Caterpillar's next-generation 30-tonne excavators – the 330 and 330 GC – have been designed to match contractors’ productivity and cost targets, by offering increased operating efficiency, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and improved operator comfort compared to previous models.

“Delivering high-production performance, the new Cat 330 features standard integrated Cat Connect technology and the most power and lift capacity of the two models. The result is maximum productivity at the lowest cost,” says a spokesman for Caterpillar.

The new Cat 330 GC, meanwhile, combines the right balance of productivity features with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The result is high reliability and low-cost-per-hour performance.

“The new Cat 330 has the industry’s highest level of standard factory-equipped technology to boost productivity,” the spokesman says. “Integrated Cat Connect Technology increases operating efficiency by up to 45 per cent over traditional grading operations.”

The standard Cat Grade with 2D system provides guidance for depth, slope, and horizontal distance to grade through the standard touchscreen monitor, making operators more accurate. The system is readily upgradable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D. Standard Grade Assist automates boom, stick, and bucket movements so operators can effortlessly stay on grade with single-lever digging.

Cat Payload delivers precise load targets and increased loading efficiency. With on-the-go weighing and real-time payload estimates, Payload helps prevent truck over/underloading. The new Lift Assist feature helps the operator safely pick up heavy objects without tipping. Visual and auditory alerts indicate whether the load is within the excavator’s working limits.

Additionally, E-fence prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined set points. The system is particularly useful when working beneath structures or near traffic, the spokesman points out.

Cat Link hardware and software connect jobsites to the office and provide managers with machine-critical operating information.

By design, these Cat next-generation excavators consume less fuel per unit of work than their predecessors – up to 20 per cent for the 330 compared to the 330F, and as much as 15 per cent for the 330 compared to the 330D2, he explains.

Furthermore, New Smart mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, optimising both fuel consumption and performance.

To further reduce fuel usage, engine speed is automatically lowered when there is no hydraulic demand. The excavators feature a new main control valve that eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses, and lowers fuel consumption.

The new cooling system employs auto-reversing electric fans, which independently monitor hydraulic oil, radiator and air-to-air aftercooler temperatures to deliver the exact airflow required.

The Cat 330 has a larger, 6,700-kg counterweight, which enables it to lift nearly 10 per cent more than the 330F and up to 15 per cent more than the 330D2.

With increased swing pressure, a larger swing drive, and larger swing bearing, the Cat 330 delivers five per cent more swing torque over the previous series, making backfilling and lifting on slopes easier.

The spokesman says the new Cat excavators offer extended and more synchronised maintenance intervals, thus reducing maintenance costs by up to 20 per cent over the previous series.

“The new Cat air filter with integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters has double the dust holding capacity of the previous design, while the new hydraulic return filter has a 3,000-hour service life – a 50 per cent increase over the previous filter,” he explains.

Also, fuel system filters are synchronised for service at 1,000 hours – a 100 per cent increase over the previous filters. The fuel system water and sediment drains and hydraulic system oil level are positioned close together at ground level, making routine maintenance faster and safer.

The cabs of these new excavators are offered with a choice of comfort or deluxe cab packages (premium package in some regions), and come equipped with standard features like keyless push-button start, large touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys for control, and sound-suppressed rollover protective structures.

“A tilt-up console for the deluxe and premium cab designs affords easy cab entry and exit. New advanced viscous mounts reduce cab vibration by up to 50 per cent over previous models. Large front, rear, and side windows enhance visibility; optional 360-degree visibility (330 only) combines images from multiple machine-mounted cameras to enhance the operator’s view in all directions,” the spokesman concudes.