Fuel Efficient Cat 336F L/LN XE Hybrid to Boost Jobsite Productivity

Wednesday, March 11 th, 2015

The new Cat® 336F L/LN XE Hybrid stands in a class all its own with fuel efficient hybrid technology and a full suite of Cat Connect technologies to boost productivity and increase jobsite efficiency.

The 336F L/LN XE Hybrid, replacing the 336E L/LN H Hybrid, features a Cat C9.3 ACERT™ engine that meets EU Stage IV emission standards and an integrated design that conserves fuel, optimizes performance, and captures and reuses energy. The new Hybrid delivers estimated fuel savings of up to 20 percent (compared with standard 336F L/LN) and up to 25 percent (compared with previous standard 336E L/LN ) with no compromise in performance nor added maintenance costs.

An industry-first for excavators, the 336F L/LN XE hybrid comes equipped with the brand new fully integrated Cat Production Measurement payload system that enables operators to weigh loads on-the-go and confidently deliver exact truck loads, while allowing managers to monitor productivity.

Powerful engine

Rated at 320 metric horsepower (235 kW) and designed to operate efficiently on bio-diesel blends up to B20, the fuel efficient C9.3 ACERT engine uses a diesel particulate filter along with an exhaust aftertreatement that does not interrupt work cycles or require operator intervention. For further fuel savings, the operator can reduce engine speed to idle with the touch of a button, an automatic engine idle shutdown feature stops the engine after a pre-set idling interval, and an economy power mode adjusts the engine for optimum fuel efficiency.

Hybrid’s efficient hydraulic systems

The 336F L/LN XE’s Electronic Standardized Programmable pump saves significant fuel by integrating the machine’s power sources and matching engine performance to the load encountered. Complementing the pump’s design, the Cat Adaptive Control System valve optimizes hydraulic performance by intelligently managing restriction and flow, seamlessly controlling machine motion and providing hydraulic power precisely where and when required.

The key to the Hybrid’s efficient performance is the Cat Swing Energy Recovery (SER) valve, which captures kinetic energy during swing deceleration by storing normally wasted hydraulic flow from the swing motor in high-pressure accumulators, then releasing this stored energy to assist swing acceleration. The result is reduced load on the hydraulic pumps and a subsequent, significant reduction in fuel consumption.

Ample hydraulic flow in the 336F L/LN XE’s implement circuits and a high main relief pressure generate the power to handle a range of buckets and work tools, including shears, multi-processors, hydraulic breakers, and rippers.

Operator environment

The roll-over-protective-structure (ROPS) cab is spacious and quiet with large glass areas for all-around visibility. Positive air filtration pressurizes the cabin to keep out dust, and height-adjustable joystick consoles, large color monitor, and an available air-suspension/heated/ cooled seat ensure operator comfort and productivity. For enhanced safety, the 336F L/LN XE’s standard equipment includes time-delay working lights and a rearview camera.

Durable structures

Undercarriage choices for the new model include the heavy-duty long (L) and long/narrow (LN) configurations. Massive frames and Heavy Duty counterweight combine to form an exceptionally strong, stable work platform for digging, lifting, and attachment use.

The heavy-duty (HD), 6.5-m reach boom and two stick options, 3.2 m and 2.8 m, provide excellent all-around versatility for general excavation work, such as multipurpose digging and loading.

Technology enhancements

In order to realize maximum return on investment, equipment owners must employ machines to full potential—producing more in less time, using less fuel, avoiding unnecessary machine wear, and ensuring safety on the job site. Cat Connect assists customers in attaining these goals by capitalizing on Caterpillar technology and Cat dealer services.

LINK technologies, such as the Product Link™ system, wirelessly connect owners to their machines, providing access to data—such as location, hours, fuel consumption, idle time, events, and diagnostic codes—for analysis and reporting via the online VisionLink® user interface. LINK information assists with fact-based decision making to help increase efficiency and lower owning and operating costs.

Cat Grade Control Depth and Slope, a factory-integrated system for the new 336F XE models, uses protected sensors in the front linkage to provide real-time positioning and cut/fill data through the cab monitor. Operators save time by attaining specifications on the first pass, while conserving fuel, reducing machine wear, conserving fill materials, and minimizing grade-checker involvement. Cat dealers can easily upgrade the system to 3D capability with Cat AccuGrade™ GPS or Universal Total Station (UTS) packages.

Cat Production Measurement, a standard feature for the 336F L/LN XE, is a Cat Connect Payload technology that uses lift-cylinder sensors to measure hydraulic pressure and bucket position for calculating payload with ± 5-percent accuracy as the boom swings, causing no interruption in the work cycle and allowing operators to adjust loads at the stockpile.

Payload information is easily accessed via the in-cab monitor, eliminating guesswork that results in costly under- or over-loading, and the system is easily programmed for material type, truck identification, payload targets, and payload data storage. Combined with LINK technologies, managers can access payload data and production and fuel efficiency metrics via VisionLink Payload Monitoring to track material movement, evaluate fleet/operator performance, and make decisions regarding production targets and jobsite efficiency.

Serviceability and safety

Ground level access to most major maintenance points, an electric fuel priming pump, remote fuel tank drain, and a fuel level indicator (to avoid overfilling) simplify routine service, and machine features such as the cab integrated ROPS, anti-skid surfaces, programmable halogen working lights, large skylight, and a standard rearview camera system enhance safety.