The Cat 336F L XE Hybrid excavator was introduced to the trade press last month at the company’s Tinaja Hills proving grounds outside of Tucson, Ariz. It features an integrated design that conserves fuel, optimizes performance, and captures and reuses energy, noted the company. The machine delivers an estimated fuel savings of up to 20 percent compared with its standard 336 counterpart with no compromise in performance and no added maintenance costs.
The new Cat Production Measurement system adds even more value by enabling operators to load trucks with just the right weight while allowing managers to remotely monitor the machine’s productivity.
The 308-hp (230 kW) C9.3 engine meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions regulations without interrupting the operator or the job. Proven electronic, fuel, air and aftertreatment components ensure customer expectations for productivity, fuel efficiency, reliability and service life are met.
Fuel Efficiency
The inherent fuel efficiency of the C9.3 is further enhanced with automatic engine speed control, a programmable engine idle shutdown feature and an ECO mode that allows operators to tailor machine performance to the application. The engine runs efficiently on biodiesel blends up to B20.
The 336F XE uses three building block technologies to deliver outstanding fuel savings and performance. The Cat Electronic Standardized Programmable (ESP) pump smoothly transitions between the hydraulic hybrid power sources, the engine, and the accumulator to conserve fuel.
The Cat Adaptive Control System (ACS) valve optimizes performance by intelligently managing restrictions and flows to control machine motion. Instead of wasting kinetic energy during swing braking, the Cat Hydraulic Hybrid Swing System pressurizes the accumulator to stop the machine and then uses that pressure when needed to accelerate.
The key ingredient is the ACS valve, which can be found only on the Cat brand. It is the “brain” of the system – one that independently controls machine functions and directs hydraulic energy where operators need it precisely when they need it.
Because the ACS valve is fully integrated with the pump and hybrid system, operators will experience the same extraordinary control, hydraulic power, and lift capacity they get from traditional Cat machines with the added benefit of dramatically reduced fuel consumption. That’s why the valve is now standard on larger machines like the 374F and 390F.
Technology Enhancements
To assist customers in managing the 336F L XE for optimum return on investment, Caterpillar offers several connected technologies as standard. Grade technologies provide real-time bucket tip elevation guidance to help operators stay on grade and finish work more quickly, accurately and productively. The latest technology addition is payload, and it provides real-time weighing as the boom swings for fast, efficient loading, and optimum payloads.
Operators can view load weights on the in-cab display and know when target payload is achieved, maximizing the productivity of the entire fleet. Productivity can be tracked from the cab – with quick access to payload weights, load and cycle counts, and daily totals. Site managers can wirelessly access payload data and machine operating data such as location, hours, idle time, fuel usage and events via Link technologies through the VisionLink web portal to measure production, monitor efficiency, and optimize performance.
The 336F L XE’s massive frame, heavy-duty extended-length undercarriage, and standard and heavy counterweight options combine to form an exceptionally strong, stable work platform for digging, lifting, or attachment use.
The heavy-duty reach boom can be paired with either a 10-ft., 6-in., (3.2 m) stick or a 12-ft., 10-in. (3.9 m) stick. A mass boom and 8-ft., 4-in., (2.55 m) stick combination are also available. So are multiple Cat Work Tools and a state-of-the-art tool control system designed specifically to help customers get the most out of one machine.
The 336F L XE also provides the ultimate in operator comfort and convenience, featuring a spacious operator’s environment with an in-cab sound level of only 73 dB(A). Air suspension and heated and cooled seat options are available as well as joystick controls adjustable to suit operator preferences and an automatic climate control system that continually maintains a comfortable environment.
Caterpillar, www.cat.com