Wheel Excavators feature comfortable operator's station.

Press Release Summary:




Models M316C, M318C, and M322C deliver 138, 151, and 164 net hp and have operating weight of 35,800-40,200, 39,200-43,400, and 45,200-50,100 lb, respectively. Maximum travel speed for M316C and M318C is 21 mph and 15.5 mph for Model M322C. Cat 3056E engine provides power for all three models. Electronically controlled engine is turbocharged and air-to-air aftercooled, and includes variable-speed, on-demand cooling fan. One-piece and variable angle booms are available.



Original Press Release:



New Cat® M316C, M318C, and M322C Wheel Excavators Offer Increased Performance, Excellent Productivity, Reduced Emissions and Easy Operations



Caterpillar introduces three new C-Series wheel excavators, the M316C, M318C, and M322C. They offer improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, a more comfortable operator's station and an easy-to-read monitor that enhances productivity. Like their predecessor models, the new machines feature high-efficiency hydraulics, a heavy-duty undercarriage, excellent serviceability and a wide range of boom, stick and work tool options. Designed and built for performance, versatility and mobility, the C-Series machines will work productively and cost effectively in a variety of applications.

The M316C, new in the lineup, delivers 138 net horsepower (103 kilowatts) and has an operating weight of 35,800 to 40,200 pounds (16,240 to 18,240 kilograms). The M318C is a 151 -horsepower (113 kilowatt) machine, with an operating weight of 39,200 to 43,400 pounds (17,780 to 19,690 kilograms). The M320 is replaced by the M322C, rated at 164 net hp, with an operating weight of 45,200 to 50,100 lbs (20,500 to 22,725 kilograms). Maximum travel speed for the M316C and M318C is 21 miles per hour (34 kilometers per hour); while the M322C's maximum travel speed is 15.5 miles per hour (25 kilometers per hour), a 3 mile per hour (5 kilometers per hour) increase over the M320.

Besides significant horsepower increases, performance is dramatically increased with more pump output and higher working pressure.

Clean, powerful engine
A new Cat 3056E ATAAC engine provides power for all three models. This electronically controlled engine is turbocharged and air-to-air aftercooled to boost performance, reduce emissions and extend piston and cylinder bore life. It meets EPA Tier 2 and European Stage II emissions requirements. The engine is integrated with a variable speed, on-demand cooling fan. This feature reduces average fan speed, minimizing fuel consumption and noise. The engine compensates for varying fan loads,
providing constant net power, regardless of operating conditions.

Ergonomic operator station, improved monitor
The operating environment on the C-Series wheel excavators is quiet, comfortable, spacious and well ventilated. The cab shell is attached to the frame with viscous mounts to reduce sound and vibration levels. Visibility is excellent in all directions. The adjustable seat, well-placed consoles and easy-access, low-effort controls and pedals reduce operator fatigue. Air conditioning with automatic climate control is standard, as well as a 24v, sealed, Am/FM stereo radio.

To aid the operator even further, the C-Series incorporates the already proven and accepted monitor currently found in small and medium Caterpillar' tracked excavators. Compact and easy to read, the monitor displays text messages in up to 14 different languages. It keeps the operator aware of critical system conditions and better able to concentrate on production.

Exceptional versatility
Like their predecessor models, the M316C, M318C, and M322C can be equipped in many ways to match job requirements. The three excavators have two boom options. The one-piece boom is well suited for standard applications such as truck loading, digging, and hammer operation. A Variable Angle (VA) boom enhances visibility to the right side of the machine, especially important when "roading" around a job site or in traffic. It also improves balance while "roading" and offers maximum flexibility when lifting heavy loads or working in tight quarters. Two stick options are available for each excavator. The medium stick (7'11"/2.4 m for the M316C; 8'2"/2.5 m for the M318C and M322C) is preferred in situations requiring greater crowd force or lift capacity. The long stick (8'6"/2.6 m for the M316C; 9'2"/2.8 m for the M318C; 9'6"/2.9m for the M322C) is best in applications that demand longer reach and more digging depth.

