New 374F and 390F Hydraulic Excavators from Caterpillar

Caterpillar has introduced its new Cat® 374F and 390F hydraulic excavators, which will include low fluid consumption for minimal operating costs, optimum operator comfort, easy serviceability, and class-leading productivity.

With respective net power ratings of 352 kW and 391 kW, the Cat C15 ACERT™ engine on the 374F and C18 ACERT on the 390F meet E.U. Stage II/U.S. EPA Tier 2 emissions regulations. Compared with Stage IIIA engines, the 374F and 390F are more fuel efficient than their D predecessors, thanks to a 5% fuel consumption decrease on the 374F, and 390F improved productivity performances.

Fuel-saving features include two power modes, standard or economy, to allow the operator to select an engine operating speed to match the application. In addition, an on-demand-power system adjusts engine speed to match the operating load, and an engine-idle-shutdown system stops the engine after it idles a pre-set interval. These systems not only save fuel and reduce emissions, but also significantly extend service intervals.

The 374F and 390F hydraulic systems are designed with major components in close proximity, an arrangement that allows shorter connecting tubes and hoses to reduce frictional losses and pressure reductions, resulting in reduced loading on the system for added fuel savings.

New for the F Series models is the Cat Adaptive Control System (ACS) valve, which electronically manages flows and restrictions to exactly match hydraulic response to joystick movement. This fuel-saving feature smoothes hydraulic functions and adds to overall hydraulic efficiency.

The new models can be equipped with auxiliary hydraulic circuits, allowing the use of powered work tools that can be easily attached with a hydraulically activated coupler. For further fuel savings, electrically controlled regeneration systems in the boom and stick circuits move oil between the cylinder ends to reduce the load on the main hydraulic pumps.

Structural strength

Both models are available with a range of booms and sticks fabricated with premium-steel plate and using high-strength castings and forgings in high-stress areas. All are stress-relieved for durability and inspected ultrasonically for quality.

Heavy-duty reach and general purpose booms are designed for general excavating and loading, and a mass-excavation boom delivers high production in large-scale earthmoving and heavy material applications. A choice of sticks is available to match booms for meeting required digging depths, reaches and breakout forces.

Structural durability is ensured by the proven heavy-duty construction of the mainframes and undercarriage. The upper frame incorporates special mountings to support the heavy-duty cab; the lower frame is heavily reinforced for long-term durability.

A long-track, variable-gauge undercarriage, featuring massive track roller frames and high-tensile-strength-steel components, provides a wide, stable working basis, while adjusting to reduce shipping width. A new counterweight removal device is available to allow easier and more efficient transport.

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Press Release, April 24, 2014