Design Refinements for Three M300D Wheeled Excavators Enhance Operator Convenience, Application Flexibility and Serviceability

The six-cylinder Cat® M300D Series Wheeled Excavator models—M316D, M318D and M322D—have earned customer approval for their strong, reliable performance, versatility, fuel efficiency and low operating costs. Now these dependable, durable machines have been even further refined to deliver a more-flexible design, increased operator comfort and convenience, enhanced serviceability and, with the optional Cat Product Link™ system, a means for more efficiently managing these valuable assets.

New for the M316D, M318D and M322D is a welded undercarriage that adds increased configuration versatility, while preserving the same rugged, stable digging and lifting platform as the formerly used pin-on/bolt-on undercarriage. The new design allows a parallel-type blade to be used either front or rear, with or without outriggers at the non-blade end. Or, the machines can be fitted with outriggers front and rear. This versatility allows customers to tailor the machine's configuration to be most productive in typical applications.

Also, the blade has been redesigned to provide greater rigidity when used as a stabilizer, thus contributing to overall machine stability. For added protection, the blade-cylinder cover is now integral with the structure, and the remote grease point has been retained to simplify maintenance.

The in-cab monitor for the M316D, M318D and M322D has been changed to the same as that used in Cat 300E Series tracked excavators. For the operator's convenience, the new monitor has a 40-percent larger display area with greater resolution. The software used, however, is specific to wheeled excavators, and as an added benefit, navigation of menus has been simplified. The new monitor allows managing the standard rear-view camera via quick-access buttons, as well managing two optional cameras.

The attachment quick coupler also is controlled from the monitor, and an audible signal informs the operator that the coupler is open. The coupler is controlled with a new valve that provides the same operating sequence as that for 300D/E tracked machines. The travel-lock function also is now accessible through a quick-access button on the monitor.

A new right-hand switch-panel module, again the same as that used on 300E tracked machines, now houses the rotary-throttle dial, allowing the operator intuitive access to engine-speed control. The rotating beacon's switch also is located on the new panel—a small change, but reflective of the attention to detail in the refinement of these models.

Seat refinement includes a lumbar-support feature for the mechanically suspended seat, and a new low-frequency, air-suspended Comfort seat that features lumbar support, lockable horizontal suspension, mechanical height adjustment and passive climate control. The latter feature allows the seat to wick moisture away from the surface of the seat cushion with a carbon-fiber layer positioned between the fabric and the seat foam. The wicking system then allows moisture to escape when the seat is unoccupied. The result is a continually dry seat that adds to overall operator comfort.

New features to facilitate easy maintenance include rerouted coolant lines for unhindered access to service points and an easy-to-use shunt tank with redesigned filler neck and cap. In addition, AMP16 electrical connectors are used for the proportional pilot valves, and the hydraulic tank incorporates new pressure and temperature sensors, as well as a new drain valve.

Particularly important in the refinement of the M316D, M318D and M322D is the availability of the optional Cat Product Link system. Product Link allows remote monitoring of the machine, using a powerful telemetric system to transmit needed information to the customer and the dealer via a secure, web-based application, VisionLink™.

Critical information, such as event and diagnostic codes, is readily accessible, as are machine statistics, such as hour-meter reading, fuel consumption and idle time. Mapping functions include location and geo-fencing, which assist in servicing operations and in preventing unauthorized machine use. With Product Link, the customer and the dealer have an invaluable tool for more efficiently managing machines and fleets.