Cat 330 and 330 GC next generation excavators deliver increased efficiency and lower operating costs

The Next Generation 30-ton size class excavators from Caterpillar — the 330 and 330 GC — increase operating efficiency, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and improve operator comfort compared to previous models

The Next Generation 30-ton size class excavators from Caterpillar — the 330 and 330 GC — increase operating efficiency, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and improve operator comfort compared to previous models. The new excavators offer unique combinations of features designed to match contractors’ productivity and cost targets.

Delivering high-production performance, the new Cat 330 features standard integrated Cat Connect technology and the most power and lift capacity of the two models. The result is maximum productivity at the lowest cost. The new Cat 330 GC combines the right balance of productivity features with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs. The result is high reliability and low-cost-per-hour performance.

Technology boosts efficiency by up to 45 percent      

The new Cat 330 has the industry’s highest level of standard factory-equipped technology to boost productivity. Integrated Cat Connect Technology increases operating efficiency by up to 45 percent over traditional grading operations.

The standard Cat GRADE with 2D system provides guidance for depth, slope, and horizontal distance to grade through the standard touchscreen monitor, making operators more accurate. The system is readily upgradable to Cat GRADE with Advanced 2D or Cat GRADE with 3D. Standard Grade Assist automates boom, stick, and bucket movements so operators can effortlessly stay on grade with single-lever digging.

Cat Payload delivers precise load targets and increased loading efficiency. With on-the-go weighing and real-time payload estimates, Payload helps prevent truck over/underloading. The new Lift Assist feature helps the operator safely pick up heavy objects without tipping. Visual and auditory alerts indicate whether the load is within the excavator’s working limits.

E-fence prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined set points. The system is particularly useful when working beneath structures or near traffic. Cat LINK hardware and software connect jobsites to the office and provide managers with machine-critical operating information.

Fuel efficiency improved up to 20 percent

By design, Cat Next Generation excavators consume less fuel per unit of work than the models they are replacing — up to 20 percent for the 330 compared to the 330F and as much as 15 percent for the 330 compared to the 330D2.

New Smart mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions, optimizing both fuel consumption and performance. To further reduce fuel usage, engine speed is automatically lowered when there is no hydraulic demand. The excavators feature a new main control valve that eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses, and lowers fuel consumption.

The new cooling system employs auto-reversing electric fans, which independently monitor hydraulic oil, radiator and air-to-air aftercooler temperatures to deliver the exact airflow required.

The Cat 330 has a larger, 6700-kg (14,770-lb) counterweight, which enables the excavator to lift nearly 10 percent more than the 330F and up to 15 percent more than the 330D2. With increased swing pressure, a larger swing drive, and larger swing bearing, the Cat 330 delivers five percent more swing torque over the previous series, making backfilling and lifting on slopes easier.

Maintenance costs reduced as much as 20 percent

Offering extended and more synchronized maintenance intervals, the new Cat excavators reduce maintenance costs by up to 20 percent over the previous series.

The new Cat air filter with integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters has double the dust holding capacity of the previous design.

The new Cat hydraulic return filter has a 3,000-hour service life — a 50 percent increase over the previous filter. Fuel system filters are synchronized for service at 1,000 hours — a 100 percent increase over the previous filters. The fuel system water and sediment drains and hydraulic system oil level are positioned close together at ground level, making routine maintenance faster and safer.

New cab enhances operation

With a choice of Comfort or Deluxe cab packages, or a Premium package in some regions, all Next Generation Cat excavator cabs come equipped with standard features like keyless push-button start, large touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys for control, and sound-suppressed rollover protective structures to offer the next level of operator comfort and safety.

A tilt-up console for the Deluxe and Premium cab designs affords easy cab entry and exit. New advanced viscous mounts reduce cab vibration by up to 50 percent over previous models. Large front, rear, and side windows enhance visibility; optional 360-degree visibility (330 only) combines images from multiple machine-mounted cameras to enhance the operator’s view in all directions. Programmable joystick buttons for response and pattern allow the operator to “dial in” productivity settings.