Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/946503
EquipmentWorld.com | February 2018 21 Case Case D Series excavators feature the company's Intelligent Hydraulic System with four integrated control systems working together to opti- mize performance. Andrew Dargatz, brand marketing manager, provides this overview of the feature: "The system actively manages and con- trols hydraulic power throughout the production cycle to maximize speed and efficiency while reducing fuel consumption by minimiz- ing unneces- sary hydrau- lic flow." Playing supporting roles to the Intelligent Hydraulic System are a new electron- ically controlled pump, larger control valve and new sensors. Hardware improvements include a more robust boom and track and undercarriage design. Four systems are involved in Intelligent Hydraulic Control. Boom Economy Control drops engine speed and uses gravity during boom down and swing. Auto Economy Control lowers engine rpm after controls are in a neutral state for 10 seconds and will do an auto shut- down, when enabled, after a preset idle period. Swing Relief Control regulates pump flow at the onset of the swing cycle. Spool Stroke Control monitors operator inputs and adjusts flow during dig cycles to optimize machine performance. The sum of the parts is shorter cy- cle times, less rework, fewer overcor- rections, greater precision for lift and placement, higher breakout forces and improvements in fuel economy of up to 14 percent. Caterpillar Caterpillar has been getting a lot of attention for their new excava- tors, and rightfully so. When they introduced the 320 GC, 320 and 323 models last year, it had been 25 years since the last major rede- sign of the product – that would be 1992 – and they pulled out all the stops this time. Specifically, these three Next Generation models were built for digital connectivity, ease of use and semi-automated func- tionality. Standard technology on the 320 GC includes Product Link Pro and a rear camera. Standard on the 320 and 323 are Product Link Elite, rear camera, Cat Grade with 2D, 2D E-Fence, Cat Grade with As- sist and Cat Payload. Cat Grade 2D Advanced/3D is an available option on the 320 and 323. Many of the tech features pair with smartphones to enable such capabilities as re- mote start, remote diagnostics and machine locator. Cat places each of the three new models on a scatter plot with "monthly working hours" on the X axis and "monthly fuel burn" (G/H, Working) on the Y axis. The 320 GC, designed for low- to medium- duty applications, is in the lower left, the medium-to-heavy duty 320 in the middle, and the production- focused 323 in the upper right. A fter years of steady technological gains, the past two years have seen an explosion of tech features on mid-sized excavators (20 to 45 metric ton). We asked manufacturers to provide insights on their most recent and significant technologies. EXCAVATOR The largest of the three Next Generation excavators from Caterpillar, the 323 is powered by a Cat C7.1 ACERT engine rated at 162 net horsepower. Maximum hydraulic flow is 113 gallons per minute and maximum pressure is 5,075 pounds per square inch. Standard configuration includes a high- ambient cooling package rated for 125 degrees Fahren- heit and cold start capability to 0 degrees F; an optional cold start package rated to -25 degrees F is available.