Construction Industry News
Equipped with a more powerful engine, wider tracks and a 7.5-ton counterweight, Caterpillar says the new 340 hydraulic excavator delivers more power, stability and productivity for earthmoving jobs.
“The 340 reaches a new level of performance,” said Brian Abbott, Caterpillar's global product manager for large hydraulic excavators. “Our additions make the machine more productive and stable with larger attachments, giving contractors more flexibility to complete a wider range of projects.”
According to Cat, the reinforced structures give the 45-ton class machine extra durability for excavation, truck loading and hammer applications.
The 347 hp Cat C9.3B engine has three engine modes: Power, Smart, and Eco. Each option matches the excavator's power to the demands of the job while saving fuel, says Cat. Power mode delivers maximum power; Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions to reduce fuel consumption; and Eco mode minimizes fuel consumption.
Engine oil and fuel filter service intervals are synchronized at 1,000-hour intervals, increasing uptime and reducing parts and labor costs.
The high ambient temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit, cold start at zero degrees, and the ability to operate up to 14,764 feet above sea level allow the 340 to operate in a variety of climates. At low temperatures, automatic hydraulic warm-up speeds up machine operation and extends component life, says Cat. The air inlet filter with pre-cleaner has a high dust capacity and a high-efficiency hydraulic fan offers optional automatic reversing to keep the cores free of debris.
Product Link automatically collects data such as location, hours of operation, fuel usage, idle time, maintenance alerts, diagnostic codes and machine status. The information can be viewed online through web and mobile applications. This helps maximize uptime, enabling remote troubleshooting and remote flashing. Dealers can remotely connect to the machine to diagnose fault codes and update control software, says Cat.
Two Next Generation cab trim levels are available for the 340. The Deluxe cabs have a heated air suspension seat and the Premium cabs have a heated and ventilated air suspension seat. Both have a folding left console for easier entry and exit.
Standard features include a touchscreen monitor and jog dial, keyless start button and an operator ID access code to save and restore the joystick button, response and pattern preferences for individual operators. A Bluetooth key fob and Cat Stick Steer are optional.
