Cat announces new 350 excavator

The equipment manufacturing giant said the new machine is in line with its commitment to reducing greenhouse gases, with the potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to 13%.

Cat’s new 350 excavator promises a boost to productivity and enhanced sustainability. Photo: Caterpillar

The 350 has a Cat C9.3B engine, with net power of 308 kW, giving it the capacity to operate with buckets up to 3.2m3.

An auto dig boost automatically injects an 8% increase in power for better bucket penetration, which Cat says will result in shorter cycle times and greater payloads. To this Cat has added auto heavy lift, giving an 8% boost to lifting power.

The 350 also promises 1,000-hour oil and filter service intervals, plus a 3,000-hour replacement interval (a 50% increase over the previous model), reducing downtime.

On-board technology

The excavator also comes with a wide range of on-board technology, including a 2D Grade system, which indicates depth and slope, plus alerting operators to increase efficiency.

Other tech enhancements include Grade, Swing and Lift Assist, as well as 2D E-Fence, ensuring the machine only works within operator-defined parameters.

Cat also says it has upgraded the operator experience with the 350 excavator, offering a programmable joystick, a high-resolution touchscreen monitor with jog dial.

A choice of deluxe or premium cabs is available, with a heated or heated and ventilated seat respectively.

Cat Stick Steer is an option on the 350, which operators can switch to at the touch of a button.

Brian Abbott, Caterpillar global product manager for large hydraulic excavators, said, “Caterpillar is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while helping our customers meet their climate-related objectives.”