Caterpillar is presenting the new Cat 326D L Hydraulic Excavator to thousands of visitors attending bauma China 2012, one of Asia’s largest construction and mining industry trade fairs. The new Cat 326D L is designed to reduce operating costs with its heavy-duty design, fuel-efficient performance and exceptional versatility. The new hydraulic excavator carries on Caterpillar’s long history of providing high-quality, long life cycle value machines that customers can depend on.
In early September 2012, the Chinese government announced an investment package worth more than $100 billion which will go towards new subways, roads and other infrastructure projects. Under this initiative, the country aims is to boost economic growth, bringing opportunities to the construction machinery industry. Caterpillar’s hydraulic excavators have played a key role in the industry by fueling China’s growth and enabling operators around the country to work more efficiently and productively.
Designed for the toughest construction jobs
The new Cat 326D L hydraulic excavator is designed to endure the toughest heavy construction jobs while maximizing value for the customer’s investment with a fuel-efficient engine, an advanced hydraulic system and a spacious cabin for operator comfort.
To maximize fuel-efficiency, the 326D L has ACERT technology built into the Cat C7 engine. The system reduces engine wear and fuel consumption by combining precise electronic control of intake air and fuel-injection systems with low operating speeds. To increase fuel conservation, the engine also features an automatic engine-speed-control system and a three-mode power-management system that allow operators to select the most efficient level of machine performance for the application.
With a pilot-operated hydraulic system, the 326D L offers high-power, high-productivity performance. The hydraulic system provides ample hydraulic horsepower by delivering 35,000-kPa main pressure and flow rate of 470 L/min. The dual pumps utilize 100% of engine power in all operating situations to ensure optimum hydraulic and fuel efficiency. Regeneration valves in the boom-down and stick-in circuits speed cycle times, reduce hydraulic flow and conserve fuel.
Designed to withstand the toughest conditions, the heavy-duty X-shaped box-section carbody resists torsional stress as it transfers working forces from the rugged upper mainframe to its high-strength, press-formed track-roller frames. Heavy-duty components in the grease-lubricated undercarriage are designed to handle the stress of difficult applications and difficult terrain, while providing an exceptionally stable platform for digging and lifting.
The spacious cabin is ergonomically designed to reduce noise and increase convenience, ensuring optimum comfort for operators. The cabin features low-effort joysticks, large glass areas to enhance all-around visibility, automatic bi-level air conditioner with defroster and a full-color LCD monitor that is adjustable to reduce glare. A suspension seat is standard and can be adjusted to correctly accommodate the operator's size and weight. For operator convenience, all switches are located in the right console. Both consoles are fitted with adjustable armrests to ensure optimal comfort levels for the operator.
