Caterpillar introduced new machines at Excon 2015. The introduction of 216B marked its foray into the skid-steer segment.
Story by:
Bhushan Mhapralkar
Caterpillar introduced the 313D Series 2 hydraulic excavator at Excon 2015. Powering the machine is a 4.4-litre 3054C diesel engine that delivers 94 bhp, and meets regulations of China Tier 2 and Stage 1 of sound regulation. Engineered to achieve higher productivity and lower operating costs according to the company sources, the hydraulic excavator weighs 13,400 kg and has a swing speed of 12.2 rpm. The swing torque is 30.9 kN. m. Claimed to offer unmatched versatility, the 313CD Series 2 hydraulic excavator has a maximum travel speed of 5.6 kmph. With a maximum drawbar pull of 114 kN, the machine, claimed sources, offers improved control-ability and ease of operation. The machine comes with a redesigned operator station that is comfortable and high on visibility. All switches in this machine are located on the right-hand console for convenient access. The monitor is a full-colour Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that can be adjusted to minimise sun glare. The joystick controls are designed for maximum comfort and minimum fatigue. The seat is suspended and the cab shell is made up of a thick steel tubing along the bottom perimeter of the cab. This helps to improve fatigue and vibration resistance. The viscous rubber cab mounts help to dampen the vibrations and sound levels. The buckets could be had in four types depending on the nature of application. These include general duty buckets and severe duty buckets. The centre-lock pin grabber coupler enables quicker work tool change, improving overall production and increasing machine versatility. The hammers feature an automatic shut-off and an externally adjusted operating pressure, which ensures outstanding performance for quarry and demolition applications.
Apart from the 313D Series 2 hydraulic excavator, Caterpillar also launched the 320D Series 2 hydraulic excavator, 424B backhoe loader, 216B3 skid steer loader and a 950GC wheel loader. Caterpillar announced the introduction of 360 Advantage bundled solutions offering and Cat Technology solutions at Excon 2015 fair. The introduction of 216B3 skid steer loader marked the company’s entry into the skid-steer market. Stating that the launch of the B3 series skid-steer loader will add to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the company officials stated that these machines would be manufactured at the Thiruvallur plant in Tamil Nadu. Expressed John Fellows, Sales and Marketing Director – Greater China, Korea, and India, Caterpillar Inc., that his company would cater to the needs emanating from various parts of the world, besides the Indian market. He said, “We are optimistic about the Indian economy moving into higher growth trajectory in the near future. Our decision to launch products in newer segments, besides expanding the product line in our existing segments demonstrates our commitment to contribute to the growth of the Indian market. It also is about adding value to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.”
Caterpillar has been active in India since the 1930s. Having five production facilities in India, in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, the company manufactures 60 and 100-tonne Off Highway Trucks (OHT) in India for the domestic and export markets. It recently introduced a 240-tonne mining truck in India. The industrial sectors Caterpillar caters to, include power generation, construction, road works, petroleum and rail. Caterpillar’s Hindustan brand is in existence for over 30 years now. It is found on wheel loaders and off-highway trucks sold exclusively in India.
The company at Excon 2015 also showcased its Cat 424B Backhoe Loader (BHL) and its multipurpose and technologically advanced Cat B20 Breaker.
Caterpillar currently has five production facilities spread across Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Besides catering to Indian market, many of the products manufactured at these facilities are exported to various countries in South East Asia and Africa, company officials mentioned.
