For Release in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Turkey & Hong Kong:
May 2015
Release Number: 106PR15
The new Cat® 323D L Series 2 hydraulic excavator, with an operating weight ranging from
22 000 kg (48,501 lb) to 23 200 kg (51,147 lb) is an exceptionally fuel-efficient machine, using a new engine that delivers better fuel economy than its predecessor model. Hydraulic-system refinement adds to the 323D2 L overall efficiency, as well as to its capacity to handle a broad range of Cat work tools. Front-linkage choices allow tailoring the new model to the application, and heavy-duty main structures ensure long-term durability. The operator's station is spacious, quiet, comfortable, with standard air conditioning, and is equipped with a new monitor, camera-ready, with larger screen and more language capabilities.
Engine/hydraulics
The 323D2 L uses the Cat C7.1 ACERT engine, rated (net) at 110 kW (149 hp) and meeting U.S. EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA equivalent emission standards. The C7.1 ACERT engine is a field-proven engine designed for superior performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency, having a robust fuel-filtration system that tolerates lower-quality fuel. Two operator-selected power modes, which change engine rpm but not power or torque characteristics, allow the 323D2 L to operate with optimum fuel economy.
Further contributing to the 323D2 L overall fuel economy is an ECO-mode feature and an automatic engine-speed control feature, which reduces rpm during no-load/light-load conditions. In addition, a variable-speed cooling fan reduces power draw from the engine, conserving fuel, and the machine's high-idle working speed is adjusted to a relatively low 1,700 rpm setting with no limitation in power output.
The hydraulic system features new components—main pumps, swing motor, and control valves, plus shrouding in the pump-drive area enhances pump efficiency by an estimated 3 percent. Each of two main pumps delivers 100 percent of engine power under all operating conditions, yielding faster implement speeds and quicker, stronger pivot turns.
Structures
The 323D2 L features a durable mainframe, track frames, and front linkage. Three boom types— standard reach & heavy duty reach and mass excavation—each are available with three sticks to configure the front linkage to the application. All components use high-strength steel, box-section construction with internal baffles for assured durability.
Quick couplers available for the 323D2 L increase versatility, allowing use of a wide selection of Cat buckets, ranging from utility to extreme-duty, as well as a selection of Cat work tools, including hydraulic hammers, grapples, shears, crushers, and vibratory compactors. The Cat Center-Lock™ coupler features a patent-pending locking system and uses a highly visible secondary lock that clearly shows when the coupler is engaged or disengaged.
Operator’s environment
The new full-color LCD monitor has a 40-percent larger screen and a four-fold increased in resolution, compared with the previous monitor, and the monitor has a selection of 42 languages to accommodate a global workforce, compared to 28 languages on previous version. The monitor can also display images from the optional rearview camera and alerts the operator to critical operating parameters. The 323D2 L ergonomically designed operator station uses low-effort, pilot-operated joystick controls and groups all control switches in the right-hand console for convenient access.
A new Power Mode switch has been added on the 323D2 L right hand side console. This switch eases the control of the Power Management (Economy, High power modes).
The 323D2 L also features the Cat Product Link™ telemetrics system, which assists in more effective fleet management by reporting such information as operating events, diagnostic codes, hours, fuel consumption, and location via VisionLink®, a secure web-based application. The powerful tools within Vision Link also communicate with the Cat dealer to help machine owners better maintain fleets and avoid downtime.
Serviceability
The 323D2 L features ground-level access to most routine service points, including the pumps, pilot filter, fuel filters, radiator, oil cooler, air-to-air cooler, and AC condenser. A reserve tank and drain valve attached to the radiator simplify service, and a central grease block on the boom allows easily lubricating hard-to-reach locations on the front linkage. The S•O•SSM (Scheduled Oil Sampling) ports ensure quality samples from circulating fluid in the engine-oil, hydraulic and cooling systems. Convenient hydraulic test ports allow safe, accurate checks of system pressures.
