Get to Know Your 374 Excavator

Are you prepared to safely operate your new Cat® 374 Excavator? By watching this guided video walk-around, you can learn the basics of operating your equipment and get started safely and efficiently.

Estimated read time: 2 minutes

With this quick video — and your Operation and Maintenance Manual (OMM) — you can become a skilled operator of your Cat® 374 Excavator in no time. Watch and learn about everything you need to look for in your pre-shift check, get to know some important safety tips, and identify each of the basic operator settings you can access and customize.

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How to Operate Your Cat® 374 Excavator

Estimated watch time: 5 minutes

PRE-SHIFT CHECK [00:19]

As you walk around your Cat 374 Excavator, make sure you thoroughly inspect the attachment and ground engaging tools (GET) for cracks, rust or other damage. Lubricate and inspect the boom, stick and attachment linkage, and make sure all hoses are intact with no loose bolts or leaks. You’ll want to check under your machine for leaks and debris, too.

Inspect your rollover protective structure (ROPS) and falling object protective structure (FOPS), and walk around the back of your excavator, looking for any signs of leaks or structural damage. Also check your swing drive for leaks or damage, and keep it lubricated.

Important service points are behind the panels on the sides of your machine. Watch the video to learn where to find:

  • Fresh air cabin air filter and primary and secondary engine air filter

  • Window fluid

  • Battery

  • Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) purge light

  • Battery disconnect switch

  • Jumpstart port

  • Coolant S•O•SSM fluid analysis sample port

  • Oil filters and sight gauges

  • Fluid fills

Make sure all compartments, especially cooling cores, are free of debris.

 
SAFETY TIPS [02:36]

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), as required. Learn your lift and tie-down points for machine transportation. And since your 374 Excavator is so large, most maintenance is not accessible from the ground, so be sure to always maintain three points of contact when on your machine.

Other safety tips you’ll see in the video:

  • Be mindful of pinch points and swinging/rotating parts.

  • In case of emergency, use the battery disconnect or engine stop control.

  • Keep compartment doors closed and latched, with your mirrors, windows and rearview camera clean.

 

BASIC OPERATOR SETTINGS [03:23]

Before operating your 374 Excavator, move the mirrors for a safe view of your surroundings. Adjust your seat for comfort and easy pedal/joystick reach, and also learn all the important buttons and switches located in your cab.



Always refer to your Operation and Maintenance Manual for guidance on maintenance, safety, settings, features and more. Order additional or replacement OMMs if needed.

Have any more questions about your Cat 374 Excavator after watching the video? Contact your Cat dealer for support.

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