The Caterpillar M320 with an operating weight of between 19,140 kilograms (42,700 lbs.) and 21,390 kilograms (47,058 lbs.) and 104.4 kilowatts (131 hp) is the latest addition to the growing line of Caterpillar wheeled excavators. It joins the M318 and has some additional features in response to customer requests/feedback. Mobility Maximum travel speed is 20 kilometers per hour (12 mph) with a two-speed transmission and heavy- duty axles that are mounted to a strong and durable welded frame. The axles provide the best oscillation and steering angles in the industry for maximum flexibility, mobility and maneuverability. Optional outriggers and an optional dozer blade can be installed on the front or rear of the frame and are interchangeable for maximum flexibility. Versatility Two booms and four different sticks allow operators to choose the best match for the job. The 5.65-meter (17 ft. 9 in.) one piece boom is suggested for all standard applications, and the hydraulically adjustable 5.41-meter (17 ft. 9 in.)VA boom provides improved visibility and roading balance. This boom is designed for operations in tight quarters and provides additional lifting capacity close in and a greater variety of positions for work tools. The four stick options are: 1.9 meters (6 ft. 3 in.), a medium stick 2.5 meter (8 ft. 2 in.), and 2.9 meter (9 ft. 6 in.) for regular bucket applications and a special droop-nose material handling stick 3.4 meters (11 ft. 2 in.) to equip the M320 for material handling applications not requiring a purpose-built front. Available buckets range from 0.41 cubic meters (0.5 cu. yds.) to 1.35 cubic meters (1.75 cu. yds.). There also are specialty ditch-cleaning buckets available, both rigid and tiltable. Operator Comfort The M320 cab is resiliently mounted for comfort and insulation from vibration. The fully adjustable suspension seat has good lumbar support and a retractable seat belt. Positive pressure ventilation with filtered air is standard and optional air conditioning is available. Wide large windows help assure visibility in all directions, which is especially critical when roading or working on public roadways. Parallelogram windshield wipers efficiently clear the front windshield. Rear visibility is optimized due to the small engine cover and a standard skylight provides upward visibility. There are two standard mirrors located on the operator side of the cab, and one on the right side of the engine enclosure to provide an excellent view to the rear of the machine. Large steps and well-positioned grab handles allow safe and comfortable access to the cab and all the upper structure. Pilot-operated joysticks provide excellent control of all front-end and swing functions, and a control panel to the operator’s right provides information on the status of vehicle systems. Maintenance All daily maintenance points are accessible from ground level including centralized greasing. Attachments The M320 offers a large selection of factory-installed attachments including: air-suspension seat; battery-powered supplemental steering, air conditioning; lower windshield washer/wiper; a selection of outrigger configurations; and a dozer blade. Material Handling Arrangement The M320 is available configured for material handling applications, and can be equipped with either a fixed or hydraulic cab riser. The fixed riser is 1.2 meters (48 in.) high. The hydraulic cab riser allows the operator to select the appropriate cab height between the base height and 2 meters (80 in.). This enables the operator to work accurately when loading at ground level and also when loading into high-sided vehicles. This arrangement also includes a purpose-built boom and stick, wider outriggers for increased lift over the side and hydraulic lines to the boom head to power the grapple functions. The machine can be equipped with a generator and magnet by special arrangement. For more information, contact the local Cat dealer. This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.
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