Caterpillar’s new 315 GC Next Gen compact radius excavator is equipped with a new, larger cab, and is able to reduce maintenance costs by up to 25 per cent, while reducing fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent.
An intuitive-to-operate design allows operators of varying skill levels to achieve high production, making the 15-ton excavator the right fit for space-restricted rental, municipal and all-around excavating applications.
The 315 GC delivers high ambient temperature operation capability reaching 52 C, and with the new fuel-efficient Cat C3.6 engine powering the excavator, which meets Tier 4 Final emission standards.Â
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As well, Cat’s new Smart Mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, optimizing fuel consumption and machine performance. Combined with Eco mode, which saves fuel in less demanding applications, the 315 GC excavator reduces fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent compared to the 315F.
The 315 GC features a new main hydraulic control valve that eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses and lowers fuel consumption. The excavator’s advanced hydraulic system provides the optimum balance of power and efficiency, while providing the control needed for precise digging requirements.
New cab
The new excavator’s larger cab improves ingress and egress, while boosting operator comfort and productivity. The cab also delivers a low-profile design as well as larger front, rear and side windows with narrow cab pillars to provide a 60 per cent more vertical visibility, compared to the Cat 315F excavator.
Inside the new cab, a large 20 cm LCD monitor with touchscreen provides easy navigation and intuitive operation, boosting productivity for operators of all experience levels. Rearview and right-hand sideview cameras are standard, to further improve visibility of the operating environment. To reduce operator fatigue, viscous mounts significantly lessen cab vibration compared to previous designs.
Extended and synchronized maintenance intervals on the new 315 GC reduces maintenance costs by up to 25 per cent compared to its predecessor. As well, its new hydraulic oil filter delivers improved filtration and extends filter change intervals to 3,000 operating hours, a 50 per cent increase.
Furthermore, new anti-drain valves keep the hydraulic oil clean during filter replacement to improve system longevity.
Operators are able to track filter life and maintenance intervals on the in-cab LCD monitor. Also, all daily maintenance checkpoints, including oil, are easily accessible from ground-level.
A second engine oil dipstick offers service techs the additional convenience of checking and filling the oil at the top of the excavator. For quick and easy fluid extraction, all Cat S·O·S ports are quickly accessed from ground level for easy fluid sample extraction for analysis
