Enhancements to Cat’s F-Series for 2017 include reduced fuel consumption, increased work tool versatility and advances in operator safety and convenience, the manufacturer has announced.
The recently released wheel excavators (M314F, M316F, M318F, M320F, M322F) and wheel material handlers (MH3022, MH3024) are being further refined in keeping Caterpillar policy to annually update product design, allowing it to bring new features and enhancements to the market more quickly.
The new M314F and M316F wheel excavators are fitted with the Cat C4.4 ACERT engine while the M318F, M320F, and M322F use the C7.1 ACERT engine. These engines feature high torque and fast response to load changes, while meeting EU Stage IV emission standards. Emission technology includes the Cat NOx-reduction system, selective catalytic reduction system, diesel oxidation catalyst, and high-pressure/common-rail fuel system. The Cat Clean Emission Module also includes a Diesel Particulate Filter for all models but for the M314F and M316F which do not require it to meet the emission standards.
New for these machines is a system that adjusts engine speed to match speed demands during travels. The system provides the exact level of power required for varying roading situations, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and reduced sound levels.
An optional integrated tilt-rotator ready package is also now available for the wheel excavators and provides a factory-installed, on-board platform for the new Cat tilt-rotators. All modifications required to the cab, electrical, and software systems are incorporated in the package. The system requires no additional monitor; all necessary settings and parameters are integrated directly into the machine monitor. Included with this package are the new advanced joysticks.
The available advanced joystick control system is designed to provide added comfort and functionality. The ergonomic design of the controls and rubberized surfaces allow fingertip control of hydraulic functions, while two sliders and five buttons on each joystick allow integrating additional functions, such as rotation/tilt, Cat tilt-rotator grapple module and lever steering.
An added standard feature is extended flexibility for work tool function assignment, on the left pedal and both joysticks. The system allows more freedom to choose which work tool function will be assigned to which control.
A new trailer-ready package (optional on M314F, M316F and M318F) allows for more autonomy than ever while increasing mobility and flexibility, and provides another factory-installed solution including all the necessary electrical and hydraulic systems, so that all is required is to hitch the trailer and go. This solution enables to move attachments, tools, and fuel, to each job site or move material directly on site. The hydraulics on the machine allows to operate the tailgate and dumping devices of the trailer.
Also standard is the new permanent auxiliary-flow feature that simplifies control of work tools requiring constant rotation, such as mowers and mulchers. Operators can now press the control button once to engage constant flow. The function can be disabled if the operator chooses.
New quick-coupler controls are now operated from a switch, not from the monitor, in order to comply with ISO 13031 standard. The quick-coupler control switch is located in place of the previous radio-mute switch, which is relocated to the right console. The new system allows quicker tool changes.
Safety is improved by the new ability to limit travel speed in reverse, allowing the machine owner to set a safe speed when the machine is swung and moving in reverse. In addition, a modified swing lock now functions independently from the implement-lockout system. When loading the machine onto a transport truck, for instance, this feature allows for greater manoeuvrability, offering the ability to adjust implement position, while eliminating the risk of accidentally swinging the upper frame.
A cab pre-filtration system (optional on MH3022 and MH3024) is available ex-factory to prevent the need from adding an additional system to material handlers to almost completely eliminate dust entry and air contamination. It is composed of HEPA 13 compliant filters to reduce dust and particles entry from the outside along with a HEPA 13 re-circulation filter that improves the air quality inside the cab.
In terms of improving the operator environment a new split-screen monitor for the side-view and rear-view camera displays, allows both images to be seen at a glance by the operator. These views are displayed on the second monitor, which provides a wider screen for enhanced visibility. Also, an added LED light for the side-view camera allows improved visibility from the front right-hand side to the rear of the machine. The new light for this camera, coupled with the current light for the rear camera, ensures optimum visibility for operators.
Also available are electrically adjustable mirrors that allow the operator to position mirrors while seated in an operating position. This capability eliminates the need for operators to climb on machines with a variable-adjustable booma plus for safety.
October 21, 2016
