Gulf Construction Online - Cat reveals models for the Mideast

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The 374D excavator ... added horsepower.

Cat reveals models for the Mideast

01 April 2011

CATERPILLAR unveiled its latest models for the Middle East at its Reveal 2011 Event held last month (March 2 to 3) at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa in Dubai, UAE.

More than 100 customers, dealers and Cat representatives from the Middle East, CIS and Africa gathered at the venue to witness the prowess of the machines against a backdrop of spectacular fireworks. Caterpillar’s expert operators put the new 374D and 390DL excavators, B-series articulated truck and D6R dozer through their paces, as the venerable machines that the new models are replacing performed in the limelight one last time.

The following day the products presentations got back to basics –“moving dirt” if you will – with four pragmatic themes that were at the core of the individual development programmes for the new products: uptime, performance, operating costs and safety.

First up were the 374D and 390DL large hydraulic excavators, which were introduced by Ken Grey, worldwide product manager, LHEX for Caterpillar. Speaking about the 390D L, he said: “We really focused on the performance of that machine, the durability and reliability and owning and operating costs – just as we did for all four of the machines. These were the key development drivers.”

The all-new 374D hydraulic excavator is a direct replacement for the 365C model and combines added horsepower, stronger hydraulics, new buckets and greater operating weight to boost trenching, loading and lifting capabilities. Complementing these design basics are undercarriage improvements, new operator-convenience features, safety enhancements and serviceability improvements.

The 374D’s Cat C15 Acert engine produces 18 per cent more power than its predecessor, while its torque characteristics allow the engine to deliver full power at maximum rpm, providing its implement hydraulic system a six-plus per cent increase in hydraulic flow, with a similar gain in hydraulic horsepower. The added hydraulic power combines with larger digging-arm and bucket cylinders to yield 24 per cent higher digging and lifting forces with the standard boom-and-arm configuration.

The D6R dozer and B-series articulated truck (below).

Also new in the 374D’s implement hydraulic circuits are electrically-controlled regeneration valves, which assure positive response from the boom and digging-arm cylinders. The resulting benefits include shorter cycle times and estimated fuel savings of more than six per cent, says Caterpillar.

Undercarriage improvements include redesigned track links that operate with less stress, cast idlers for improved durability, more effective carrier-roller seals and a six-inch track-gauge increase to promote added stability.

Many of these design features and technologies are incorporated into the new 90-tonne 390DL, which replaces the 385C L. The design enhancements in the 390DL’s implement hydraulic system allow the new model to deliver significantly greater digging and lifting forces than its predecessor. Main relief pressure in the new model’s implement circuits has been increased to 35,000 kPa, up nearly 10 per cent, resulting in a nine per cent digging force increase. Increased breakout force promotes faster trenching and loading cycles plus stronger performance at the quarry face. In addition, lifting capacity over the end is increased by 14 per cent with over-the-side capacity up nearly 14 per cent – the result of stronger hydraulics and a heavier counterweight.

Caterpillar has put the operator first with its three new B-series articulated trucks. New models include the 735B, offering a 33-tonne payload, the 740B with its 40-tonne payload, and the 740B EJ with the popular ejector body, carrying a 38-tonne payload. All three models are available with either Tier 2/Stage 2-equivalent or Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB-certified emissions configurations to meet the needs of customers around the world. Both configurations feature revised transmission and traction control systems that enable higher productivity. The new trucks also focus on reducing driver effort and cutting operator fatigue through improved cab design.

The redesigned instrument cluster and fully-customisable colour multi-purpose display (CMPD) give the operator all of the information needed. Machine monitoring includes information as diverse as regeneration status, fuel levels, autolube status, load count and major component temperatures. The CMPD also incorporates a live feed from the rear view camera, which is automatically engaged when reverse gear is selected.

The revised cab interior has a new headliner with switches for electric mirrors, regeneration operations and a heavy-duty CD/radio. An upgraded driver’s seat with new multiple position adjustments improves the class-leading ride quality further, while new materials offer improved durability and long service life. New operator and passenger grab handles improve stability when travelling over rough or sloping terrain.

The heating and air-conditioning system has been upgraded to improve efficiency and ensure the ideal climate in the cab. The engine hood raise switch is now positioned in the cab for ease of access and increased security. Other detail improvements include a new cab external grab rail, a repositioned ground level fuel filler for improved access, new machine width position marker lights and wider spaced turn indicators. High-intensity high-level work lights are now available as an option.

Meanwhile, the new D6R dozer has been designed specifically for this market in mind, combining Caterpillar’s 100-year heritage of building rugged reliable machines with cost reducing features like fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance. With a strong Cat C9 engine, the D6R features a tough power-shift transmission, differential steering, heavy-duty undercarriage, comfortable cab with intuitive low-effort controls and a range of blade types.

For efficient, reliable engine cooling in high ambient temperatures, the D6R uses the Cat next generation modular radiator, which incorporates individual copper-nickel cores that are extremely durable, allow effective two-pass cooling and are easy to service.

The D6R’s durable, field-proven differential-steering system allows full power to both tracks in turns, allowing precise steering with maximum material retention for increased productivity. Because the system allows the tracks to turn at different speeds with full power, the operator can easily maintain straight-line travel when benching or working across slopes. The system uses robust planetary gearing and a strong hydraulic motor for steering control.

The D6R is available with five undercarriage choices: heavy-duty undercarriage in Standard; LGP; XL configurations; and SystemOne as an option for the LGP and XL configurations. The Standard configuration is suited to aggressive applications, including forestry and working in rocky or uneven terrain; the XL uses a longer roller frame and added track, placed toward the front of the machine, for optimum balance in general earthmoving to finish-grading applications; and the LGP, with a wider track gauge, wider track shoes and more track-on-ground, performs efficiently in soft or swamp-like ground conditions.

As all track rollers and idlers are lifetime lubricated, internal components can be reused with the option to either rebuild or re-shell to help drive lower operating costs.

The Standard, LGP and XL configurations feature sealed-and-lubricated track chains, heavy-duty rollers, heavy-duty idlers, tubular roller frames and Cat tough-steel sprockets. D6R undercarriages deliver durable performance in severe operating conditions, significantly reducing operating costs by extending track-chain life with an allowable pin-and-bushing turn at mid-life.

The SystemOne undercarriage option further extends undercarriage life and reduces operating costs in many applications. Its balanced design allows the undercarriage to wear as a system and eliminates both pin-and-bushing turns and sprocket replacement. SystemOne track links are assembled with cartridge-style pin-and-bushing assemblies, which feature proprietary life-time seals, synthetic oil and a retention system that eliminates endplay. Sealed rollers use tall flanges for excellent track guidance, especially in side-slope applications.