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Caterpillar announces updates to M300D Series

Words: Sharon Albright/Public/News/20120625140000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="The new Cat® M300D Series Wheeled Excavator models provide a more-flexible design and greater operator comfort." />
The new Cat® M300D Series Wheeled Excavator models provide a more-flexible design and greater operator comfort.
The four-cylinder Cat® M300D Series Wheeled Excavator models–M313D and M315D–have earned a solid reputation for reliable performance, long-term durability, versatility, fuel efficiency and low operating costs. Recent engineering updates have further strengthened these qualities with refinement of the operator's station and undercarriage, along with new technical features and fleet-management systems. The new models provide a more-flexible design, greater operator comfort, enhanced serviceability, and more effective asset management.

New for the M313D and M315D is a welded undercarriage that allows a blade to be used either front or rear, with or without outriggers at the non-blade end. Or, the machines can be fitted with outriggers front and rear. This versatility allows customers to tailor machine configuration to typical applications.

Cab refinements

The in-cab monitor has been changed to the same as that used in Cat six-cylinder wheeled excavators. For the operator's convenience, the new monitor has a 40-percent larger display area with greater resolution. The software used, however, is specific to wheeled excavators, and as an added benefit, navigation of menus has been simplified. The new monitor allows managing the standard rear-view camera via quick-access buttons, as well managing two optional cameras.

The attachment quick coupler also is controlled from the monitor, and an audible signal informs the operator that the coupler is open. The coupler is controlled with a new valve that provides the same operating sequence as that for 300D/E tracked machines. The travel-lock function also is now accessible through a quick-access button on the monitor and is standard on all cabs.

A new right-hand switch-panel module, again the same as that used on six-cylinder wheeled excavator machines, now houses the rotary-throttle dial, allowing the operator intuitive access to engine-speed control. The rotating beacon's switch also is located on the new panel–a small change, but reflective of the attention to detail in the refinement of these models.

Seat refinement includes a lumbar-support feature for the mechanically suspended seat, and a new low-frequency, air-suspended Comfort seat that features lumbar support, lockable horizontal suspension, mechanical height adjustment and passive climate control. The latter feature allows the seat to wick moisture away from the surface of the seat cushion with a carbon-fiber layer positioned between the fabric and the seat foam. The wicking system then allows moisture to escape when the seat is unoccupied. The result is a continually dry seat that adds to overall operator comfort.

Technical refinement, fleet management, serviceability

New features to facilitate easy maintenance include rerouted coolant lines for unhindered access to service points and an easy-to-use shunt tank with redesigned filler neck and cap. In addition, new electrical connectors are used for the proportional pilot valves, and the hydraulic tank incorporates new pressure and temperature sensors, as well as a new drain valve.

The M313D and M315D can be equipped with the Cat Product Link system, which is deeply integrated into machine systems to allow remote monitoring of such data as location, event codes, diagnostic codes, hours, fuel usage and idle time, as well as allowing mapping functions, such as geo-fencing. Using a powerful telemetric system, Cat Product Link transmits this information to the customer and the dealer via a secure, web-based application, VisionLink™.

The Cat Machine Security System (MSS) is another asset-management tool available for the new excavators (standard in North America and EU). The MSS, which uses special keys with an electronic chip, controls who can operate the machine (and when). The MSS, using a small antenna around the key switch to read the user's identity, then checks if the operator is authorized. Master Access Level keys allow using the Caterpillar Electronic Technician system to configure the security system.
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