Caterpillar introduces new purpose-built 330 straight boom excavator

Cat 330 straight boom excavator demolishes a building

Caterpillar is expanding its demolition excavator line with the new purpose-built Cat 330 straight boom excavator for low-level building demolition applications.

The new demolition excavator has an operating weight of 31.5 tonnes when equipped with a 1.54 cubic metre bucket and an outside width of 3.19 metres with 60-cm shoes.

The new straight boom excavator delivers a maximum digging depth of 5.8 metres and a maximum vertical reach of 12.48 metres, which is 2.45 metres higher than a standard Cat 330 excavator.

The additional vertical reach enables the machine to demolish three-story buildings.

Powered by the field-proven 275 hp Cat C7.1 engine, the excavator features three power modes – Smart, Power and Eco – to match engine and hydraulic power to the task, reducing fuel consumption. 

The excavator’s electrohydraulic system powers through different types of materials, while a standard quick coupler, as well as medium and high-pressure circuits allow for the use of a range of Cat demolition attachments. 

The 330 straight boom is also matched to a wide range of demolition tools including hammers, multi-processors, demolition grapples, pulverizers and quick couplers.

Tech boost

The next generation demolition cab positions all machine controls in front of the operator to eliminate the need to reach backwards. Most machine functions, including joystick functions, pattern and response, are quickly customized using the 25-cm touchscreen monitor. Operators view the standard rearview and right-hand-sideview camera feeds on the screen to see objects and personnel around the machine.

When excavating, depth and slope readings of standard Cat Grade with 2D technology are displayed on the monitor. 

Cat Payload is standard with bucket and optional with grapple attachments to offer real-time, onboard weight estimates to help achieve precise load targets and avoid overloading and underloading. It can be combined with VisionLink for remote management of production targets. Providing critical machine operating data like location, hours, fuel usage, productivity and diagnostic codes, Cat Product Link helps to increase jobsite efficiency and lower operating costs for the new excavator.

Remote operation

Remote excavator operation is also available via Cat Command to increase operating safety and comfort. Onboard electronics, vision systems and offboard controls give operators the same control response, feel and accuracy of operating inside the cab to achieve consistent work quality. Easy-to-install Command kits provide the option of line-of-sight operation via the Command console or non-line-of-sight operation using the Command station.

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The new demolition excavator also features reinforced booms, sticks, frame and bucket cylinder guards to increase machine durability for demanding demolition applications. Operator protective guards are standard on the machine to shield the roof and front reinforced P5A laminated windows from falling debris during demolition. 

A sloped track frame prevents mud and debris accumulation to help reduce damage, while sealed track pins and bushings reduce travel noise and increase undercarriage life.

Simplified maintenance 

Dealer service technicians are able to perform remote diagnostics and software updates on the 330. Remote Troubleshoot allows dealers to diagnose fault codes and machine issues without interrupting the production cycle. As well, Remote Flash enables software updates to be pushed out to the machine and installed at a time convenient for the customer.

Lowering long-term owning and operating costs, all fuel filters now feature extended, synchronized 1,000-hour change intervals, and are grouped together for simplified maintenance. 

Long-life fuel, oil and air filters reduce excavator time in the shop, and hydraulic oil checks and fuel system purging of water are done from ground level. Operators can easily track filter life and maintenance intervals from inside the cab