Mobile wheeled excavators from Caterpillar

178 Caterpillar claims that its latest M315 and M317 wheeled excavators retain the reliable performance, durability, versatility, fuel efficiency, low operating costs, and easy maintenance of earlier models. However the new D2 Series models also offer more robust fuel-injection systems, versatile front-linkages, greater work-tool capability, and upgraded operator comfort.

Power for both the M315D2 and M317D2 is supplied by a Cat C4.4 diesel rated at 108kW. This engine is equipped with the firm’s ACERT technology and meets the China Non-road Stage III emissions standards, equivalent to the Tier 3/Stage IIIA standards. This engine also has a fuel system designed to cope with lower fuel quality levels. It has a primary fuel filter/water separator with a water-in-fuel switch that indicates when draining is required. An additional secondary fuel filter further boosts filtration capability.

Mobility is said to be high with the M315D2 able to reach speeds of 37km/h while the larger M317D2 has a top speed of 34km/h. These high road speeds help to reduce travel time and transportation costs when moving the units from site to site.

Two stick options are available for each model, and a one-piece boom provides easy operation in all applications. The Variable Adjustable (VA) boom is said to improve right-side visibility and roading balance, as well as to allow working in restricted spaces or lifting heavy loads. For dozing capability, the new models are available with a radial blade, and available outriggers enhance stability.

The new machines are available with a wide range of attachments, including quick couplers, specialised buckets, hammers, multi-grapples, vibratory-plate compactors, and shears. The operator station is said to be comfortable, while all daily maintenance can be performed from ground level to reduce downtime.

The M315D2 and M317D2 are equipped with the Cat Product Link system, which can deliver data that assists in managing equipment. Remote monitoring through the web-based VisionLink application allows access to data such as location, security alerts, fuel burn, idling time versus working time, and diagnostic/event codes.

The M315D2 weighs from 13.5-15.2tonnes depending on configuration, has a 5.3m dig depth and is equipped with a 0.6m3 bucket. Meanwhile the larger M317D2 weighs from 15.3-17.2tonnes, has a 6.09m dig depth and an 0.8m3 bucket.