Cat adds two new 36-ton excavators to its Next Generation range

By MEq July 12, 2018 20:17

The Next Generation 36-ton size class excavators from Caterpillar — the 336 and 336 GC — increase operating efficiency, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and improve operator comfort compared to previous models. The new excavators offer unique combinations of features designed to match contractors’ productivity and cost targets.

Delivering high-production performance, the new Cat 336 features standard integrated Cat Connect Technology and the most power and lift capacity of the two models. The result is maximum productivity at the lowest cost. The new Cat 336 GC combines the right balance of productivity features with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The result is high reliability and low-cost-per-hour performance.

Technology boosts efficiency by up to 45 percent
The new Cat 336 has the industry’s highest level of standard factory-equipped technology to boost productivity. Integrated Cat Connect Technology increases operating efficiency by up to 45 percent over traditional grading operations.
The standard Cat Grade with 2D system provides guidance for depth, slope, and horizontal distance to grade through the standard touchscreen monitor, making operators more accurate. The system is readily upgradable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D.
Standard Grade Assist automates boom, stick, and bucket movements so operators can effortlessly stay on grade with single-lever digging.

Cat Payload delivers precise load targets and increased loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing and real-time payload estimates without swinging to prevent truck over/underloading.
The E-fence feature prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined set points—particularly useful when working beneath structures or near traffic.
Cat LINK hardware and software connect jobsites to the office and provide customers with machine-critical operating information.

Fuel savings reaching up to 15 percent
By design, Cat Next Generation excavators consume less fuel than the models they are replacing — up to 15 percent less fuel for the 336. New Smart mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, optimizing both fuel consumption and performance. Engine speed is automatically lowered when there is no hydraulic demand to further reduce fuel usage. The cooling system features a new fan that runs on demand to keep the excavator working at the correct operating temperature for maximum efficiency.

With a new electrohydraulic system built for responsiveness and efficiency, the Cat 336 and 336 GC feature a new main control valve that eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses, and lowers fuel consumption. Fewer hydraulic lines on the excavators result in less oil required, lowering long-term operating costs.

Maintenance costs reduced as much as 15 percent
Offering extended and more synchronized maintenance intervals, the new Cat excavators do more work at a lower cost and reduce maintenance costs by up to 15 percent over the previous series.
The new Cat air filter with integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters has double the dust holding capacity of the previous design.

The new Cat hydraulic return filter has a 3,000-hour service life — a 50 percent increase over previous filter. The fuel system filters are synchronized for service at 1,000 hours — a 100 percent increase over the previous filters. The fuel system water and sediment drains and hydraulic system oil level are positioned close together at ground level, making routine daily maintenance faster, easier, and safer.

New cab designed to enhance operator performance
With a choice of Comfort, Deluxe, or Premium cab packages, all Next Generation Cat excavator cabs come equipped with standard features like keyless push-button start, large standard 8-inch (203-mm) touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys for control, and sound-suppressed rollover protective structures (ROPS) to offer the next level of operator comfort and safety.

A tilt-up console for the Deluxe and Premium cab designs affords easy cab entry and exit. New advanced viscous mounts reduce cab vibration by up to 50 percent over previous models. A Bluetooth integrated radio with USB ports for connecting and charging phones bring creature comforts from the home to the operator’s office.

Automatic climate control maintains internal cab temperature settings, regardless of external ambient temperatures. Programmable joystick buttons for response and pattern allow the operator to “dial in” productivity settings. Large front, rear, and side windows enhance visibility; optional 360-degree visibility (336 only) combines images from multiple machine-mounted cameras to enhance the operator’s sight lines in all directions.