345B L Series II^Non-Current

Operator Comfort

The operator work station is quiet with ergonomic control placement and convenient adjustments. Low lever and pedal effort, ergonomic seat design, and highly efficient ventilation create a cab environment that puts the operator firmly and comfortably in control which can translate into greater productivity.

Viewing

There is excellent viewing area through large, wide windows. A large push-open skylight provides upward visibility. The upper front windshield features a pillar mounted wiper to provide an unobstructed front viewing area. The lower window provides a view to the tracks and the ground next to the machine. The rear window offers a good view behind and to the left, aided by a lower engine hood profile.

Convenience

Each of the controls is positioned within easy reach of the operator.

Cab Shell

The double wall, pressed cab shell is mounted to the swing frame using butyl rubber mounts for reduced sound and vibration.

Electronic Control Systems

The Caterpillar Electronic Control System panel includes fuel level, hydraulic oil and engine coolant temperature gauges, machine condition indicators and operator controls in a single console for ease of use.

Automatic Climate Control

Automatic climate control maintains constant temperature in the cab on air conditioned machines. The operator can switch to standard air conditioning system with fresh or recirculated air.

Joysticks

Joysticks control front linkage and swing functions with minimal effort. The integrated joystick consoles adjust to operator preference and are suspended as part of the seat arrangement. Height can be adjusted independently of the seat.

Hydraulic Activation Control Lever

Hydraulic activation control lever deactivates hydraulic functions and helps prevent operation when the operator exits the cab.

Travel Controls

Hand or foot actuated travel controls allow the operator to move the excavator while working the front-end. Hand levers are easily removable.

Dial Throttle

The dial throttle has ten settings for simple, precise engine speed adjustment.

Travel Pedal

Straight travel pedal provides forward or reverse straight line travel. Steering adjustments can be made by using right or left travel pedals in combination with the straight travel pedal.

Suspension Seat

The fully adjustable Cat suspension seat includes a wide range of comfort features. In addition to fore/aft height and weight adjustments, it also offers lumbar, arm support/rests and a retractable seat belt.

Service Points

Easy access service points for the fuel-water separator, engine oil filter, battery, radiator fluid level, window washer fluid and pilot system filter.

Filters

Efficient filters and convenient filter locations make maintenance easier.
• Two hydraulic capsule filters are mounted outside the hydraulic tank. New design reduces spills and contamination during replacement. Indicator in cab signals when the filter needs to be replaced, extending filter service life.
• Radial seal air cleaner has double layered filter core for better filtration. No tools are required to change filter. Operator is alerted to clogs.
• The engine oil filter is located in the pump compartment for easy access. To help reduce spills during oil changes, filter opening faces up.
• Pilot hydraulic system filter keeps contaminants away from the pilot system. This system includes a Scheduled Oil Sampling port to simplify sampling.
• A swing and travel motor case drain keeps contaminants from returning to the tank.

Design and Layout Advancements

Design and layout advancements translate to ease of service.
• Front linkage pin puller holes promote easy disassembly of front linkage.
• Cotter pin retained track master pin simplifies disassembly and assembly.
• Steep roller frame design reduces dirt buildup for easier cleaning.

Environmental Features

Environmentally sound features help protect the environment.
• Optional hydraulic tank shutoff valve reduces hydraulic spills during repair service.
• The hydraulic system is adaptable to biodegradable oil to reduce environmental impact.

Water Separator

Water separator removes water from fuel even when under pressure and is located in the radiator compartment for easy access.

Remote Greasing Block

Remote greasing block on the boom and two grease points for the swing bearing deliver grease to hard to reach locations.

Electronic Power Unit Control

Electronic Power Unit Control has diagnostic capabilities for Cat Dealers' use. • Dealer service technicians can quickly and easily diagnose and adjust machine components, maximizing uptime.

Electronic Power Unit Control System

Electronic Power Unit Control System controls state-of-the-art hydraulics and engine performance for maximized productivity, increased fuel efficiency, lower emission and sound levels.

Automatic Engine Speed Control

Automatic Engine Speed Control reduces engine speed during light-load or no-load applications. The button on the right control lever engages low idle function, reducing engine speed. Press again to return to previous setting.

Electronic Engine Underspeed Control

Electronic Engine Underspeed Control balances engine and hydraulic output for maximum performance and fuel efficiency.
• It adjusts hydraulic pump output to maintain engine rpm in optimum range.
• 100 percent of available engine power is available for the hydraulic system.

Operator Control Panel

Operator control panel allows optimal performance in all applications and has a high-contrast, back-lit, liquid crystal display.

Machine Monitoring System

Machine monitoring system uses a progression of indicators, action lamps and alarms to inform the operator of machine conditions.

Service Mode

Service Mode of the Electronic Power Unit Control delivers fast, detailed diagnosis of machine conditions, improving uptime.

