Caterpillar Launches Cat 319 to Meet Growing Compact Radius Demand

Caterpillar announced the launch of an all-new Cat 319 hydraulic excavator on its next generation platform.

Designed for Growing Compact Radius Segment

Slotting neatly into the company's compact radius (CR) line-up between its 315 and 325 models, Caterpillar said the Cat 319 is based on a solid understanding of customers' application needs, providing a 19-20 ton machine designed to meet customers' toughest challenges around transportation, lifting, safety and versatility.

Platform, Performance Validation

"Leveraging the familiar 317 next gen platform, the 319 provides similar or better capabilities while meeting the compact radius expectations," said Brian Stellbrink, senior market professional of Caterpillar. "Its performance, stability and productivity are a powerful combination for construction, utility work, road maintenance and land clearing jobs while bringing all the benefits and attractions of the next generation platform to the CR line-up."

Stability Engineered for Restricted Transport, Lifting Requirements

Coming just a year after the 319's first appearance at bauma, the new model — built around a wider 9.2 ft. undercarriage — is heavily focused on the industry requirements. Stellbrink said Caterpillar's design team has used that wider undercarriage to great effect.

"That width is all about extra stability," he said. "For example, it provides the 319 with the capability to handle TRS17 — the rotation work tool attachment that aids precision and helps improve jobsite efficiency — as well as a variable angle boom (VAB) or blade, yet remains comfortably within the maximum transport width of 3.0 meters (9.8 ft.).

"That added stability, enhanced by the 2.2 meters (7.2 ft.) track gauge, also allows for up to a 7 percent boost to lifting capacity, including the option to work with a 1 cubic meter (1.31 cu. yd.) General Duty bucket. Meanwhile, the compact design and short swing radius focus not just on versatility but safety too."

Safety, Operator Confidence

Those safety technologies include an optional 360-degree camera to help maximize visibility, Cat Detect to alert an operator to the presence of people around the machine and multiple track-shoe options to help ensure smooth and confident operation across varying conditions.

"Worksite efficiency and productivity is hugely influenced by operator confidence," said Stellbrink. "Confidence to operate in tight spaces, confident handling of heavy loads, confident visibility, confidence in power — all these aspects are addressed in the 319, helping enhance safety, precision and efficiency across the job site."

Flexible Operating Modes

The Cat 319 draws its power from the Cat C3.6. A unit noted for its efficiency, its 133 hp is suited to the machine's selectable power modes, according to Caterpillar. These variously match engine and hydraulic power to current working conditions through smart mode, help minimize fuel consumption in eco mode or allow operators to maximize productivity through power mode.

For more information, visit cat.com.

This story also appears on Construction Equipment Guide.