Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/536721
July 2015 | EquipmentWorld.com 42 depths to avoid the costs of a lift station. He says the EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers and municipali- ties are requiring more and bigger retention ponds as development continues. "Because costs are closely watched, productivity is paramount and bigger excava- tors are in demand for these bigger projects." Utility appeal Grover says the bigger excavators aren't just being used to dig but that the utility applications common to smaller machines are taking hold in the 35- to 50-ton class, as well. "It used to be you put a bucket on your excavator and it stayed there for the life of the ma- chine. Now the take rate for attachments and tools in this category is increasing." Hammers, shears, clamps and thumbs are especially popular and are becom- ing available in larger sizes to match the capacity of larger excavators. Grover has seen customers take the arms off their excavators and mount tools to the end of the boom to increase capacity and maximize tool size. "Customer appreciation of the flexibility of these machines is increasing, more by word of mouth than media or marketing." Jake Jeffords, excavator product sales manager for JCB, says manufacturers and dealers need to help customers get more tech savvy to get the full poten- tial afforded by current models. "For example, our rental houses have always said the first thing someone asks when they call in is, 'What horsepower do you have?' While horsepower is important, the customer's first considerations should actually be dig depth and transportability given their trailer and tow vehicle. Both manufacturers and dealers will have to do their parts to explain to customers why it's important to think beyond horsepower." Features of Caterpillar's new 335F compact-radius excavator include a quick-coupler circuit, an advanced tool control system to maximize its potential as a utility machine and a 7.1-liter Tier 4 Final engine with a high- ambient cooling package. The climate-controlled cab is sealed to minimize noise and includes power outlets for the operation and charging of electronics. On the company's 336F XE, Grade Control and a new integrat- ed payload system are standard. Cat reports the 335F uses up to 16 percent less fuel than the 328D it replaces and can run on biodiesel up to B20. "The machine burns under 6 gallons per hour," says Brian Stellbrink, excavator product application specialist for Caterpillar, "and it's been validated on ac- tual customer job sites using our Product Link telemat- ics." The 335F is among more than 100 machines in Cat's new fuel consumption guarantee program, which gives participating contractors $1 back for every gallon machine matters | continued Case The CX350D is one of five new machines using the Case Intelligent Hydraulic System. The system's four integrat- ed control circuits coordinate hydraulic power with momen- tum and gravity to maximize performance and fuel efficiency. Three work modes further enhance these characteristics. Cat The new Cat 335F L CR excavator delivers a 16 percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the 328D model it replaces. The compact radius machine is made for heavy work on congested jobsites. Equipped with 33-inch track shoes, the 335F L CR limits over-the-side tail swing to just 6 inches. Sany With a dual-pump, dual-circuit constant power control system, overall operating efficiency of the Sany SY365C is up 26 percent over the SY360C it replaces. Other features of the system include damping in the travel circuit, smooth and precise swing operation, and a quick circuit to improve arm speed and reduce fuel consumption.