Tuesday, August 18 th, 2015
The new Cat® 352F hydraulic excavator, with a variable-gauge undercarriage, has a maximum operating weight 53 300 kg and is powered by a Cat C13 ACERT™ engine meeting EU Stage IV emission standards and having a net power rating of 317 kW (ISO 9249). The 352F’s pilot-operated hydraulic system, with a maximum flow of 770 L/min., delivers powerful digging and lifting forces, as well as ample power for hydro-mechanical work tools. The 352F features heavy-duty main structures for long-term durability, a spacious operator’s station, simple routine maintenance, and fuel-saving systems that reduce operating costs in a range of applications, including quarry, road-building, and heavy earthmoving.
Fuel saving features include three power modes—high, standard, and economy—that allow the operator to select an engine operating speed to match the application. In addition, an automatic engine-speed control adjusts engine rpm to match the machine’s operating load, and an idle shutdown system stops the engine after a pre-set idling interval. These systems not only save fuel, but also reduce emissions and extend service intervals. The C13 ACERT engine’s emissions controls are transparent to the operator and cause no interruption of work cycles.
The 352F’s hydraulic system is designed with major components in close proximity—an arrangement that allows shorter connecting tubes and hoses to reduce frictional losses and pressure reductions, resulting in reduced loading on the system for added fuel savings. The main control valve is designed to respond proportionally to control-lever movement for precise controllability of hydraulic functions.
In addition, electrically controlled regeneration circuits for the boom and stick cylinders reduce the volume of oil required from the main pumps, thus reducing engine load, saving fuel and further enhancing controllability. Available couplers and auxiliary hydraulic circuits expand the capability of the 352F by equipping it to handle an extensive range of Cat work tools—including buckets, hammers, grapples, shears, multi-processors, and rippers.
Structures
The 352F’s booms and sticks are fabricated with premium steel plate and use high-strength castings and forgings in high-stress areas. Fitted with the heavy-duty 6.9-m reach boom and 3.5m stick, the 352F has a maximum digging depth of 7 510 mm. An available mass-excavation boom can be paired with either of two sticks and is designed to deliver high production in large-scale earthmoving and heavy-material applications.
Proven heavy-duty construction of the 352F’s upper frame, carbody, and track frames ensures structural durability in the most severe applications, and the upper frame incorporates special mountings to support the heavy-duty cab. The variable-gauge undercarriage—featuring massive track roller frames and high-tensile-strength-steel components—provides both a wide, stable working base and a reduced shipping width. The track chains are grease-lubricated to reduce undercarriage noise and internal pin-and-bushing wear, thus extending undercarriage life.
Operator’s station
The 352F’s cab is spacious and comfortable, featuring a pressurization system that provides positive, filtered airflow to resist dust intrusion. Low-effort joystick controllers are mounted in height-adjustable consoles that complement adjustable armrests and a fully adjustable, high-back seat. Seat options include air-suspension, heating, and cooling.
The cab’s large glass areas enhance visibility, and special sealing and insulation help keep the operator’s environment clean and quiet. The large, high-resolution, LCD monitor is designed for easy navigation and provides critical operating information, including alerts for filter-change intervals. The monitor also displays images from the standard rearview camera, which can be supplemented with available Cat DETECT technologies to increase the operator’s awareness of the machine’s surroundings.
For the operator’s convenience, a radio is standard with an MP3 audio port, and for added safety, a bolt-on falling objects protective structure (FOPS) is available, as are halogen boom lights and cab-mounted working lights with a time delay.
Serviceability/technology
Routine maintenance points are easily accessed, including a remote greasing block on the boom that delivers grease to hard-to-reach locations. Service intervals for engine oil and filter are extended to 500 hours, and quick drains are available for engine oil and hydraulic fluid. The radial-seal air-filter system alerts the operator when restriction reaches a pre-set level, and a water separator has a primary fuel filter and is easily accessed. Standard oil-sample and pressure ports allow easily monitoring machine condition.
Cat Connect makes smart use of technology and services to help improve jobsite efficiency. Optional GRADE technologies like Cat Grade Control Depth and Slope help operators work more productively and accurately and upgrade to 3D capability when job requirements change.
LINK technologies, like the optional Product Link™ system, helps fleet owners manage equipment productivity and lower owning and operating costs through the online VisionLink® interface by tracking critical items, such as location, hours, fuel usage, diagnostic codes, and idle time.
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