Caterpillar’s new next generation ultra high demolition (UHD) excavator is essentially two machines in one.
While the UHD boom accommodates all standard demolition work tools, the machine also accepts two types of retrofit booms (single and variable angle). The changeover to deploy traditional buckets and work tools in the role of a ‘standard’ construction excavator takes a minimal amount of time.
“Caterpillar built the 330 UHD to withstand difficult demolition of tall structures,” said Vincent Migeotte, Caterpillar’s Senior Product and Sales Consultant.
“The machine is quickly and easily reconfigurable, allowing operators to extract maximum return from the machine by deploying it for general construction when not required for demolition contracts.”
During bauma, Caterpillar announced production is now underway on the 330 UHD, designed to be a highly versatile machine with improved functionality and enhanced safety for emergency responses, urban and city operations.
Focused on urban residential demolition, where it will compete in the 30-tonne size class, the 330 UHD features a UHD boom with a maximum pin height of up to 20 metres to make it comfortably capable of five to six-story work.
“Careful attention to detail has seen the 330 UHD designed to reach even the trickiest inner-city worksites, with a transport width of less than 3 metres,” Migeotte said.
The 330 UHD offers operators best-of-class performance with its capability of carrying a large demolition 3,300 kg work tool at heights of up to 20 metres.
“What makes it unique is to reach a 20-metre maximum pin height and the work tool weight,” Migeotte said. “The main market we see would be Europe and Japan, but we actually had requests from some American customers from the East Coast.”
Cat tech
To optimize its utilization with the retrofit boom, it is also configured with up-to-date technology such as Cat Payload, Cat 2D Grade control system and Cat 2D E-fence. The latter helps keep the front linkage within a predefined work area, helping provide operator confidence while protecting the machine from damage and monitoring jobsite safety.
This operator-intuitive machine is equipped with a stability monitoring system that helps improve jobsite safety by using the in-cab 25-cm touchscreen monitor to display the machine’s stability via swing angle and front position.
As well, the monitor displays images from the integrated standard rear and side-view camera; a surround-view attachment is an optional extra, while a work-tool camera and second monitor is available as an aftermarket option.
Demolition cab
The tiltable cab is TOPS demolition-rated, fitted with a premium seat, P5A glass and full operator protective guards (OPG), which helps to improve visibility while providing comfort.
The machine is also remote-control ready, which Migeotte said underlines a further design aspect.
“As a next generation machine, the 330 UHD benefits from a modular platform,” he said. “This will allow annual product updates as necessary, if desired by operators, or if required by safety regulators.”
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The ability to keep the machine “current” also increases its appeal, beyond its versatile dual-purpose capabilities.
“Recognizing that ease of maintenance and servicing also contributes to machine longevity, all daily tasks — such as checking engine and hydraulic oil, coolant levels and water and sediment separators and drains — are fully accessible at ground level,” Migeotte said.
330 UHD engine
The 330 UHD is powered by the same Cat C7.1 TTA engine as the 330 next generation excavator. Meeting the Tier 4 Final, Stage V, and Japan 2014 emission standards, the 7-litre engine is rated at 275 hp.
Prospective 330 UHD operators can also choose between two undercarriage types. The long narrow undercarriage uses the same base frame as the 330 next generation excavator, maintaining the machine’s mobility within the all-important 3 metre transportation width and a fully assembled weight under 40 tonnes. Alternatively, they can specify the hydraulic variable gauge undercarriage, like that used on the 340F UHD, to provide the additional stability needed to function safely and confidently with the largest work tools.
“We’re excited about the prospects for the Cat 330 UHD as a replacement of the 325C UHD,” Migeotte said. “It has been more than 10 years since Caterpillar offered a model in this important segment.
“For operators working in tough demolition applications, where mobilization, safety and productivity are vital, the 330 UHD will be a reliable and efficient next generation machine, compliant with all workplace safety standards, and offering an attractive return on investment.”
The 330 UHD further expands the lineup of purpose-built demolition machines from Caterpillar and demonstrate the company’s ongoing dedication to industrial and demolition applications.
Caterpillar began manufacturing demolition excavators in the early 1990s, starting with the 330 UHD and the 350 UHD.
The first models featured the three-piece ultra high demolition front and wide undercarriage. Today, Caterpillar designs and manufactures six models of demolition excavators, including the 330 UHD.
