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315C LNon-Current

315C L

Overview

Increased horsepower, better controllability, extended service intervals and a redesigned operator station increase your productivity and lower your operating costs.

Specifications

Units: 
Engine Model Cat® 3046T
Flywheel Power
Operating Weight
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Benefits & Features

Engine

Hydraulics

Undercarriage and Structures

  April 5, 2024

Specifications

Units: 
Engine
Engine Model Cat® 3046T
Flywheel Power
Gross Power
ISO 9249
SAE J1349
EEC 80/1269
Bore
Stroke
Displacement
Weights
Operating Weight
Operating Weight - Long Undercarriage
Swing Mechanism
Swing Torque
Swing Speed
Drive
Maximum Drawbar Pull
Travel Speed
Hydraulic System
Main Implement System - Maximum Flow (2x)
Maximum Pressure - Implements
Maximum Pressure - Travel
Maximum Pressure - Swing
Pilot System - Maximum Flow
Pilot System - Maximum Pressure
Boom Cylinder - Bore
Boom Cylinder - Stroke
Stick Cylinder - Bore
Stick Cylinder - Stroke
Bucket Cylinder - Bore
Bucket Cylinder - Stroke
Service Refill Capacities
Fuel Tank
Cooling System
Engine Oil
Swing Drive - Each
Final Drive - Each
Hydraulic System - Including Tank
Hydraulic Tank
Dimensions
Transport Width

Benefits & Features

Engine

Torque Rise

The engine is designed for high torque rise at middle rpm, a feature that is especially beneficial for heavy-duty use.

Automatic Engine Control

This three-stage control features a convenient one-touch command, maximizes fuel efficiency and reduces sound levels.

Maintenance

The oil level gauge, oil filter, fuel filter and priming pump are located on the right side of the upper structure for easy maintenance. The engine oil filter and fuel filter change intervals have been extended.

Crankshaft

Eight balance, one-piece, forged crankshaft enhances balance and decreases vibration and is induction hardened to improve abrasion resistance.

Pistons

Heat resistant aluminum alloy pistons have a short compression height, reducing weight and improving efficiency.

Fuel Consumption

The 3046T engine has the best fuel consumption in this class of diesel engines. It features improved thermal efficiency and reduced friction resistance between piston and liners.

Air Intake Heating

Air intake heating is standard on the 315C for easier cold starts.

Hydraulics

Component Layout

The 315C hydraulic system was designed to provide a high level of efficiency. With all major components located close together, shorter tubes and lines are needed, resulting in less friction loss in the lines and reduced pressure drops.

Hydraulic Cross-Sensing System

Improves productivity with faster implement speeds and quicker, stronger pivot turns.

Automatic Boom and Swing Priority

For simpler operation, work mode and power mode switches have been eliminated. Instead, the automatic boom and swing priority function selects the best mode, based on joystick movement.

Stackable Valves

Three types of stackable valves and one independent valve are available on the 315C and attached directly to the main control valve. Up to two stackable valves can be used in combination with the main control valve to provide a variety of different functions.

Boom and Stick Regeneration Circuit

The 315C uses a boom and stick regeneration circuit to save energy during boom-down and stick-in operation.

Controllability

The hydraulic system offers precise control to the 315C, reducing operator fatigue, improving operator effectiveness and efficiency, which ultimately translates into enhanced performance.

Auxiliary Hydraulic Valve

The auxiliary hydraulic valve is standard on the 315C for use with optional hydraulic circuits.

Hydraulic Snubbers

Hydraulic cylinder snubbers at the rod-end of boom cylinders and both ends of the stick cylinders cushion shocks, reduce sound and increase cylinder life.

Undercarriage and Structures

Structures

The 315C structural components and undercarriage are the backbone of the machine's durability.

Carbody Design and Track Roller Frames

X-shaped, box-section carbody provides excellent resistance to torsional bending. Robot-welded track roller frames are press-formed, pentagonal units to deliver exceptional strength and service life.

