Toromont Cat recently took its 2021 Roadshow online to highlight some of the latest machines introduced by Caterpillar.
The virtual roadshow explained the features and benefits of the 315 GC excavator, the D3 dozer and the 420 XE backhoe.
The D3 is one of three new small dozers introduced by Caterpillar. The D3 weighs 9,217 to 9,593 kg, with 104 hp and a blade capacity of 2.19 to 2.34 cubic metres. It replaces the D5K2 in the Cat dozer lineup.
“In terms of size, weight, dimensions and horsepower, the new D3 is virtually identical to what the D5K2 was,” said Brian Davis, construction solutions manager at Toromont Cat.
The major difference between the D3 and D5K2 is the new Cat C3.6 engine.
“It’s a smaller power plant that’s able to generate a little more power,” Davis said. “And it allowed the engineers to redesign the front hood of this machine. They’ve improved the slope angle on the front dramatically, which allows the operator to have much better visibility.”
In the cab, a larger 25-cm primary display with colour touchscreen provides easy access to many of the standard and optional advanced technology features.
“There’s a lot of functionality in the monitor and a lot of things the operator can customize,” Davis said.
The D3 dozer also includes numerous tech features. To reduce track slip when the machine encounters maximum load, standard Automatic Traction Control no longer requires operator interaction.
Slope Indicate provides slope of the chassis in the cross-slope direction without guessing. As well, Stable Blade complements operator blade control input, allowing the operator to reach finish grade easier.
Available as part of the Cat attachment ready option (ARO) for easy scalability to GRADE with 3D control systems, Slope Assist saves time by helping the operator to more easily achieve the desired blade mainfall slope and cross slope by automatically maintaining the operator’s established blade grade angles.
The small dozers’ Power Pitch option enables the operator to control blade pitch remotely from the operator’s compartment.
The available turbine type precleaner increases engine air filter life when working in excessive debris conditions. An automatic reversing fan reduces debris build-up in the radiator and engine enclosure by reversing fan direction at a predetermined interval without the need for operator input. Access to the radiator without tools for periodic cleaning is facilitated by the hinged radiator grille option.
As well, all servicing of the dozer can be completed from ground level.
“You don’t have to climb up and down on the machine,” Davis said. “From the technician’s standpoint, it’s a nice thing to do.”
315 GC
Caterpillar’s 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.
The 15-ton 315 GC also 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.
420 XE backhoe
New boom cylinders on the Cat 420 XE backhoe offer up to 15 per cent more boom lift capability to elevate operating performance. Seat-mounted controls on the backhoe swivel with the operator to control loader and backhoe functions for more ergonomic and comfortable operation. This arrangement enables dual mode for more efficient machine repositioning.
Dual mode also allows the operator to sit at an offset angle while controlling the machine for improved visibility.
Built with single-tilt loader arms, the new 420 XE features electronic loader controls that enable selectable parallel lift for increased material retention in loading applications. Programmable loader kickout and return-to-dig is set via the LCD operator display with touchscreen control, and takes the guess work out of the equation when loader height and bucket angle adjustments are critical.
