New Cat 349E Hydraulic Excavator Delivers More Engine and Hydraulic Horsepower Than 345D

The new Cat 349E hydraulic excavator delivers more engine and hydraulic horsepower than its 345D predecessor while consistently averaging five percent improved fuel efficiency in typical applications. The new Cat® 349E features a 396 net horsepower Cat C13 ACERTTM engine that meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Interim emissions standards.

The 349E's Cat C13 engine, which operates either on ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) or a blend of ULSD and 20 percent biodiesel (meeting ASTM 6751 or EN 14214), uses the Cat Clean Emissions Module (CEM) to meet stringent Tier 4 Interim standards. The CEM regeneration system is designed to be transparent to the operator and regenerate when the conditions are optimal with no operator intervention. In automatic mode, the Cat Regeneration System allows the machine to work as normal with no interruptions to the work cycle. The system automatically senses when to regenerate during idle and while the machine is working to maintain high production. The system's manual mode allows the operator to override the automatic setting.

Among the 349E's several new fuel-saving features is the Engine Idle Shutdown Setting, which allows selecting how long the machine is permitted to idle before shutting down. Working with this system is a "one touch" idle control feature, which reduces engine speed to low idle with the touch of a button; a second touch or joystick movement puts the engine back into high speed, allowing the machine to go right back to work. Isochronous speed control—a system that maintains constant engine speed, regardless of load—further conserves fuel, as does the 349E's "economy" power mode when used during less-demanding applications.



Strong, responsive, fuel-sipping hydraulics
The 349E's hydraulic system also contributes to fuel economy. An electric boom regeneration valve captures and recycles hydraulic energy when the boom lowers. In like manner, a new regeneration valve in the digging-arm circuit recycles oil between the cylinder ends during low-load, arm-in operation, reducing the volume of oil the hydraulic pump must produce and thus conserving fuel.

At the heart of the 349E's design is an implement hydraulic system producing high hydraulic horsepower—the working force of the machine. A boost in hydraulic flow contributes to the new model's added power and gives it a decided advantage over its predecessor. In addition, a redesigned main control valve simplifies auxiliary line configuration for enhanced reliability.

A heavy lift mode increases the 349E's main hydraulic pressure to 5,512 psi—a 9-percent increase—while also reducing engine speed and pump flow for finer control when lifting. Also, a new swing priority system now uses an electric valve, which, compared with a hydraulic valve, allows more finely tuned control.

Productive comfort
Cab features include a new LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor that is 40 percent larger, has higher resolution, and an improved keyboard interface. The new monitor also serves as a display for the optional rearview camera system, which can display two camera images simultaneously.

New seat choices include heated and air-cooled options; the climate control system features new outlets with positive filtration. Full adjustment of the operating consoles and the addition of an auxiliary audio port for MP3 players further enhance the operator's environment.

The optional Cat Grade Control system for depth and slope uses internal front linkage sensors to provide real-time bucket tip position, resulting in less grade checking, fewer cycles to attain grade, and reduced fuel consumption. The system can be expanded to full three-dimensional capability by adding Cat AccuGrade™ technology.