Rollers and Idlers

Sealed and lubricated track rollers, carrier rollers and idlers provide excellent service life, keeping the machine in the field longer.

Main Frame

The rugged main frame is designed for maximum durability and efficient use of materials.

Grease Lubricated Track

New grease lubricated seals protect the track link and deliver long track link pin and bushing inner wear life.

Travel Motors

Automatic speed selection enables the machine to automatically change up and down from high and low speeds in a smooth, controlled manner.

Idler Guard

An idler guard, which is integral to the track roller frame, is standard. This guard helps maintain track alignment while traveling or working on slopes.

Front Linkage

Front Linkage

Front linkage variations on the 315C allow for the use of one boom, three sticks and two bucket-types (excavation and heavy-duty rock). Using these combinations improves the general-purpose versatility of the 315C by suiting it to a diverse range of applications.

Boom

The boom on the 315C is designed to provide maximum digging capability. Caterpillar booms are manufactured with high-tensile steel for upper, lower and side plates and are robot welded for consistent quality.

Stick

Three sticks are available on the 315C. The customer's working envelope and bucket capacity needs determine their stick choice.

Boom and Stick Construction

Built for performance and long service life, Caterpillar booms and sticks are large, welded, box-section structures with thick, multi-plate fabrications in high-stress areas.

Buckets

High tensile strength steel is used in high-stress areas for excellent wear and shock resistance. The side plates are tapered to prevent contact of the bucket sidewalls during trenching operations.

Bucket Linkage

The bucket linkage on the 315C includes the bucket cylinder, idler link and power links.

Bucket Flop Adjustment Mechanism

All 300 family excavator buckets are equipped with a bucket flop adjustment mechanism which allows the operator or serviceman to reduce the side play at the bucket to stick-nose connection.

Linkage Bearings

New bearing technology has extended the front linkage greasing intervals for all bearings.

Operator Station

Operator Environment

The 315C operator work station is quiet with ergonomic control placement and convenient adjustments, low lever and pedal effort, ergonomic seat design and highly efficient ventilation.

Monitor

New, compact monitor enhances viewing while displaying a variety of easy-to-read and understand language-based information.

Automatic Boom and Swing Priority Function

For simpler operation, work mode and power mode switches have been eliminated. Instead, the automatic boom and swing priority function selects the best mode, based on joystick movement.

Auxiliary Hydraulics

Five hydraulic pump flows can be preset on the monitor, eliminating the need to adjust the flow every time a tool is changed and instantly providing the operator with the correct amount of flow for each tool. This feature is available with certain optional auxiliary hydraulic configurations.

Redesigned Layout

Redesigned cab layout emphasizes simplicity and ease of use. Right-hand wall and console provides easy access to all switches, dials and controls.

Travel Controls

A large rubber-covered footrest at the side of the travel pedals allows the foot to easily grip the pedal. The travel lever stroke and force have been enhanced to improve the 315C's fine controllability, making the machine easier to operate.

Seat

A new seat with a two-tone color offers two types of cushions - soft and firm - for operator comfort. The reclining knob is located at the right-side of the seat for easier reclining adjustment.

Automatic Climate Control

Fully automatic climate control adjusts temperature and flow and determines which air outlet is best in each situation.

Skylight

A large polycarbonate skylight delivers excellent natural lighting and good ventilation. Standard sliding sunshade protects from direct sunlight.

Cab Exterior

The 315C cab is newly designed using asymmetrical steel tubing for improved resistance to fatigue and vibration. Falling Object Guard System (FOGS) may be bolted-on directly to the cab.

Cab Mounts

The cab shell is attached to the frame with improved viscous mounts, reducing vibration and sound.

Wiper

With continuous and intermittent modes, the wiper is positioned on the right cab pillar to further improve the operator's viewing area.

Clear View Over the Engine

The engine hood has been lowered, improving the operator's rear viewing area.

Upper Front Windshield

The upper front windshield opens, closes and stores on the roof above the operator. Grips on the mid-lower part of the front windshield make opening easy.

Lower Front Windshield

The lower front windshield glass features a rounded design that maximizes downward viewing. The windshield can be removed and stored at the left rear of the cab.

