Cat releases next-generation material handlers

Caterpillar, Peoria, Illinois, has released the MH3250 and MH3260 material handlers, which replace the company’s 330D MH and 345 C MH models, respectively. The MH3250 and MH3260 tracked material handlers offer longer maintenance intervals and improved fuel efficiency, decreasing owning and operating costs up to 20 percent compared with the models they replace, according to the company.

Both models feature new mechanical variable-gauge undercarriages. Track gauge retracts to 10 feet 7 inches to lower transport costs and make moving the material handlers more efficient. When at the yard, the gauge extends to 12 feet 2 inches to increase stability and maximize lift capacities, the company says. The MH3250 and MH3260 offer maximum reaches of 52 feet 6 inches and 59 feet 1 inch, respectively, as well as three different power modes—Power, Smart and Eco—to match the job requirements to use less fuel than their predecessors without sacrificing machine performance. Smart Mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to working conditions to reduce fuel consumption, while Power Mode provides maximum power to optimize productivity.

New valve priority automatically places hydraulic pressure and flow where it’s required to increase material handling efficiency, Cat says.

A range of attachments and reach options are available for varied applications to increase operating flexibility. Increasing the MH3250’s versatility, it can be equipped with the ex-factory 25-kilowatt generator for magnet operation. Customers can choose from a range of Cat Work Tool attachments in different sizes to meet the site’s material handling and production needs.

The cab features sound suppression for interior noise reduction and rubber cab mounts to reduce vibration feedback, advancing operating ease, comfort and productivity, according to the manufacturer. All controls are positioned in front of and within easy reach of the operator to avoid unnecessary movements.

A large, 10-inch high-resolution touch-screen monitor with jog-dial offers easy navigation of the operator controls. Using the new Operator ID function, different machine operators can store their specific joystick and preferred power mode settings, and the machine automatically recalls the settings based on the ID, Cat notes. To improve highwall trailer loading/unloading and shredder loading efficiency, the hydraulically controlled cab rises to a maximum elevation of 19 feet 9 inches. 

Smaller cab pillars, combined with large tempered windows and a flat engine hood, deliver all-around visibility for the operator, increasing safety, according to the company. With video feed displayed on the large touch-screen monitor, standard rearview and side-view cameras improve work area visibility.

Synchronized service intervals and extended filter replacement schedules are designed to reduce maintenance time and costs for the new Cat MH3250 and MH3260 material handlers. All fuel filters feature a coordinated 1,000-operating-hour change interval, and the new air intake filter with precleaner lasts up to 1,000 hours to reduce maintenance requirements, according to the company. A new hydraulic oil filter improves filtration and increases change intervals to 3,000 operating hours, a 50 percent longer service life than previous filter designs. Additionally, the company says, new anti-drain valves keep the hydraulic oil clean during filter replacement to improve system longevity.

Operators track filter life and maintenance intervals on the in-cab high-resolution monitor.

New remote services capabilities for the MH3250 and MH3260 increase service efficiency and potentially save trips to the job site. Remote Flash works around the production schedule to conveniently assure the machine operates with the most current version of on-board software, so it delivers high performance with minimum downtime. The Cat App helps to manage fleet location, hours and maintenance schedules and provides alerts for required maintenance needs, according to the manufacturer.