Cab Avoidance feature prevents contact between the attachment and the cabin.

Cabin Features

Cat reengineered the premium cab of the MH3050 with a hydraulic riser and a new dampening system that reduces fatigue-inducing vibration. The machine is steered via joystick, which allows the manufacturer to leave out a steering column. This not only gives the operator more legroom and makes it easier to enter and exit the cab, but it also eliminates a forward blind spot. The material handler can recall each operator’s personal joystick settings as they enter their unique Operator ID PIN code to start the engine.

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Thanks to its joystick steering, the Cat MH3050 has no steering column to obstruct the operator’s legs or forward view. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

The cabin of the MH3050 is fitted with large windows of tempered glass. Its high degree of operator visibility is complemented by standard right-hand and rearview cameras. An optional 360-degree camera system offers a different view of the area surrounding the material handler. The cab has a 10-inch touchscreen and a jog dial the operator can use to control the machine and monitor its operating status. Support for Cat’s Product Link remote fleet management comes standard.

Reduced Maintenance Requirements

The 346-horsepower (258-kilowatt) Cat C9.3B engine in the MH3050 can run on up to B20 biodiesel. The motor meets EU Stage V and U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards with an aftertreatment system that is maintenance-free. The cooling fan for the engine automatically reverses its direction to expel debris from the radiator cores, giving the operator one less distracting task to perform.

Cat made other improvements in the new MH3050 to extend its uptime. Its new, more effective hydraulic oil filter lasts for 3,000 operating hours, 50% longer than previous filters. At replacement time, new anti-drain valves keep the hydraulic oil from contamination. The machine’s fuel filters are all synchronized with a 1,000-hour replacement interval. Cat’s standard auto-lubrication feature automatically greases the MH3050’s moving parts from the swing bearing and cab riser to the end of the stick.

Source: Caterpillar