Caterpillar 345 D-Series Combines Extra Power, Hydraulic Performance
New Caterpillar 345 D–Series Combines Extra Power, Hydraulic Performance for Improved Productivity
Caterpillar has introduced the 345 D – Series hydraulic excavator featuring a major power increase, more flexible engine and hydraulic settings and a range of undercarriage improvement for high productivity excavating or loading tasks.Ideally suited for heavy construction, quarrying or mining, the 345 D – Series is equipped with a 283kW Cat C13 ACERT technology, which delivers a massive 18 percent more power compared with the previous 345 C – Series model.
Combined with an electronically managed hydraulic regeneration system, a two percent boost in hydraulic flow and a heavier counterweight, the extra engine power delivers greater productivity – meaning the 345 D – Series will move more material per unit of fuel consumption in high duty cycle digging or excavating tasks.
Alternative power options also allows the operator to reduce fuel consumption during lighter duty applications by as much as 10 to 15 percent, depending on actual applications.
Hydraulic cross - sensing systems ensure 100 percent utilisation of the hydraulic pumps under all operating conditions, meaning faster implement speeds and stronger slewing performance.
The hydraulic system is further improved with the addition of an automatic priority boom and swing operation function. This engages with boom or swing lever activation automatically assigning priority according to operator demand.
Undercarriage options
Standard and Long Fixed undercarriage is ideal for narrow transport requirements and load sensitive operating areas. The Variable Gauge undercarriage featuring a heavy duty, box section track roller frame for increased rigidity and impact resistance, has higher track and ground clearance and greater over side lift capacity.
The 345 D – Series track link has been redesigned to avoid stress concentration and further improve durability and service life.
Positive track pin retention (PPR2) is also available on the 345 D – Series to prevent loosening of track pins in tough conditions, while a cast idler provides extended wear life to further enhance durability.
Idler, and bolt on centre guards, are fitted as standard undercarriage equipment for added protection with additional guarding also available.
Boom and Stick
The 345 D – Series features a selection of three boom and five stick options ensuring suitability for a wide range of applications.D – Series booms feature forged steel high load areas such as at the boom foot and cylinder connections to ensure durable performance.
The 4.3m stick combined with the 7.4m long reach boom provides almost nine metres digging depth. Other booms available include a 6.9m reach boom and a 6.55m mass excavation boom.
Comfortable cabin, easy service
The D – Series cabin is spacious and features ergonomic controls, high back suspension seat, excellent visibility and easy to read monitors for day - long productivity.An optional rear view camera and Work Area Vision System (WAVS) enhances rearward visibility and improves job - site safety.
Easy access service points are carried over from the C - Series machine, while a new 24 - volt power port in the battery compartment allows service lights and other electrical equipment to be attached.
Caterpillar Product Link, an asset tracking and maintenance management system, is now also standard on the 345 D – Series.
Buckets and work tools
An extensive range of Cat work tools is available to further improve 345 D – Series performance while an optional tool control system allows the operator to pre - set flow and pressure for as many as 10 work tools via the in-cab monitor.C-Series buckets can be used on the D-Series model and Caterpillar's hydraulic Pin Grabber coupler enables the operator to change work tools rapidly without leaving the cabin. The Pin Grabber coupler also allows a bucket to be attached in reverse mode to finish trenches or for other specialised tasks.
NBM&CW February 2009
