For Release in Africa, Middle East, CIS: October 2014
Release Number: 185PR14
The new Cat® 329D2 Excavator is designed with an improved fuel economy. With a maximum operating weight of 30 115 kg and a net power rating (ISO 9249) of 151 kW, the 329D2 is designed for high productivity, versatility, low operating costs and exceptional reliability. The Cat C7.1 engine meets exhaust emissions equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 2, EU Stage II, and China Tier 2 regulations and is equipped with a three-stage fuel-filtration system for optimum protection of fuel-delivery components. Premium features include cross-sensing hydraulics for greater efficiency, robust major structures for long-term durability, ergonomic cab for increased productivity, and simplified routine maintenance for reduced owning and operating costs.
Engine and hydraulics
The design of the Cat C7.1 engine is field proven and has a worldwide reputation for powerful, reliable performance. An advanced fuel-filtration system makes the engine less sensitive to low quality fuel, and the radial-sealed air filter features a double-layered filter core for maximum filtration capability. An automatic engine-speed-control system reduces rpm during no-load/light-load conditions for added fuel savings, and the High Horsepower Mode delivers maximum power for demanding tasks.
The 329D2 features a powerful pilot-operated hydraulic system with two main pumps that have a cross-sensing system to utilize 100 percent of engine power for maximum hydraulic efficiency. Regeneration valves in the boom-down and stick-in circuits speed cycles, reduce hydraulic flow requirements, conserve fuel and reduce operating costs. Cylinder snubbers cushion shock in the boom and stick circuits to protect hydraulic components and increase operator comfort. Auxiliary-hydraulic-valve control circuits are available to extend versatility. The control circuits allow use of high- and medium-pressure work tools, such as shears, grapples, hammers, pulverizers, multi-processors and vibratory plate compactors.
Structures
Depending on the region, the excavator is available with a standard undercarriage, designated the 329D2, or a long undercarriage, designated the 329D2 L. A 5.9-metric ton counterweight package is designed to enhance heavy-lifting performance with the long undercarriage; counterweights are bolted directly to the main frame for added rigidity. Both undercarriage configurations feature heavy-duty components, with lubricated/sealed track rollers and grease-lubricated/sealed track chains. A heavy-duty, X-shaped, box-section carbody resists torsional stress as it transfers working forces from the upper mainframe to the massive, press-formed track-roller frames. Structural welds are 95 percent robotic, achieving three times the penetration of manual welds.
The 329D2/D2 L can be fitted with one of four front-linkage configurations to accommodate the application, though all of the configurations aren’t offered in every region. The standard 6.15-meter reach boom handles most digging and lifting applications, and the heavy-duty 6.15-meter reach boom is reinforced and intended for use in severe applications. Both booms have two stick options, 3.2-meter and 2.65-meter reach sticks. A mass-excavation 5.55-meter boom with its 2.5-meter stick delivers superior digging forces and permits the use of a larger bucket. In addition, a Super Long Reach front linkage features a 10.2-meter boom and 7.85-meter stick. All booms and sticks use box-section construction with high tensile strength steel to provide optimum digging forces.
Cat buckets for the 329D2 are designed to match machine capabilities, ensuring high production and reduced fuel consumption. Buckets include: general-duty for low-impact, moderately abrasive materials; heavy-duty for mixed materials and cohesive soils; severe-duty for highly abrasive materials; and extreme-duty for exceptionally abrasive conditions.
Operator environment
In the Non-ROPS cab, operators can adjust the right and left joystick consoles to their liking, and the low-effort joysticks allow precise, proportional control of hydraulic functions. A high-resolution LCD monitor, 40 percent larger than on previous models, is programmable in 42 languages and alerts the operator to abnormal temperatures and pressures. The monitor also serves as the display for an available rearview camera system. Large glass areas enhance all-around visibility, and automatic bi-level air conditioning and fully adjustable mechanical or suspension seats provide optimum operator comfort.
Serviceability and technology
Service doors on the upper structure provide easy, ground-level access to the main pumps, pilot filter, water-separator/fuel-filter, radiator, oil coolers, charge-air cooler and fuel cooler. Filter- and fluid-change intervals are displayed via the main menu on the monitor. A concentrated remote greasing block on the boom delivers lubrication to difficult-to-reach components, promoting safety and ensuring that all linkage points are serviced to reduce wear and to extend component life. Scheduled Oil Sampling ports allow technicians to collect reliable samples of hydraulic oil, engine oil and coolant for analysis.
For added customer value, the 329D2 can incorporate Cat Connect technologies, including Product Link™, which provides essential machine operation information through VisionLink® software. Information includes machine location, operating hours, fuel usage, idle time and event codes. Factory-installed GRADE technologies combine digital design data and in-cab guidance to help operators attain grades faster. Similarly, the dealer-installed AccuGrade™ system provides an easy-to-read display for real-time cut/fill data, whether Depth and Slope Guidance for simple 2D planes and slopes, or GNSS for complex 3D designs. Cat Detect technologies combine safety features and alerts to enhance job-site safety.
Contact the local Cat dealer for additional information about the 329D2 Excavator, or go to the www.cat.com website for your region.
