These are the 320 GC, 320 and 323 - designed for low- to medium-duty applications.
The new Cat 320 and 323 are equipped with integrated Cat Connect Technology, which can increase operating efficiency by up to 45 percent over traditional grading operations. The Cat Grade with 2D system helps operators reach the desired grade quickly and accurately. Using the system’s E-fence feature enables the machine to work safely under structures or near traffic by preventing any part of the excavator from moving outside operator-defined set points. The standard 2D system can be upgraded to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D.
The Standard Grade Assist automates boom, stick and bucket movements, so operators stay on grade with single-lever digging. Cat Payload on-board weighing, integrated on the Cat 320 and 323 at the factory, delivers precise load targets and increased loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing and real-time payload estimates without swinging to prevent truck over or under-loading. Cat LINK™ hardware and software connect jobsites to the office and provide customers with machine-critical operating information.
The Cat engines provide power ratings from 121 to 162 hp (90 to 121 kW) for the three new excavators. They use 20 to 25 percent less fuel than the previous models. New Smart mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, optimizing both fuel consumption and performance. Engine speed is automatically lowered when there is no hydraulic demand to further reduce fuel usage.
The new cooling system uses multiple electric fans, which independently monitor hydraulic oil, radiator and air-to-air aftercooler temperatures to provide the exact airflow required. With a new hydraulic system designed for responsiveness and efficiency, the Cat 320 GC, 320 and 323 feature a new main control valve that eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses and lowers fuel consumption. Fewer hydraulic lines on the excavators result in 20 percent less oil required.
Offering extended and more synchronized maintenance intervals, Cat indicates that maintenance costs are reduced by up to 15 percent over the previous series. Featuring higher dirt capacity, the new Cat hydraulic return filter has a 3,000-hour service life, a 50 percent increase over previous filters. A new Cat air filter with integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters extends service life to 1,000 hours, a 100 percent increase over previous designs, while a new fuel tank cap filter extends service life to 2,000 hours. The three fuel system filters each offer a 500-hour service interval.
All daily maintenance checks for engine oil, fuel water separator, fuel tank water and sediment, and cooling system level are performed from ground level. Consolidated filter locations also reduces service time.
New cabs come equipped with standard features like keyless push-button start, a large standard 8” (203-mm) touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys for control, and a sound-suppressed rollover protective structures (ROPS) for operator comfort, safety and quiet operation. Programmable joystick buttons for response and pattern allow the operator to dial in productivity settings. New advanced viscous mounts reduce cab vibration by up to 50 percent over previous models to reduce operator fatigue.
The excavators can be equipped with a choice of Comfort, Deluxe or Premium cab packages. The new spacious cab features a low-profile design and large front, rear and side windows to enhance visibility to the front and side of the excavator. Optional 360-degree visibility combines images from multiple machine-mounted cameras to enhance the operator’s sight-lines in all directions. Automatic climate control maintains internal cab temperature settings, regardless of external ambient temperatures. A Bluetooth® integrated radio with USB ports for connecting and charging phones bring creature comforts from the home to the operator’s office. A tilt-up console for the Deluxe and Premium cab designs affords easy cab entry and exit. Source