Cat's Next Generation 336 Excavator

Photo credit: Caterpillar

This article was published by Eva McKee on 18 October, 2022

Caterpillar's already impressive line-up of excavators has been further enhanced by the addition of the new 336 hydraulic excavator.

The manufacturer promises class-leading productivity and low-cost operation from the machine, which is both rugged and reliable. These attributes are owed to the powerful hydraulic system that ensures strong digging forces and swing torque in even the most demanding operations.

"Our new Cat 336 model delivers the right balance of power and payload", noted Brian Abbott, Caterpillar's global product manager for large hydraulic excavators.

Not only does the Cat C7.1 engine have four million hours of service, but it features three operating modes. Each mode guarantees alignment between excavator power and the job demands, resulting in minimised fuel usage. The most challenging applications requiring maximum power would be best paired with Power mode. Smart mode automatically ensures engine and hydraulic power complement digging conditions and Eco mode ultimately lessens fuel consumption by decreasing rpm to 1500.

If that's not enough, uptime is increased while parts and labour costs are reduced as fuel filters and engine oil have been synchronised for service at 1000 hours. Further, the machine has been designed to operate up to 4500m above sea level, has a cold-start capability at -18˚C and a high-ambient temperature capability of 52˚C, making it particularly versatile.

The 336 has undoubtedly been built to last. Components in the excavator can expect a prolonged lifetime, thanks to the auto hydraulic warmup feature that simultaneously puts the machine to work quicker. The manufacturer divulged more details, explaining, "The air intake filter with pre-cleaner features high dust capacity, and a high-efficiency hydraulic fan offers optional automatic reverse to keep cores free from debris."

The cab interior features a touchscreen monitor and jog dial, pushbutton start (or Bluetooth key fob) and an Operator ID passcode which can store and re-establish joystick button, response and pattern preferences for different operators.

Ease-of-use technologies are also available, as well as Cat's Product Link system, which automatically collects data like hours, fuel usage, location, maintenance alerts, idle time, machine health and diagnostic codes.

If you're keen to get your hand on the 336, you're in luck; the machine will soon be available in Australian markets. It will also be available in New Zealand, North America, South Korea and Japan.

See Caterpillar's press release for more information - https://www.cat.com/en_AU/news/machine-press-releases/new-cat-336-excavator-delivers-class-leading-productivity-and-low-owning-and-operating-costs.html

This article was originally published by the ComponentsONLY team in the November 2022 issue of "@ The Coal Face" magazine.