IFPE Download: Cat 395 excavator ups production and durability

Caterpillar’s new Cat 395 excavator is said to offer contractors up to 10% more production, double the structural durability, and up to 20% less maintenance costs than the 390F it replaces.

“We increased swing torque and stick force by 10%,” said Brian Abbott, worldwide product manager for Caterpillar large excavators. “These increases enable contractors to use larger buckets for much greater productivity.”

A key driver to the 395’s production is a new dedicated hydrostatic swing circuit — a feature found only on larger Cat mining shovels like the 6015B. “The circuit enables the excavator to regenerate swing brake energy and independently manage cylinder oil flow,” said Abbott. “What that means for owners and operators is greater fuel efficiency along with smoother, more predictable performance when multitasking with the machine.”

Three modes of operation are available: Power, Smart, and ECO. Power mode is maximum power at all times; ECO mode lowers engine speed and cycle times while maintaining breakout force. Smart mode takes the guesswork out by automatically matching engine and hydraulic power to the actual digging conditions — all to reduce fuel consumption and optimize performance.

The cooling system features a new on-demand fan that’s designed to operate only when required, which helps save fuel. An available auto reverse function assists with cleaning debris from the cooling cores, which enhances operating efficiency.

The 395 also offers a comprehensive array of factory-installed technology, said Abbott. For example, Cat Payload helps operators increase loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing; real-time payload estimates can be calculated without swinging to help prevent overloading and underloading trucks. The monitor’s USB port lets operators download results from a single shift all the way up to 30 days of work with no need for an internet connection or VisionLink subscription.

Cat Grade with 2D gives operators visual guidance to grade via the standard touchscreen monitor so they can make accurate cuts. The system is readily upgradable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D for enhanced accuracy. Advanced 2D includes an additional touchscreen monitor to enable in-field design. 3D adds GPS and GLONASS positioning for pinpoint accuracy. The 395’s built-in communication technology makes it easier than ever to connect to 3D services like Trimble Connected Community or Virtual Reference Station.

Lift Assist is a new safety feature that helps prevent the excavator from tipping. It quickly calculates the weight of the actual load being lifted and compares it to the excavator’s rated capability. Visual and auditory alerts show and tell the operator if the excavator is within a safe working range.

Whether equipped with a bucket or hammer, standard 2D E-Fence prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined points. This helps protect the machine and other objects from damage and reduces the risk of fines related to zoning or underground and aboveground utility damage. It also helps prevent operator fatigue by reducing overswinging and digging.

Auto Hammer Stop prevents unnecessary wear and tear on the attachment and machine. A warning message appears on the monitor after 15 seconds of continuous firing; the hammer will automatically stop after 30 seconds of continuous firing.

Cat Product Link provides wireless information via the online VisionLink interface, allowing machine managers to quickly evaluate critical operating information. Optional Work Tool Recognition saves time and energy when changing attachments. A simple shake of an attached tool confirms its identity and automatically adjusts the hydraulic system to the parameters the operator set for that specific tool.

The optional Cat PL161 Attachment Locator is a Bluetooth device that makes finding attachments and other gear quick and easy. The excavator’s onboard Bluetooth reader or Cat App on a smart phone will locate the device automatically up to 300 feet (91 meters) away.

To ensure durability, booms, sticks, and frames are twice as strong as those on the previous mode. Booms have increased top and bottom plate thickness; sticks have increased side, bottom, and bracket plate thickness; and frames have increased base frame and counterweight mounting plate thickness. The reinforced car body, track link, track rollers, and boom, stick, and bucket cylinders ensure long-term, trouble-free performance.

Extended and synchronized maintenance intervals contribute to the 395’s lower long-term costs. For example, the new Cat hydraulic return filter has a 3,000-hour service life — a 50% increase over previous filters. The new Cat air filter with an integrated precleaner and primary and secondary filters provides double the dust-holding capacity of the previous design. Fuel system filters are synchronized for service at 1,000 hours — double that of previous filters. The fuel system’s water and sediment drains and hydraulic system’s oil level check are positioned close together at ground level, making routine maintenance faster, easier, and safer.

Caterpillar