Control Responsiveness

Dramatic control responsiveness aids operation and improves cycle time.
• Control movements are matched to hydraulic action for improved operator performance.
• Swing dampening restrains drift and improves positioning for finishing and lifting applications for reduced operator fatigue.

Hydraulic Relief Pressure

Full-time high hydraulic relief pressure provides excellent boom, stick, and bucket forces for better productivity, higher lift capacity and a wider range of workable material.

Hydraulic Cross-Sensing System

Hydraulic cross-sensing system improves productivity with fast implement speeds and quick, strong pivot turns.
• Engine horsepower is deliverable as hydraulic power.
• Full power to a single motor is for strong, fast turns. Balanced power to two pumps is for straight travel.

Boom Regeneration Circuit

Boom regeneration circuit diverts oil within the boom cylinder circuit to lower the boom. This allows pumps to have most pressure and flow available for other circuits.

Stick Regeneration Circuit

Stick regeneration circuit also diverts oil within the stick cylinder circuit to allow fast stick in speed during multiple function operation.

Pump Flow

Pump flow decreases when controls are in neutral for reduced fuel consumption and sound.

Auxiliary Hydraulic Valve

The auxiliary hydraulic valve is standard on the 345B L Series II for use with optional hydraulic circuits.

Hydraulic Flow Control System

The auxiliary hydraulic flow control system option provides up to four programmable flow presets to precisely match hydraulic tool requirements (i.e. hammers, shears, processors, brush cutters, etc.).

Hydraulic Cylinder Snubbers

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

XT Hose & Reusable Couplings

Caterpillar's XT hose and reusable couplings meet the critical flexibility and strength demands of the 345B Series II.
• O-ring face seal couplings provide positive sealing for reliable, leak-free connections.
• The hydraulic tank is located closer to pumps for increased hydraulic efficiency.

Performance

Cat® 3176C ATAAC engine continues its tradition of powerful, efficient performance, unmatched reliability and durability. •345B L Series II meets EPA Tier 2 requirements.

Fuel System

Advanced Diesel Engine Module (ADEM II) fuel system controls the engine for optimal fuel injection, increased fuel efficiency, longer component life.

Efficiency

The engine is turbocharged and aftercooled to increase engine power by burning fuel with greater efficiency.

Piston Design

Two-piece piston design provides excellent strength with the steel crown and aluminum skirt for reduced weight.

Sampling Valve

Engine oil S•O•Ssm sampling valve is provided on the engine oil filter head.

Automatic Engine Speed Control

The engine has Automatic Engine Speed Control with convenient one-touch command. Three-stage control maximizes fuel efficiency and reduces sound levels.
• When placed in the "OFF" mode, if a no-load condition or light-load condition continues more than three seconds, the automatic engine control reduces engine speed by a maximum of 100 rpm.
• When placed in the "ON" mode, if a no-load condition or light-load condition continues more than three seconds, the automatic engine control reduces engine speed from high idle to 1300 rpm.
• At any time, the operator can activate a switch on the top of the right control lever to reduce the engine speed to 1000 rpm. This feature, referred to as one-touch idle, can be used both to conserve fuel and to reduce engine sound levels. Activate switch again to return to previous level.

Design

Advanced carbody design for fixed gauge undercarriage stands up in the toughest applications.
• Modified X-shaped, box-section carbody provides excellent resistance to torsional bending.
• Upper structure weight and stresses are distributed evenly across the full length of the track roller frame.
• Smooth transitions and long welds reduce stresses at the carbody-to-roller frame junctions for excellent durability.
• Robot welding ensures consistent, high-quality welds throughout the manufacturing process.
• Steep track roller frames are easier to clean.

Variable and Wide Variable Gauge Undercarriage's

Variable Gauge (VG) and Wide Variable Gauge (W VG) undercarriage's have track roller frames which are bolted to the carbody and can be retracted for shipping.

Roller Frames

Robot-welded track roller frames are press-formed, pentagonal units to deliver exceptional strength and service life.

Main Frame

Rugged main frame is designed for maximum durability and efficient use of materials.
• Robot welding was used for consistent, high-quality welds.
• The outer frame utilizes curved side rails, which are die-formed, for excellent uniformity and strength throughout the length.
• Box section channels improve upper frame rigidity under the cab.
• Boom tower and one piece main rails are constructed of solid, high tensile strength steel plates.
• New boom foot design transfers load more efficiently with less stress in critical areas.
• Sheet metal supporting structure is strengthened by integrating the mounting into the upper frame structure.
• Reinforced lift cylinder and swing drive mounts increase structure durability in rock and quarry applications.

Robotic Welding

Precision robotic welding ensures a quality weld every time. These welds increase rigidity, reduce internal stresses and enhance durability for the chassis and track roller frames.

Chassis Design

Heavy-duty, X-shaped chassis design of Cat undercarriage components are purposely oversized to offer heavy-duty performance and durability.

Strutted Track Links

Strutted track links are sealed for long life. Track rollers, carrier rollers and idlers are also sealed and lubricated for excellent service.

