Caterpillar designs material handler for high production

The foundation of the MH3295, the carbody—the structure joining the upper to the track roller frames—is wider and fabricated with thicker plates, resulting in increased load capacity, the company says. The upper frame uses thicker sections and higher-strength material, with the boom tower featuring double-plate construction to handle increased side loading.
 

High-tensile-strength steel is used throughout the MH3295’s undercarriage, which features sealed/grease-lubricated chains that incorporate the Cat Positive Pin Retention system to ensure consistent fit between track pins and links. Specially designed track idlers and raised final drives enhance lifting performance and overall stability. Lift capacity is equal over the front and sides when track frames are positioned at full extension, adding 31 inches to the 3295’s lateral stance, the company says.

 

The MH3295 offers a choice of two front lengths: 56.5 foot for barge applications and 71.4 foot for scrap applications. Both fronts feature welded box-section designs for optimum strength and for dissipating working forces. A standard close-proximity stick limiter allows operators to set the stopping distance of the stick in front of the cab.

 

The patented cab-to-ground hydraulic cab riser allows lowering the cab to the ground in any position in the machine’s 360-degree rotation. In the MH3295’s cab is a full-color, graphic and video-ready monitor, which displays high-resolution images from the standard rearview camera. Special roof lining and cab sealing are designed to ensure a clean, quiet environment, Cat says.
 

The seat features heating and ventilation along with air-suspension, and an automatic climate-control system maintains consistent temperatures. Both joystick control levers can be adjusted for gain (lever stroke in relation to cylinder speed) and for response (the interval between lever movement and full cylinder speed).
 

The 18.1-liter Cat C18 ACERT engine meets Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emission standards and uses aftertreatment systems that function without interrupting work cycles, the company says. Building on the C18 ACERT, the MH3295 also incorporates features designed to reduce fuel burn such as automatic engine speed control (lowers engine speed when loads are lighter) and automatic engine idle shutdown (stops the engine after a present idling interval).

A choice of two power modes, high and economy, allows managing fuel and hydraulic pump flow to match the work at hand.

 

Hydraulic controllability is another feature for the MH3295, and at the center of the hydraulic system the Cat Adaptive Control System (ACS) valve. This Caterpillar-patented valve manages restrictions and flows designed for optimum hydraulic response and smooth operation. In addition, the valve’s automatic oil-warm-up function is designed to put the MH3295 to work more quickly in cold weather, and the auxiliary-hydraulic system provides tool versatility. In the event bio oil is required, the MH3295’s hydraulic system is fully compatible.

The MH3295’s side-by-side cooling system, separated from the engine compartment, provides engine and hydraulic temperatures. The cooling system features cores and a variable-speed fan that reverses to blow out debris. Filters and fluid taps are reached via slip-resistant catwalks. A fuel-tank drain facilitates removing water and sediment, and a fuel-level indicator reduces the possibility of over-filling.
 

The Cat Product Link telematics system wirelessly connect the MH3295 to the VisionLink website user interface, providing data such as machine location, hours, fuel consumption, productivity, idle time and diagnostics.