World market leader expands Next Generation into premium segment

With the redesigned 352, 352 LRE (longreach), 374 and 395, the American manufacturer offers a choice of four models in the premium segment that combine performance and reliability with highly advanced technology.

Of course, what is good has remained, such as a spacious cab and hydraulically extendable undercarriage. Yet the large excavators have been updated almost from head to toe to continue to meet the highest standard in the market. That means, among other things, that the NG models make huge strides in terms of durability, fuel efficiency and automatic machine control. In the case of the 50-tonner, Cat claims up to 45 % more efficiency, up to 10 % more fuel-efficient and up to 15 % lower maintenance costs compared to predecessor 352F.

Lower maintenance costs

The new 75- and 95-tonners also emphatically place their F-series counterparts in the shade, thanks to a twice as durable design and up to 20 % lower maintenance costs. The 395 also offers up to 10 % more production capacity than the 390F. "The key to increased production is our new hydrostatic swing circuit," said product manager Brian Abbott. "The circuit allows regeneration of braking energy when slewing and functions independently of oil flow for driving or boom movements. This ensures smoother performance during combined operations."

The three large HEX models feature three operating modes: Eco, Smart and Power. In Eco mode, both engine speed and cycle time are reduced, but breakout force is maintained. Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to conditions. Power is only necessary when the utmost is required of the machine. The cooling system has an automatic fan mode that turns on only when needed to save fuel and increase efficiency. The reverse function helps to clean the radiators. 

Advanced technology

Following the mid-size NG models, Cat also equips the 352, 374 and 395 ex-factory with the most advanced technology available in the industry today. Cat Grade with 2D, for example, gives the operator direct on-screen instructions for digging or leveling, allowing for more precise work with less digging required. The system is also easily upgradable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or even 3D GPS. Cat Payload assists the user in real-time with weighing calculations to prevent under- or overloading of trucks.

Other useful additions include Lift Assist (load determination according to the machine's lifting capacity), 2D e-Fence (which defines overhead and underground space to operate free of obstructions) and Cat Product Link (which, through online communication via VisionLink, ensures that equipment fleet managers in the office can quickly monitor useful and critical machine data). Auto Hammer Stop on the 374 and 395 prevents unnecessary equipment and machine wear by automatically stopping the hammer function after 30 seconds of continuous activation. Optional Work Tool Recognition and Cat Attachment Locator are still available. 

Motorally up-to-date again

Engine-wise, the large Cat excavators are also back in tune, thanks to power sources that meet the strictest Stage V emissions standards. Under the hood of the 50-tonner is a 317 KW (425 hp) Cat C13 Acert six-cylinder. This is powerful enough to handle the new Long Reach Excavation configuration in addition to the standard 352 with its 6.9 m long monoboom and 2.9 m dipperstick.
drive. In this version, the machine has and excavation range at ground level of 19.6 m and reaches to 13.04 m deep. The standard water-resistant technology allows work to a depth of 4.5 m.

The 374 and 395 are powered by the Cat C15 of 362 kW (485 hp) and Cat C18 of 405 kW (543 hp), respectively. Combined with the new electro-hydraulic control system, sophisticated response and optimum efficiency are guaranteed. By extending and synchronizing maintenance intervals, Caterpillar also manages to reduce operating costs. For perfect all-round visibility, an optional 360° camera system is available, combining four camera images into a top view. Where the 352 is only available with a Deluxe cab, the manufacturer offers the 374 and 395 with either a Deluxe or Premium workstation.