Caterpillar’s Newest 55-Ton Class 352 Hydraulic Excavator Is More Powerful, Can Use Bigger Tools

---

With an optional variable-gauge undercarriage, the Cat 352 can be transported with a 7.8-ft width or sprawl out to a wider stance than with the standard fixed-gauge undercarriage. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Caterpillar's latest version of its 352 hydraulic excavator is an 111,300- to 111,500-pound (50,500- to 51,500-kilogram) machine with more power and a heavier counterweight to work with larger attachments.

“Built for big jobs, the 352 delivers unmatched performance in its size class,” says Caterpillar’s Global Product Manager for Large Hydraulic Excavators, Brian Abbott. “It can be equipped with high-capacity buckets to dig and load tons of material in fewer passes or large hammers to work in demanding quarry applications.”

Optional Retractable Undercarriage

The 443-horsepower (330-kilowatt) Cat C13B engine at the heart of the Cat 352 excavator offers three engine modes (Smart, Power, and Eco) that balance power against fuel economy. The excavator also comes with standard automatic dig boost and auto heavy lift features, which both temporarily increase power by 8% when needed for greater bucket penetration and lift capacity, respectively.

The 352 is available with a fixed- or variable-gauge undercarriage. The latter can retract to give the excavator a 7.8-foot (2.39-meter) width for transport or expand to a stance 6 inches (150 millimeters) wider than the fixed-gauge undercarriage.

The Cat 352 has a maximum dig depth of 26.9 ft (8.21 m), a maximum ground reach of 39.8 ft (12.15 m), and a max loading height of 24.3 ft (7.42 m), depending upon its configuration. Its long, synchronized 1,000-hour oil and fuel filter service intervals can save a lot of parts and labor over the life of the machine.

Cat says the 352 can operate in temperatures of up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius) and can cold start at 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C). An automatic hydraulic warm-up mechanism helps the machine get to work more rapidly in the cold. The excavator can also work at altitudes of up to 14,764 ft (4,500 m).

Cat Technologies

The new 352 comes with the Cat Payload onboard weighing system, which can report productivity data through a VisionLink telematics connection. Cat’s Product Link telematics system supplies remote troubleshooting, monitoring capabilities, reporting, and other benefits through web and mobile apps.

---

A heavier counterweight lets the Cat 352 work with bigger buckets and attachments. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

The manufacturer says the standard Cat 2D Grade feature can boost the productivity of the excavator by up to 45%. 2D Grade displays depth and slope information and provides the operator with feedback on how to work more efficiently. The standard Cat Grade Assist technology facilitates single-lever digging. Optional systems include Cat Grade with Advanced 2D and Cat Grade with 3D. All of the grading aids listed above are compatible with leading third-party radios and base stations.

The Swing Assist feature of the Cat 352 can automatically stop slewing motions at operator-defined points, potentially protecting pipes and structures, conserving fuel, and reducing operator effort. Cat also equips the 352 with an auto-stop system that time-limits usage of a hydraulic hammer attachment to avoid damage.

Cab Features & Options

The 352 supports keyless push-button startup with an optional Bluetooth key fob. The machine may also be started with an Operator ID passcode, which can also re-enable personal control settings such as joystick button assignments, response level, and pattern preferences. An optional Cat Stick Steer feature allows the excavator to be maneuvered with one hand. Cat Stick Steer comes with cruise control as well.

A Deluxe cab option for the 352 includes a heated air suspension seat, while a Premium trim level comes with seat ventilation as well. The two cab options have a tilt-up console on the left side for easier entry and exit.

Source: Caterpillar