Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/548484
But on the return trip to the hy- draulic reservoir, the oil limps along, expending no more energy than it takes to get back home. In Cat's system, if the ESP detects a need for additional pressure or flow anywhere in the system, it tells the ACS valve to redirect the oil to that active function in need of additional hydraulic horsepower. No rest for the weary for oil in this system, but that also means little wasted hydraulic energy, either. With these three elements making efficient use of the hydraulic system Cat engineers were able to reduce the engine's rpms and fuel con- sumption without reducing power. As a result, the company claims a 25 percent boost in energy efficien- cy for the 336F L XE compared to similar size non-hybrids. 2D upgrades to 3D In addition to the advanced hydrau- lics, the 336F L XE also comes with a standard "smart boom" – essen- tially a 2D grade control system. This measures and controls the ex- act position of the bucket enabling you to dig a perfect, flat bottom trench at a predetermined depth and slope. The primary benefits of 2D exca- vator grade control are substantial, including: Safety. Nobody has to jump in the trench to measure the depth, which improves safety and reduces manpower needs. Eciency. Over digging is elimi- nated so you don't waste time refill- ing and recompacting low spots. Speed. You get to grade faster in fewer passes, not having to finesse the last few inches of every foot of the trench. A 3D system can be added on top August 2015 | EquipmentWorld.com 74 product report Easy to transport on a tag trailer, Caterpillar's 313F L GC offers simplified technology for common tasks such as light excavating, utility installations, spreading top soil and fine grading. The smart boom on the 336F L XE uses 2D GPS to guide the bucket, meaning it digs to exactly the depth on the plan and no further. This increases speed, productivity and safety.