Cat updates wheeled excavator

Caterpillar has upgraded its range of wheeled excavators and introduced a new model with the launch of its C-series.

The new machine, taking the total to five, is the M316C, a 16.7t to 18.2t machine designed to fit into an expanding market for machines between 16t and 18t, which now accounts 14% of machines sold.

The M316C's undercarriage, six cylinder engine, hydrostatic valves and cooling system are from the larger M318C, while the upper carriage (modified to include larger lift cylinders, a larger tank and more counterweight) originates from the M315C.

The upgraded machines feature more power (up to 19% on the M322C) through a turbo-charged, air-air aftercooled, Stage II-compliant engine, and Cat maintains that fuel efficiency is also improved by up to 10%.

The new engine installation includes a completely re-designed cooling system, with the radiator and oil cooler now combined and moved to the top of the counterweight area behind the cab.

Other modifications include: enhanced performance across the range; larger cabs with improved visibility and reduced noise levels; and the Multipro system, which allows flow and pressure settings for up to five tools to be pre-set and selected from within the cab.