Caterpillar, Peoria, Illinois, has introduced a number of enhancements on its F Series wheeled excavators (M314F, M316F, M318F, M320F and M322F) and wheeled material handlers (MH3022 and MH3024) for the 2017 model year. These changes provide increased fuel efficiency, versatility and operator safety and convenience, according to the company.
The wheeled excavators use the Cat C4.4 Acert (M314F and M316F) and C7.1 Acert (other models) engines. These engines feature high torque and fast response to load changes while meeting current emission standards, Cat says. Emissions technology includes the Cat NOx-reduction system, selective catalytic reduction system, diesel oxidation catalyst and high-pressure/common-rail fuel. The Cat Clean Emission Module also includes a diesel particulate filter for all models, excluding the M314F and M316F, which do not require it to meet the emission standards.
The company also has introduced 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, Cat says.
An integrated optional Tiltrotator-ready package is available for all models, with the exception of the material handlers, and provides a factory-installed, on-board platform for a Rototilt tiltrotator. All modifications required to the cab, electrical and software systems are incorporated in the package, Cat says. 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 and lever steering, according to the company.
An added standard feature is extended flexibility for work-tool-function assignment, on the left foot pedal and joysticks. The system allows more freedom to choose which work tool function will be assigned to which control.
The new trailer-ready package (optional on M314F, M316F, M318F and M320F, and not available in Australia and New Zealand) is designed to let operations be more autonomous while increasing mobility and flexibility. The trailer-ready package provides a factory-installed solution, including all the necessary electrical and hydraulic systems. The hydraulics on the machine allows you to operate the tailgate and dumping devices of your trailer.
Also standard is the new permanent auxiliary-flow feature that simplifies control of work tools requiring constant rotation. Operators can now press the control button once to engage constant flow. The function can be disabled if the operator chooses, Cat says.
New quick-coupler controls now are operated from a switch, not from the monitor, to comply with the new ISO 13031 safety standard for earth-moving machinery quick couplers. The quick-coupler control switch is located in place of the previous radio-mute switch, which is relocated to the right console (below the armrest). The new system allows quicker tool changes, according to the company.
Safety enhancements include the ability to limit travel speed in reverse mode, allowing the machine owner to set a safe speed when the machine is swinging and moving in reverse. In addition, a modified swing lock now functions independently from the implement-lockout system. Cat says that when loading the machine onto a transport truck, for instance, this feature allows for greater maneuverability, offering the ability to adjust implement position while eliminating the risk of accidentally swinging the upper frame.
A cab prefiltration system (optional on MH3022 and MH3024) is available to prevent the need for adding an additional system to material handlers to almost completely eliminate dust entry and air contamination. The manufacturer says it includes HEPA 13-compliant filters to reduce dust and particles entering the cab from the outside, along with a HEPA 13 recirculation filter that improves the air quality inside the cab.
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, Cat says. 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, eliminating the need for operators to climb on machines with a variable-adjustable boom—a plus for safety, the company says.
