PRODUCT FOCUS
The Cat Connect technology found on the Cat 320 and 323 excavators released last year, which
offers guidance for depth, slope, and horizontal distance to grade in the form of Cat Grade Assist.
hours a day). Other options include one 600V,
19kWh lithium ion battery and a diesel range
extender, or one 600V, 19kWh lithium ion
battery and a fuel cell system. Alternatively,
the machine can be plugged in to the grid for
its power and/or to recharge the batteries.
Operational control
But hybrid and electric power solutions are
not the only advances being made when it
comes to excavators. Another area of focus
is either automating aspects of machine
operation or improving operator comfort
and ergonomics so as to enhance operator
performance. Coupled with assistive
technology such as touchscreen- and joystick-
enabled interfaces, as well as software
designed to improve accuracy and precision,
these machines not only help the operator to
improve their performance and thus overall
production, but can also help to reduce
maintenance requirements by minimising
harsh or incorrect use of the machines.
Integrating this type of technology
with telematics and condition monitoring
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MARCH 2018
software can make a big difference to
on-site operations, and the ongoing pace
of technological advance means that the
advantages of such systems are increasing
over time. Underutilisation of machinery, for
example, is a potentially significant cost that
can be mitigated by tracking the location,
use, and downtime of equipment, leading to
significant savings and increased productivity.
According to Industry 4.0: Building the
digital enterprise, companies are budgeting
over USD900-billion globally through to
2020 for investment in digitisation and
expect to reduce operational costs and
increase efficiency by an average of between
3.6% and 4.1% per year, respectively, by
implementing measures such as condition
monitoring and predictive maintenance of key
assets.
And OEMs are working to provide their
customers with the best possible tool to
help them increase productivity and lower
operating costs.
One such example is the Cat Connect
technology found on the Cat 320 and 323
Coupled with
assistive
technology and
software, these
machines help
improve overall
production
and reduce
maintenance
requirements.”