Feel the big CAT's power

Visitors to SED '97 will not only see Caterpillar's latest equipment, which includes B-series excavators, wheeled excavators and G-series wheel loaders, but they can also try them.

Assisted by trained Caterpillar operators, customers can:

lTest the improved hydraulic peformance and experience the redesigned operator cab of the new 20 tonne CAT 320B hydraulic excavator;

lUtilise the 3.0 tonne capacity CAT TH63 telehandler to place a load at a height of 12.5m;

lndertake complex digging and grading duties using the Powertilt bucket fitted to the 81kW CAT M312 wheeled excavator;

lPerform rapid attachment changes using the quick coupler fitted to the front and the rear of the new 59kW CAT 428C backhoe loader.

Launched earlier this year in Malaga CAT's 300B series excavators, on show for the first time in the UK at SED, begin with the 320B, the 322B, the 325B and for now end with the 330B.

Although there is little on the outside to differentiate the B Series models from the former 300 Series, a lot has happened under the skin.

New features include an improved and more refined Maestro engine/pump management system. Improved cabs offer air conditioning and a seat which adjusts along with the lever consoles.

Flat glass front windows slide/tilt or lift out completely.

The new M320 wheeled excvator from Cat takes the existing range up to four. Matching the specifications of the existing three units, the M320 features a side-mounted power unit and a powershift transmission on the rear axle.

The Cat's new 928G model (above, right) has a redesigned Z-bar linkage on the machine to give better load over height, better forward reach and greater dig depth and the two-door cab is bigger, quieter and more comfortable than the F-Series.

stand 181 avenue l