Efficiencies

Steep Track roller frame design and elimination of a ledge at the carbody and roller frame juncture, reduce material build-up and make digging out easier.

Idler Guards

Standard idler guards and center track guides maintain track alignment. Optional sprocket guiding guards or full length track guiding guards are available for additional protection on steep side slopes.

Travel Motors

Smooth autoshifting two-speed travel motors offer top travel speeds and plenty of pull on slopes or turns.

Long Fixed Gauge

Long fixed gauge undercarriage maximizes stability and lifting capacity. Long, wide and sturdy undercarriage offers a stable work platform.

Long Variable Gauge

Long variable gauge undercarriage provides ease of transport and a stable platform when working on a variety of sites. The wider stance of the variable gauge improves stability over the side for increased lifting. The increased stability also allows for larger buckets that can result in higher production.

Long Wide Variable Gauge

Long wide variable gauge (W VG) undercarriage further increases over-side stability and lift capacity.

The Right Combination

Select the right combination for the job with your Cat Dealer to help ensure top production from the start. Choose from three booms and four sticks, plus a wide selection of buckets and attachments.

Work Tools

Choose from a variety of work tools such as hammers, shears, rotators, grapples or crushers. Ask your Cat Dealer for information on attachments or special configurations.

Service Life

Caterpillar excavator booms and sticks are built for performance and long service life.
• Castings and forgings are used at high stress areas such as boom nose, boom foot, boom cylinder and stick foot.
• Large, welded, box-section structures with thick, multi-plate fabrications are made to perform in high stress areas.
• All booms and sticks are stress relieved to maximize fatigue life and durability, while minimizing weight for improved performance.

Reach & Special Applications Sticks

There are three types of Reach and Special Applications sticks.
• The R/SA 4.8 m (15'9") stick gives the largest working envelope and uses medium buckets.
• The R/SA 3.9 m (12'10") stick uses higher capacity buckets and is best suited to trenching, excavation and general construction applications.
• The R/SA 3.35 m (11'0") stick has a tighter working envelope but uses the largest buckets of the reach stick family.

Reach Boom

The Reach Boom (R) 6.9 m (22 ft 8 in) features an optimum design that maximizes digging envelopes with three stick choices.

Special Application Boom

The Special Application Boom (SA) 6.9 m (22 ft 8 in) is reinforced for continual heavy duty rock applications and is the same length as the reach boom to maximize digging envelopes. Two sticks are available for use with the SA boom.

Mass Excavator Boom

The Mass Excavator (M) Boom 6.55 m (21 ft 6 in) maximizes productivity. The M Boom, used with the M 3.0 m (9 ft 10 in) stick, offers significantly higher digging forces and allows the use of larger buckets.

Service Life

Caterpillar buckets increase service life and reduce repair costs. All Caterpillar 345B L Series II F linkage buckets include a lift eye.
• Dual radius design for increased heel clearance and reduced wear.
• Robot welding of hinge assembly for increased weld penetration and longer life.
• High strength and heat treated steel in high wear areas.

General Purpose Buckets

General purpose (GP) buckets for digging in soft to hard ground with low to moderate abrasive materials.

Heavy Duty Buckets

Heavy duty (HD) buckets for digging in moderate to hard abrasive materials. Differences from GP buckets are: • Thicker cutting edges and thicker bottom and side wear plates improve performance in demanding applications.

Heavy Duty Rock Buckets

Heavy duty rock buckets for digging in fragmented rock, frozen ground, caliche and highly abrasive materials. Differences from HD buckets are:
• Larger Ground Engaging Tools (GET).
• Additional, thicker wear plates that extend beyond side plates for corner and rear dent protection and improved durability.
• Larger side plates provide additional dent protection.
• Sidebar protectors that decrease sidebar wear.

Heavy Duty Rock Ripping Buckets

Heavy duty rock ripping buckets dig hard rock and work in areas where material is virgin or poorly prepared. Differences from HDR buckets are:
• Stepped tooth design allows one or two tip penetration for higher break-out forces, keeps the trench floor flat.
• Thicker side wear plates and cutting edges mean additional wear life.

Heavy-Duty Power (HDP) Buckets

Designed to improve breakout force and machine cycle times, the Heavy Duty Power Bucket (HDP) compliments the General Purpose, Heavy Duty, and Heavy Duty Rock bucket lines.

Caterpillar Ground Engaging Tools (GET)

Caterpillar Ground Engaging Tools (GET) include a variety of side cutters, sidebar protectors, tip options and adapters to match operating conditions.

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

Consider the financing options available as well as day-to-day operating costs. This is also the time to look at dealer services that can be included in the cost of the machine to yield lower equipment owning and operating costs over the long run.

Operation

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

Maintenance

What is the cost of preventive maintenance? More and more equipment buyers are planning for effective maintenance before buying equipment. Choose from your dealer's wide range of maintenance services at the time you purchase your machine. 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. Save money with remanufactured parts. You receive the same warranty and reliability as new products.