Get to Know Your Cat® 352 Hydraulic Excavator

Are you prepared to safely operate your new Cat® 352 Excavator? This guided video walk-around will help you learn the basics of operating your machine.

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^® 352 Excavator in no time. Watch and learn about the important things to observe in your pre-shift check, get to know some important safety tips, and identify the basic operator settings.

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Estimated watch time: 4 minutes

PRE-SHIFT CHECK [00:19]

As you walk around your Cat 352 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•S^SM fluid analysis sample port
Oil filters and sight gauges
Fluid fills

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

SAFETY TIPS [02:25]

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), as required. Learn your lift and tie-down points for machine transportation. And keep your boots clean so you can safely maintain three points of contact when entering and exiting the 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 [03:08]

Before operating your 352 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.

Have any more questions about your Cat 352 Excavator after watching the video? Consult your OMM, and contact your Cat dealer for support.

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