Hastings Deering Release Four New 7 to 10 Tonne Next Generation Excavators

Hot on the heels of the release of five new Next Generation Mini Excavator models in the 1 – 2 tonne class comes four new Next Generation models in the 7.5 - 10 tonne range.

Designed with customer experience at its core, Cat has spent six years working with customers around the world to develop its new Next Generation platform and have done so by going right back to the drawing board. The result of which are four new models designed from the ground-up which provide significant performance improvements combined with lower fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs and a bunch of new features that give operators control like never before.

The new-model lineup includes:

307.5 – a new Cat model, the 307.5 is a standard tail swing model with a fixed boom that provides the best possible digging and lifting performance.

308 CR - a compact radius model with a swing boom that provides the versatility of working in tight spaces where site-safety requires minimal tail overhang.

309 CR - a new Cat model in the mini range featuring a compact radius, swing boom, and high flow auxiliary hydraulics that provides the ability to multi-function while maintaining maximum hydraulic power to attachments.

310 - also new to the range, featuring a fixed boom, standard tail swing, and twin blade cylinders for heavy-duty blade applications.

Hastings Deering Sales Manager for Building Construction Industries, Scott McGrath, said: "Our customers will see up to 20% improved performance, up to 11% reduction in fuel consumption, and up to 10% maintenance cost reduction."

“Add 65% improved lifting capacity, 25% higher swing torque and 20% overall improved performance in the new 308 CR and we’ve got a real game changer,” McGrath added.

“Next Generation”?

What’s really interesting is to understand why Cat consider these “Next Generation” Mini Excavators. Here’s a rundown on some of the industry leading features that come with these new models:

Stick Steer and Cruise control

New to the industry, stick steer and cruise control are standard features on all Cat Next Generation Mini Exacavators. At the press of a button on the left joystick the machine switches off the traditional travel levers and activates travel through the left joystick. Stick steer allows operators to quickly and efficiently doze, backblade, cleanup or travel by moving the lever in the intended direction of travel. Customers have the option of completely removing the conventional travel levers and controls to maximise leg space. Switching back to digging mode is a simple push of the same button.

Cruise control, as the name suggests, is just like that offered in cars. When in stick steer mode and cruise control is activated (via a trigger button), the machine continues travelling at the operators chosen speed and direction until deactivated by a simple movement of the travel joystick fore/aft, or pressing the cruise control trigger button again.

Adjustable hydraulic response

Up until now the only available adjustment to hydraulic performance of mini excavators is via engine RPM. More engine revs gives more power and faster cycle times. Lower revs reduces speed and gives more control. Cat have changed the game, by allowing operators to set hydraulic speed and responsiveness to suit their experience and the application. Want fast cycle times? Set the hydraulic speed to “fast” mode and the machine gives you get maximum hydraulic flow for the power available which is great for bulking out, trenching or truck loading. Have an inexperienced operator or need to lift heavy objects? Set the hydraulic responsiveness to “fine” mode and it slows everything down so you can complete delivate tasks without compromising on power.

Full colour LCD Monitor

Cat’s Next Generation colour monitor covers a variety of functions all on the one screen. As well as analogue gauges for fuel and temperature the monitor serves as the control centre for most requirements including:

• AM/FM Radio
• Bluetooth smart phone connection to play music and make/receive calls
• Pattern changer
• Hydraulic coupler engagement/disengagement
• 1-way/2-way auxiliary control
• Auxiliary flow adjustment
• Heater, A/C and fan controls
• Security passcode settings
• Machine productivity & service diagnostics

Keyless start and passcode security

Bluetooth keys utilize a proximity sensor and allow machines to be started with the simple push of a button. Alternatively, in the absence of the Bluetooth key, push-to-start can be engaged by entering a passcode via the monitor. Up to 50 codes can be programmed into each machine so operators, site foremen, service mechanics and owner can have their own code.

Service

In addition to everything mentioned, Caterpillar Next Generation Minis offer up to 10% lower ownership costs compared to previous models, through lower fuel consumption, lower repair costs and extended service intervals.

“This is such a revolutionary change in machine technology, and it is important for us at Hastings Deering to showcase this to our customers,” says McGrath. “We plan to do this through a demo day at our Brisbane Business Centre in October, so our customers can experience this game changing technology first-hand.”