SOUTHEAST ASIA CONSTRUCTION22 Jan 2020
Conexpo: Caterpillar’s innovations, services and operator challenge

Caterpillar will offer a mix of static displays, equipment demonstration area, and new services/technologies on an area of 5,574 sq m. The company is investing in technology and safety features showcased in more than 30 Cat machines on display, including nine new product introductions from the dozer, excavator, articulated truck and backhoe loader families.

A wide range of new models

Successor to the Cat D5K2, the new Cat D3 dozer continues to set the standard for small dozer grading accuracy and efficiency. The operator cab delivers greater visibility, while enhanced controls deliver easier, intuitive finish grading. Powertrain advancements improve fuel efficiency by up to 10% over previous models.

The new centre-pivot 420XE backhoe loader now offers seat mounted controls for low-effort machine control to boost operator efficiency and reduce fatigue. Dual mode operation increases machine productivity, while electronic loader controls offer true parallel lift. A new IT quick coupler delivers quick change-out of a large portfolio of Cat attachments.

The new 150 AWD motor grader features all-wheel drive that assists with traction and manoeuvring, allowing the machine to work in any environment. Eco mode delivers up to 10% greater fuel efficiency without productivity loss, and owning and operating costs are reduced via new filters and longer service intervals. The new mastless 3D Cat Grade control system unleashes the potential of the mouldboard to give it full range of motion. The GNSS receivers are bolted to the machine, which increases uptime and reduces costs associated with potential receiver, mast or machine damage when using the dual 3D GNSS system. The integrated 3D Cat Grade will initially be available on the 140,150 and 160 joystick motor graders.

The new 725 articulated dump truck is equipped with a new cab that incorporates assisted hoist, automatic retarder control and advanced automatic traction control, all of which aim to improve operator experience and reduce operator actions. Performance improvements include up to 9% increased speed on grades, 8% improved acceleration and a 7% productivity increase.

Five hydraulic excavators to debut

Caterpillar will introduce five new wheeled, small, medium and large hydraulic excavator models at the show. The new Cat M318 wheeled excavator improves operator efficiency by up to 45% with Cat Grade, E-Fence and Payload options and delivers up to 10% lower maintenance costs with longer service intervals. The new 313 GC delivers low owning and operating costs through a simple design that is easy to operate, maintain and own. The new 315 boasts a 13% larger cab and improved performance with up to 10% more swing torque and up to 14% more drawbar pull.

Advanced engine technology and control system for the new 325 medium excavator reduces fuel consumption by up to 25%, while a precise combination of lower engine speed and large hydraulic pump pressure and flow delivers more work per unit of fuel. Extended maintenance intervals means getting more work done with up to 20% lower maintenance costs.

The new 395 excavator is built to move tons of material quickly and efficiently. With 10% more swing torque and 10% more stick force than the model it replaces, operators will experience faster cycle times with bigger buckets for greater groundbreaking power and production. Cat Payload also comes standard so operators can validate production at the end of every shift. Plus two times more structural durability means longer service life, and extended service intervals lower maintenance costs by up to 20%

New Cat technology and services

Significant safety, efficiency, accuracy and productivity gains are achieved through implementing new Cat technologies on machines. Recently introduced Cat Productivity is a web-based advanced productivity management tool that delivers payload, machine and site data from Cat Product Link, allowing contractors to compare performance against productivity targets, fix inefficiencies and maximise machine utilisation to increase profits.  

Visitors will be able to see Caterpillar’s latest remote control offering, an enhanced operating station with expanded capability to operate multiple pieces of equipment, equipped with the Command Vision System, from a single remote station. The Cat Command remote control system also offers a portable console, designed for line-of-sight use, which will also be showcased in the exhibit. Wireless connectivity enables machine operation from a safe location, whether nearby or far away. Cat Command remote control solutions also enable customers to increase productivity and maximise uptime.

From Cat paving products, Command for Compaction automates the compaction process to increase quality. Featuring an intuitive interface for simple operation, Command for Compaction eliminates skill gaps to deliver up to 60% better coverage with consistent and precise overlap, constant speed and correct pass count. The paving products group will also showcase the latest advancements for its eRoutes 3.0 asphalt delivery solution.

New Customer Value Agreements (CVA) offer three levels to customise agreements based on customer need and offer up to five years comprehensive coverage to lower owning and operating costs. Newly released Cat Remote Services deliver up to 50% less machine downtime through Remote Flash software updates and Remote Troubleshoot diagnostic testing. Launching at the show, Cat Abrasion Undercarriage boasts a new XL sealing system that doubles seal life in some applications and up to 50% more link life than heavy duty designs.

Global Operator Challenge finals

The finals for the Global Operator Challenge, the largest global campaign in Caterpillar history, will take place at Operator’s Stadium inside Caterpillar outdoor exhibit. Over 10,000 operators participating in local challenges throughout 30 countries, and winners from each region - including three from Asia Pacific - will compete globally on Tuesday morning, 10 March 2020, immediately following the Conexpo’ grand opening. Caterpillar will show a live broadcast of the competition on cat.com.

After completion of the skills challenges, the winners will be announced and awards will be presented for the lowest time for each individual challenge, best team performance, and announcing the Global Operator Challenge champion based on overall performance.

Caterpillar booth: Festival Grounds (F-4455)

For more information on Conexpo 2020: www.conexpoconagg.com