[Caterpillar Japan LLC] Added advanced assist specifications to 0.28m3 class hydraulic excavators
*View in browser* *Caterpillar*
Press release: December 20, 2023
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Advanced assist specification added to 0.28m3 class hydraulic excavator *Equipped with 2D machine guidance, bucket/turning assist, and E-fence functions*
Cat(R) 308 CR/SR Advanced Assist Specification
Caterpillar Japan LLC (Representative Executive Officer: Joe Moscato) has developed an ultra-small rear swing hydraulic excavator with a bucket capacity of 0.28m3* Cat 308 CR*
and ultra-small swing hydraulic excavators* Cat 308 SR*
The “Advanced Assist Specification” is equipped with 2D machine guidance, bucket/swivel assist, and E-fence functions, contributing to improved on-site productivity and shorter construction times.* It will be added to the lineup from January 2024*. This is the industry’s first ultra-small swing hydraulic excavator equipped with a construction equipment manufacturer’s genuine 2D machine guidance. The main features of *Cat 308 CR/308 SR Advanced Assist Specification* are:
*1. Achieving high precision and high efficiency work with 2D machine guidance* (1)
Utilizing the 2D machine guidance function*1 can be expected to save labor and improve efficiency in tension work and inspection work. This reduces the burden of inspection work that is essential in
conventional construction, contributing to shorter construction times and improved safety.
*1: A function that creates a virtual design surface based on arbitrarily set reference points and target construction values, and provides guidance to the operator about the distance between the bucket cutting edge and the virtual design surface using an indicator bar on the on-board monitor and guidance sound.
(2)
Sensors installed on the boom, arm, bucket, and swing measure the vehicle body posture, and display the positional relationship between the set target construction value and the bucket cutting edge in real time to support driving operations. This reduces the burden on the operator and allows for highly accurate construction regardless of skill level.
(3)
Target construction values (depth, reach, slope) can be set using the touch screen monitor that comes standard on the main unit. The indicator bar (7 levels) on the monitor and the guidance sound (continuous/intermittent) allow you to grasp the distance between the target depth and the bucket cutting edge, making it easy to perform highly accurate construction.
*2. Further increase construction efficiency with bucket assist and swing assist functions*
(1)
Bucket Assist, which can maintain a constant bucket angle, supports work efficiency when leveling the ground or shaping slopes. When combined with 2D machine guidance, even more efficient work is possible.
(2)
Swing Assist, which automatically pauses swinging at a set angle, enables safe and efficient work during loading, hopper loading, etc. Returning the joystick lever to neutral will release the stop and allow further turning from the stop position. When combined with E-Fence Swivel, which limits the working range and makes a complete stop, two-step stopping positions can be set.
*3. Restrict the work area with E-fence for safe and secure work* (1)
“Above” to avoid hitting the ceiling, electric wires, tree branches, etc.; “Downward” to prevent damage to underground objects such as water pipes and optical cables; “Front” to avoid hitting buildings or obstacles in front of you; vehicles and pedestrians. You can set four boundaries to prevent the vehicle from turning any further near areas where people are passing or obstacles. The work equipment (boom, arm, bucket) and upper rotating structure (swivel) come to a complete stop at each boundary, limiting the working range to ensure safe machine operation and site safety.
(2)
The settings for each E-fence, “above”, “downward”, “forward”, and “swivel”, are completed by operating the work equipment to the position where you want it to stop (for swivel, use the upper rotating body) and setting the monitor. Settings for “upper” and “lower” can also be done by entering numerical values.
*4. Main unit functions designed to be “easier to use”*
(1)
Equipped with work equipment operation tuning that allows you to change the work equipment speed and joystick lever reaction speed in 3 steps each on the monitor. Tuning can be made to suit the site situation, work content, and operator skills and preferences. (2)
You can easily switch to stick steer mode, which allows you to drive (forward/backward, left/right steering) by operating a single left joystick lever. The machine can be moved from site to site or used for blade leveling work, etc., while maintaining a comfortable posture and can be operated with just the left hand, increasing work efficiency and reducing operator fatigue. (NETIS registration number:
KT-220062-A)
(3)
Equipped with cruise control that allows you to drive straight without operating the lever. When driving in stick steer mode, pressing the button on the front of the left joystick lever will maintain the current driving state, allowing you to continue driving without having to hold the control lever. You can concentrate on operating the right hand (blade, work tool, etc.), contributing to increased work efficiency.
*5. Main specifications for Cat 308 CR, 308 SR Advanced Assist specifications*
*6. Standard sales price* (standard sales specifications, ex-factory, excluding tax)
Cat 308 CR Hydraulic Excavator Advanced Assist Specification 11,399,300 yen Cat 308 SR Hydraulic Excavator Advanced Assist Specification 12,778,900 yen