Caterpillar

Cat is coming to Texas?! Heck yes! We'd like to welcome Caterpillar to the Lone Star State and recommend a few underrated things for them to check out. 

Caterpillar Inc. invites machine operators around the globe to take on the world in the 2022/2023 Global Operator Challenge. The challenge tests the skills and precision of equipment operators as they prove their excellence in operating Cat® machinery and their ability to master any piece of construction equipment safely and efficiently.

Heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar recently announced their Cat D1 Mulcher. The new model is equipment high-performance powertrain, closed-loop hydraulics and upgraded screening—designed to optimize performance when clearing a mix of small-to-medium diameter materials.

The new single engine Cat 651 Wheel Tractor Scraper (WTS) reenters the market with upgrades to the powertrain, controls, hydraulics, and structure—designed to deliver superior levels of productivity and a high return on investment.

Equipment manufacturer Caterpillar is proving that even proven favorites can be built upon. Built on a solid switch reluctance technology foundation leveraging more than 15 years of electric drive experience, updates to the Cat 988K XE deliver up to 10% faster downhill speed, improved rimpull, and increased hydraulic breakout force—all equating to an 5% increase in overall production.

Caterpillar announces the expansion of Cat Command for Loading to its D3-series skid steer and compact track loader line. Removing the operator from the machine, Cat Command provides joystick-controlled remote operation of the skid steer and compact track loader models to increase safety and productivity when operating in challenging and potentially hazardous environments.

Heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar recently introduced what has dubbed Cat Self-Service Options (also known as "SSOs"). The company states that these new options simplify the repair process for customers who prefer to complete their own routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment in their fleet.

Caterpillar Inc. recently announced that it will be adding a new compact line of asphalt pavers and screeds to their Paving Products Family. These standard 8-foot size-class paver and screed combinations include the AP400, AP455, AP500, and AP555 asphalt pavers as well as the SE47 V and SE47 FM asphalt screeds. 

Caterpillar now offers Cat® Grade technologies as an aftermarket option to owners of Cat next generation mini hydraulic excavators in the 6- to 10-ton class range. Available through Cat and Sitech dealers, owners can equip the excavators with Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D. The field kit’s modular components facilitate quick installation, while the technology seamlessly integrates into the Cat next generation excavator electronics infrastructure.

Built to deliver an improved customer experience, the new 4-tonne, Cat 304, and 5-tonne, Cat 305 CR, Next Generation Mini Hydraulic Excavators deliver more power to the pumps, higher bucket breakout forces and deeper standard digging depths to increase performance by up to 20% over their E2 series counterparts. Their industry-leading grease intervals and extended filter service life, combined with common components throughout the line and flat, easy-to-replace side panels, deliver up to 10% lower owner and operating costs.

Built to withstand difficult demolition of tall structures, the new Cat 340 UHD Ultra High Demolition Excavator boasts a more than 13% higher pin height than the 340F UHD to reach up to eight-floor structures. More UHD and Retrofit boom/stick configurations, along with a range of Cat demolition attachments, deliver increased machine flexibility to meet contractors’ jobsite needs to maximize machine utilization. Its unique coupling system allows for switching between two UHD fronts and Retrofit booms and sticks with no special tools in 15 minutes. Design updates have also increased transportation simplicity of the 340 UHD excavator.

The new Cat 568 Forest Machine features several design upgrades that are sure to lift the production of loggers and those with less time in the woods. Powered by a proven Cat 9.3B engine, the machine’s new electrohydraulic control system generates 10% greater swing torque and 14% more drawbar pull to make quick work of heavy logs. Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to working conditions to help do that work with up to 5% less fuel consumption. With cold-start capability of -25˚ F (-32˚ C) and high ambient temperatures reaching 126˚ F (52˚ C), the 568 is capable of working year-round. It will operate without derating at altitudes up to 9,842 ft (3,000 m).

Caterpillar’s new generation of Primary and Secondary Pulverizers feature industry-leading technology to deliver up to 52% faster cycle times, producing more tons-per-liter of fuel burned. The new Cat Pulverizer line includes three new rotatable primary models – P318, P324 and P332 – which feature 360-degree rotation, and three new fixed secondary models – P218, P224 and P232. Both pulverizer series are designed to fit 18- to 50-tonne machines.

The Cat® D4 (formerly D6K2) Dozer has long been a favorite because of its power, precision and optimized balance for smooth grading performance. The latest D4 takes the value up a level with improved sight lines, reduced operating costs and the broadest choice of easy-to-use technology features to help get the most from the bulldozer. The D4 weighs in at 29,259 lbs. (13,272 kg), with a net power of 130 hp (97 kW). D4 LGP has an operating weight of 30,882 lbs. (14,008 kg).     

The new Cat M320 wheeled excavator optimizes performance and efficiency at the jobsite with up to 9% more swing torque than the Cat M320F to get work done faster. Its longer wheelbase increases operating stability and improves machine ride when roading to the next jobsite at speeds reaching 35 km/h (21.7 mph). From dirt to asphalt, this wheeled excavator meets contractors’ needs for efficient operation in a range of applications from utility work to trenching to waste handling.