A full range of buckets and work tools expands the versatility of the M316C, M318C, and M322C. Several hydraulic valve options are available to accommodate a broad selection of tools. A new, innovative, optional multi-function control can be electronically programmed to set flow, direction, pressure and priority for up to five tools. The setting for the desired tool is selected by the operator by simply pushing a button on the cab monitor. This on-board electro-hydraulic function eliminates the need for manual readjustment of auxiliary hydraulics every time a different tool is used.

Optional outriggers and dozer blade, available in any combination or posittion, make the three new excavators even more versatile, while increasing stability.

Low maintenance, quick service
The M316C, M318C, and M322C can be maintained and serviced quickly and easily to increase uptime and reduce operating costs. The engine is longitudinally mounted on the right side for convenient, ground-level access to the oil filter, filler, drain valve, fuel filter, V-belt tightener and oil dipstick. All other critical daily checkpoints are also accessible from the ground. A centralized greasing port for the swing bearing and
front linkage delivers grease to hard-to-reach locations and is conveniently located in the engine compartment where it can be secured behind a locked door.

The radiator and hydraulic oil cooler have been relocated to the top and rear of the upper house, making them less likely to encounter material that can plug the cores and reduce their efficiency. Their cooling fan is hydraulically driven and thermostatically controlled to operate at the most efficient speed. The cooling fan assembly and air conditioner condenser are hinged for easier cleaning. Engine oil change intervals have been extended to 500 hours. When SoOoSSM (Scheduled Oil Sampling) analysis is used, the hydraulic oil change interval is doubled to 4,000 hours. Coolant lasts up to 6,000 hours between changes, when Cat Extended Life Coolant/Anti-freeze is used.

An optional wireless communication system called Product Link is available as a factory- or dealer-installed attachment for both new wheel excavators. Product Link uses satellite technology and the Internet to provide machine location, service meter hour and
product health information. The system is a valuable fleet management tool that helps improve availability and increase uptime.

For more information about the M316C, M318C, M322C wheel excavators, customers should contact their local Cat dealer or visit the Caterpillar web site at www.cat.com.

Basic Specifications for M316C and M318C

M316C' M318C² M322C³
Operating 35,800-40,200 lbs 39,200-43,400 lbs 45,200-50,100 lbs
weight (16,240-18,240 kgs)(17,780-19,690 kgs)(20,500-22,725 kgs)

Engine Cat 3056E ATAAC Cat 3056E ATAAC Cat 3056E ATAAC

Net power-hp 138 hp 151 hp 164 hp
(103 kW) (113 kW) (122 kW)

Travel speed 21 mph 21 mph 15.5 mph
(34 kph) (34 kph) (25 kph)

Roading width 8 ft 4 in 8 ft 4 inches 9 ft
(2550 mm) (2550 mm) (2750 mm)

Max. reach @ 30 ft 4 inches 30 ft 11 inches 32 ft 8 inches
ground level (9240 mm) (9430 mm) (9950 mm)

Max. digging 33 ft 8 inches 33 ft 1 inch 34 ft 5 inches
height (10 270 mm) (10 080 mm) (10490 mm)

Max. dump 24 ft 6 inches 24 ft 1 inch 24 ft 8 inches
height (7460 mm) (7330 mm) (7510 mm)

Max. digging 19 ft 5 inches 20 ft 4 inches 21 ft 3 inches
depth (5920 mm) (6200 mm) (6470 mm)

Shipping length 28 ft 28 ft 11 inches 32 ft 7 inches
(8540 mm) (8820 mm) (9930 mm)

Shipping height 10 ft 5 inches 10 ft 5 inches 10 ft 6 inches
(3170 mm) (3170 mm) (3200 mm)

'Equipped with VA boom, 8ft6in (2.6 m) stick
2Equipped with VA boom, 9ft2in (2.8 m) stick
3Equipped with VA boom, 9ft6in(2.9 m) stick

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