Caterpillar refines F-Series wheel excavators and material handlers

178 Caterpillar says that for 2017 it has further refined its F-Series wheeled excavators – from the M314F to the M322F - and wheeled material handlers MH3022 and MH3024.

The M314F and M316F wheeled excavators are fitted with the Cat C4.4 ACERT engine while the M318F, M320F, and M322F use the C7.1 ACERT engine. 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 road situations, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and reduced sound levels.

An optional integrated tilt-rotator ready package is now available for the wheeled excavators and provides a factory-installed, onboard 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 rubberised 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.

The 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 all that is required is to hitch the trailer and go. This solution enables movement of attachments, tools, and fuel, to each job site or move material directly on site. The hydraulics on the machine allows operation of 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.