Caterpillar has launched a new version of its popular 320D L hydraulic excavator, the 320D L Series 2, which has been redesigned to suit the working conditions in Saudi Arabia.
The new excavator features mechanical fuel injection, rather than electric, to cope with the high-sulphur diesel fuel. The fuel injection system means that less fuel filters are used, and those that are have extended life, while the engine system is also easier to repair for contractors in the field and in their workshops. Machine performance has not been affected, due to design improvements, says Caterpillar, and the new design will be rolled out across the 3-D excavator line.
The new machine was launched at an event hosted by Zahid Tractor, Caterpillar dealer for Saudi Arabia, and one of the largest sellers of ‘big yellow’ in the world.
The new machines will be available to other LRCs (less regulated markets) where fuel quality is an issue, including in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
But in announcing the new machine, Zahid said that feedback from Saudi customers had been an important factor in the machine’s design, and that the company had had signficant influence over the development process. The high-sulphur fuel used in Saudi Arabia meant that customers were having to change fuel filters monthly, adding up to a high cost.
The 320D is one of the most popular excavators in the Saudi market, and in an overwhelming number of applications is used with a breaker. The 320D2L features a factory fitted hammer return filter, to prevent contamination of the oil system. The ‘L’ designates that the excavator is built with a longer tracked body, which improves stability during hammering.
Other technical features include an electric priming pump (rather than manual), improved hydraulic pump efficiency thanks to a new shroud design, and an updated cab with a new monitor, based on the European spec E-series.
While the electronic fuel injection system uses 1200 BAR pressure, and four fuel filters, the mechanical injection system uses only 200 BAR, and has only two fuel filters, with longer service life and better accessibility.
The engine runs at 1700rpm (rather than 1800), but manages to achieve similar hydraulic power due to the accompanying design improvements. The lower rpm engine means a fuel consumption decrease of 3%.
Alexandre Favero, product application specialist for Caterpillar, says that while the electronic injection system is more fuel efficient than mechanical, this is not as signficant for an engine of the 3-series excavator, as it would be for a larger machine.