Serviceability

Extended Service Intervals

315C service and maintenance intervals have been extended to reduce machine service time and increase machine availability.

Radiator Compartment

The left rear service door allows easy access to the engine radiator and the oil cooler. A reserve tank and drain cock are attached to the radiator for simplified maintenance.

Air Filter Compartment

The air filter features a double-element construction for superior cleaning efficiency. When the air cleaner plugs, a warning is displayed on the monitor screen inside the cab.

Ground Level Service

The design and layout of the 315C was made with the service technician in mind. Many service locations are easily accessible at ground level allowing critical maintenance to get done quickly and efficiently.

Swing-Out Oil Cooler

The oil cooler swings out horizontally for excellent cleaning.

Pump Compartment

A service door on the right side of the upper structure allows ground-level access to the pump and pilot filter.

Capsule Filter

The hydraulic return filter, a capsule filter, is situated inside the hydraulic tank but is easily accessed from outside the tank. This filter prevents contaminants from entering the system when hydraulic oil is changed, keeping the operation clean.

Anti-Skid

Anti-skid punched-star plate covers the top of the storage box and upper structure to prevent slipping during maintenance. The plate can be removed for cleaning.

Engine Inspection

Engine can be accessed from the upper structure or from under the machine. The engine and pump compartment are separated by a steel wall.

Handrails and Steps

Larger handrails and steps assist operator in climbing on and off machine.

Grease Lubricated Track

Grease lubricated seals protect the track link and deliver long track link pin and bushing inner wear life.

Fan Guard

Engine radiator fan is completely enclosed by fine wire mesh, reducing the risk of an accident.

Greasing Points

A concentrated remote greasing block on the boom delivers grease to hard-to-reach locations.

Complete Customer Support

Selection

Make detailed comparisons of the machines you are considering before you buy. What are the job requirements? What production is needed? What is the true cost of lost production? Your Cat dealer can give you precise answers to these questions.

Purchase

Look past initial price, look at the value the 315C offers. Consider the financing options available as well as day-to-day operating costs.

Operation

Improving operating techniques can boost your profits. Your Cat dealer has training literature and other ideas to help you increase productivity.

Maintenance

Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Diagnostic programs such as Scheduled Oil Sampling and Technical Analysis help you avoid unscheduled repairs.

Replacement

Repair, rebuild or replace? Your Cat dealer can help you evaluate the cost involved so you can make the right choice.

Product Support

You will find nearly all parts at our dealer parts counter. Cat dealers utilize a worldwide computer network to find in-stock parts to minimize machine down time. You will save money with remanufactured components.

Standard Equipment

  • Cab
    • AM/FM Radio, 24-volt
    • Ashtray with cigar lighter
    • Bi-level air conditioner with defroster
    • Coat hook
    • Drink holder
    • Floor mat
    • Fully adjustable suspension seat
    • Horn
    • Hydraulic neutralizer lever for all controls
    • Joysticks, adjustable pilot-operated
    • Language display monitor with gauges
    • Light, interior
    • Light, storage box mounted (1)
    • Literature holder
    • Openable front windshield
    • Openable skylight with sunshade
    • Positive filtered ventilation
    • Retractable seatbelt
    • Storage compartment
    • Travel control pedals with removable hand levers
  • Power Train
    • Cat 3046T diesel engine
    • Water separator
  • Undercarriage
    • Hydraulic track adjusters
    • Idler and center section track guiding guards
    • Track-type undercarriage with grease lubricated seals
    • 315C 20" (500 mm) triple grouser shoes
    • 315C L 24" (600 mm) triple grouser shoes

Optional Equipment

  • Stick and boom combinations:
    • 16'9" (5.10 m) boom and left side light
    • 10'2" (3.1 m) stick
    • 8'6" (2.6 m) stick
    • 7'5" (2.25 m) stick
  • Track:
    • 315C 24" (600 mm) triple grouser shoes
    • 315C L 28" (700 mm) triple grouser shoes

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