Moving Forward Digitally

Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar recently invited its clients and partners to Caterpillar’s online launch of three of its large excavators for the Africa, Middle East and Eurasia region. Plant & Equipment logged in for detailed specs.

Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar has been present for more than 80 years in the Middle Eastern region as the trusted equipment solutions provider in the construction equipment, energy, transportation and materials handling industries. Being prominent dealers of Caterpillar machinery, heavy equipment and power systems, the company was instrumental in creating a buzz amongst its customers and partners for the recent online launch of three of Caterpillar’s new large excavators for the Middle East, Africa and Eurasia region.

When making the best of the available resources has become a way of life, Caterpillar went ahead and recently launched three major new machines in its large excavators’ segment digitally for different regions on different days. After spending the quiet period testing and implementing the feedback of its customers into newer models which will go into production, Caterpillar introduced its 345GC, 374 and 395 large excavators.

Held in the last week of January, the event brought together thoughts and opinions from a number of experts from around the world. Everyone echoed in on the same topic of technology and how being thrust into it in the past year has demonstrated how efficient technology use can assist in business success and continuity.

Caterpillar 345 GC

The newly introduced 345 GC comes with a guarantee of performance, reliability and a low-cost operation. It provides fuel efficiencies of 25 percent and a reduction in operational costs of 30 percent as compared to its predecessor. Electronically controlled main pumps and valves are mainly responsible for fuel efficiency. The machine has two operating modes to better manage the use of fuel - smart mode and power mode. These modes match engine speed and hydraulic power as work demand changes. Power mode delivers maximum productivity in high-demand applications such as truck loading and trenching.

Telematics configurable technology

This machine uses telematics technology to ease the overall user experience. The built-in telematics system Product Link collects information as the machine is in use. The 345 GC records location, hours, idle time, fuel usage which can be viewed remotely online or on a mobile through the Vision Link app. This assists in making informed decisions to enhance productivity, lower costs and improve safety. Telematics data can also be configured to report on the parameters most relevant to the user.

The CAT 345 GC is 25 percent more fuel efficient and provides a 30 percent reduction in operational costs.

Machine and operator safety

All Caterpillar machines place a huge emphasis on operator safety and comfort. The 345 GC has a cab interior that reduces effort and promotes ease with all controls front and centre. Other features are:

• Large windows all around for clear visibility, a rear-view camera. High resolution, touch screen, 203mm monitor.
• Operator preferences can be saved and are restored at log in.
• Safety checks can be done from ground level with access to fuel tank and coolant level checks.
• The engine compartment can be accessed using handrails, has anti-skid surfaces and recessed bolts.
• Secondary engine shut off is also at ground level in case of emergencies.

Caterpillar 374

This new machine replaces the 374F with two times more structural durability and up to a 20 percent lesser maintenance cost as compared to its predecessor.

“A key to production is our new dedicated hydrostatic swing circuit,” says Brian Abbott, Worldwide Product Manager for Caterpillar large excavators. “The circuit enables regenerating swing brake energy and independent management of cylinder oil flow. What that means for owners and operators is higher operating efficiency and smoother, more predictable performance when multitasking with the excavator.”

With three operation modes - power, smart and ECO, the Cat 374 provides a clear direction of fuel usage. Power mode provides maximum engine and hydraulic power at all times. Smart mode matches engine power and hydraulic power to the usage conditions which manages fuel usage and optimises performance. This means lower hydraulic demand uses less engine speed and fuel. The machine’s cooling system comes with an on-demand fan used only when required again saving fuel and maximising efficiency.

The CAT 374 provides twice more structural durability and a 20 percent reduction in maintenance costs.

In built technology

The Cat 374 comes with standard factory-installed technology making the owners operating efficiency a bigger peace of mind.

Cat Payload - A boon for operators, this feature provides onthe-go weighing, calculation of payload estimated in real time without swinging to prevent overloading or under-loading of trucks.

Cat Grade with 2D - Upgradable to Advanced 2D and 3D this feature provides operators visual guidance to make accurate cuts. The upgrades provide more accuracy plus additional positioning features and access to communication technology.

Lift Assist - This feature accurately calculates the weight of the load and compares it to the capacity of the machine preventing the excavator from tipping over. Visual and audio alerts inform the operator of safe working ranges.

Caterpillar 395

This excavator is the newer version of the 390F and provides owners and contractors with 10 percent more production, boost structural durability and 20 percent reduction in maintenance cost.

“We increased swing torque and stick force by 10 percent,” says Abbott. “These increases enable contractors to use larger buckets for much greater productivity.”

This machine comes with a new hydrostatic swing circuit enabling the excavator to regenerate swing brake energy and independently manage cylinder oil flow. Translating to greater fuel efficiency and a smoother, more predictable performance.

The CAT 395 is smoother in performance and increases production by 10 percent.

Low maintenance

All the accessories and attachments on this machine are more durable, increasing the life of the machine and the owner’s investment. The reinforced body ensures a long-term, troublefree performance each time.

Maintenance on this machine is low and comes with a number of assisting features such as Cat Remote Service allowing the owners to connect with dealers for immediate problem resolutions.

Smart design like ground-level drains and oil level checks make routine maintenance faster, easier, and safer. Plus, extended and synchronized maintenance intervals contribute to the 395’s lower long-term costs.

These high performing machines will be exclusively available for viewing and sale at Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar’s showrooms around the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.