Designed for the growing compact radius segment, Caterpillar has developed the new 319 next generation hydraulic excavator.
The new excavator fits into the company’s compact radius (CR) lineup between its 315 and 325 models, weighing in at 19 to 20 tons.
The next gen compact radius excavator delivers enhanced stability and lifting performance for demanding applications.
Caterpillar designed the machine on a solid understanding of customers’ application needs, providing an excavator designed to meet tough challenges around transportation, lifting, safety and versatility.
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“Leveraging the familiar 317 next gen platform, the 319 provides similar or better capabilities while meeting the compact radius expectations,” said Brian Stellbrink, Senior Market Professional, Caterpillar.
“Its performance, stability and productivity are a powerful combination for construction, utility work, road maintenance and land clearing jobs, while bringing all the benefits and attractions of the next generation platform to the CR line-up.”
Engineered stability
Arriving a year after the 319’s first appearance at bauma, the new model – built around a wider, 2.8 metre undercarriage – is focused on industry requirements. Stellbrink explained Caterpillar’s design team used the wider excavator undercarriage to great effect.
“That width is all about extra stability,” he said.
“For example, it provides the 319 with the capability to handle TRS17 – the rotation work tool attachment that aids precision and helps improve jobsite efficiency – as well as a variable angle boom or blade, yet remains comfortably within the maximum transport width of 3 metres.”
Stability is enhanced by the 2.2 metre track gauge that allows for up to a 7 per cent boost to lifting capacity, including the option to work with a 1 cubic metre general duty bucket.
Operator confidence
As well, the compact design and short swing radius focus not just on versatility but safety too.
Safety technologies include an optional 360-degree camera to help maximize visibility; Cat Detect to alert an operator to the presence of people around the machine and multiple track-shoe options to help ensure smooth and confident operation across varying conditions.
“Worksite efficiency and productivity is hugely influenced by operator confidence,” Stellbrink said.
“Confidence to operate in tight spaces, confident handling of heavy loads, confident visibility, confidence in power – all these aspects are addressed in the 319, helping enhance safety, precision and efficiency across the jobsite.”
Operating modes
The Cat 319 draws its power from the 133-hp Cat C3.6 engine. A durable and well-proven engine known for its efficiency, it is well-suited to the machine’s selectable power modes. These variously match engine and hydraulic power to current working conditions through Smart Mode, help minimize fuel consumption in Eco Mode or allow operators to maximize productivity through Power Mode.
The Cat 319 CR excavator features a maximum digging depth of 6.5 metres, a 9.2-metre maximum reach and a maximum loading height of 6.4 metres.
