New Names, Proven Cat® Performance

A range of specification improvements accompanies the the introduction of new model designations for two of the Caterpillar® most popular excavators.

Having increased in weight progressively since introduction, Caterpillar’s popular 330D and 325D excavators are now to be re-badged and known as the 336D and 329D respectively.

The new model designations will more accurately communicate the machine operating weight and working capability, helping customers receive the best financial return on their investment.

An excavator’s operating weight and model designation has generally corresponded, and recent research confirmed this relationship was of significant importance to excavator purchasers.

The research indicated that accuracy in model designation would simplify machine purchasing evaluations and productivity comparisons for customers, as well as have a direct impact on a customers’ ability to realise the highest possible return on their machine investment - particularly in achieving accurate hire and rental rates.

Hire and rental business rates are commonly charged in accordance with an excavators’ weight, as the machine weight generally represents the amount of work a customer can expect the machine to perform.

Caterpillar’s new model designations for the 329D and 336D, will now simplify hire andental administrative tasks, provide clarity in customer communications and ensure that high rental rates are achievable.

New names improved specification

The newly designated machines share many specifications in common with the popular, highly productive, superseded models while also offering a range of specification improvements.

The 336D (330D) will now be fitted with a heavy-duty boom and stick as standard to better match the machines working capability, while the 329D (325D) is now fitted with a Cat C7 ACERT, 152kW engine delivering 8.6 per cent more power than the 325D.

The 336D heavy-duty boom and stick is a more durable combination ideally suited to heavy-duty construction and mass excavation applications requiring high productivity and improved stability.

The 329D features all the innovations of the popular 325D and will now also offer three fuel modes further adding to machine efficiency.

Operators can select from three work modes–High Power for full machine performance; Power Management for reduced power whilst retaining high productivity and Eco-mode delivering up to 15 per cent fuel savings.

The 329D counterweight has also been increased in mass to provide even better machine stability, while working over the side of the machine, especially in long reach applications.

Increased weight, increased productivity

For decades Caterpillar’s heavy excavator range has satisfied demand for high productivity and profitability. The 330D and 325D enjoyed healthy respect for the performance and value they provided as their operating weight increased over time.

Caterpillar’s 300L, released in 1992, had an actual weight of approximately 33.5 tonne, while the 2001 release 330CL weighed almost 35 tonne. The 336D is now accurately positioned in the 36 tonne class reflecting the machine’s weight and performance characteristics.

More than ever, purchasers will now better understand the cost and production advantages the two new Caterpillar machines deliver when making direct comparisons with competitor’s machines.

Parts Commonality

Importantly for existing Caterpillar customers, both the 329D and 336D will share parts commonality with the previous models and all parts on the 325D and 330D are interchangeable with the new machines.

Furthermore, all existing Caterpillar work tools for the 325D and 330D will also be fully interchangeable with the 329D and 336D respectively, meaning operators can be assured of uninterrupted work site efficiency.