345C L^Non-Current

Performance

The C13 with ACERT™ Technology offers 21% greater displacement than the 3176C, and runs at 10% lower speeds for better fuel economy and reduced wear. The 345C L, equipped with the C13, provides 8% more horsepower compared to the 3176C in the 345B Series II.

Fuel Consumption

With ACERT Technology, the C13 meets these U.S. EPA Tier 3 emissions while delivering good fuel economy.

Emissions

ACERT Technology is a differentiated technology that reduces emissions at the point of combustion. The technology capitalizes on Caterpillar's proven leadership in three core engine systems: fuel, air and electronics.

Low Sound and Vibration Levels

The engine mounts are rubber-isolating mounts matched with the engine package to provide optimum sound and vibration reduction. Further noise reduction has been achieved through design changes to the isolated top cover, oil pan, multiple injection strategy, insulated timing cover, sculpted crankcase.

Fuel System

The Cat® C13 features electronic controls that govern the mechanically actuated unit fuel injection (MEUI) system. MEUI provides the high-pressure required to help reduce particulate emissions and deliver better fuel economy through finer fuel atomization and more complete combustion.

Cooling System

The 345C L layout separates the cooling system from the engine compartment. The cooling fan is hydraulically driven with a variable speed control that manages fan speed to provide optimized cooling.

Air Cleaner

The radial seal air filter features a double-layered filter core for more efficient filtration and is located in a compartment behind the cab. A warning is displayed on the monitor when dust accumulates above a preset level.

Turbocharger

The Cat C13 uses a wastegate turbocharger for improved performance.
• The wastegate valve controls excessive engine boost pressure by allowing exhaust to bypass the exhaust-side turbine.
• The wastegate also reduces turbine wear in high RPM, low load conditions and optimizes air and fuel delivery for peak engine performance.
• The turbocharger increases the density of the air, enabling the engine to produce more power with few effects from altitude.

Cold Weather Starting Kit

The kit consists of four batteries, heavy-duty harness, large capacity starting motor and the ether starting aid. With this kit, the 345C L has the capability to start at -32 degree C (-25.6 degree F).

Pilot System

The hydraulic pilot system controls the front linkage, swing and travel operations.

Component Layout

The 345C L hydraulic system and component locations have has been designed to provide a high level of overall system efficiency.

Heavy Lift Standard

The operator can select the heavy lift mode at the push of a button to boost lifting capability and provide improved controllability of heavy loads.

Hydraulic Cross-Sensing System

The two main hydraulic pumps use 100 percent of available horsepower resulting in faster implement speeds and increased productivity.

Boom and Stick Regeneration Circuit

Saves energy during boom-down and stick-in operation, providing shorter cycle times and lower operating costs.

Boom and Swing Priority

The hydraulic system on the 345C L provides automatic priority function for boom-up and swing operations eliminating the need for work mode buttons. When the boom or swing lever is activated, the system automatically assigns priority based on operator demand.

Auxiliary Hydraulic Valve

The auxiliary valve is standard on the 345C L. Control circuits are available as attachments, allowing operation of high and medium pressure tools such as shears, grapples, hammers, pulverizers, multi-processors and vibratory plate compactors.

Hydraulic Cylinder Snubbers

Snubbers are located at the rod-end of the boom cylinders and both ends of the stick cylinders to cushion shocks while reducing sound levels and extending component life.

Cab Design

The workstation is spacious, quiet and comfortable, assuring high productivity during a long work day. The air conditioner and attachment switches are conveniently located on the right-hand wall, and the key switch and throttle dial are on the right-hand console. The monitor is easy to see with excellent visibility.

Seat

A new optional air suspension seat is available in the 345C L. The standard and optional seats provide a variety of adjustments to suit the operator's size and weight including fore/aft, height and weight. Wide adjustable armrests and a retractable seat belt are also included.

Hydraulic Activation Control Lever

For added safety, this lever must be in the operate position to activate the machine control functions.

Climate Control

Positive filtered ventilation with a pressurized cab comes standard on the 345C L. Fresh air or re-circulated air can be selected with a switch on the left console.

Windows

All glass is affixed directly to the cab, eliminating window frames. The upper front windshield opens, closes and stores on the roof above the operator with a one-touch action release system.

Wipers

Pillar-mounted wipers increase the operator's viewing area and offer continuous and intermittent modes.

Skylight

An enlarged skylight with sunshade provides excellent visibility and good ventilation.

Console

Redesigned consoles feature a simple, functional design to reduce operator fatigue, ease of switch operation and excellent visibility. Both consoles have attached armrests with height adjustments.

Monitor

The compact, full-color, graphical display monitor, new with the 345C L, displays machine, maintenance, diagnostic and prognostic information, in twenty different languages. Monitor angle can be adjusted to minimize sun glare.

Cab Exterior

The exterior design uses thick steel tubing along the bottom perimeter of the cab, improving the resistance of fatigue and vibration. This design allows the FOGS to be bolted directly to the cab, at the factory or as an attachment later, enabling the machine to meet specifications and job site requirements.

Cab Mounts

The cab shell is attached to the frame with viscous rubber cab mounts, which dampen vibrations and sound levels while enhancing operator comfort.

Standard Cab Equipment

To enhance operator comfort and productivity, the cab includes a lighter, drink holder, coat hook, service meter, literature holder, magazine rack and storage compartment.

Machine Security

An optional Machine Security System is available from the factory on the 345C L. This system controls when the machine can be operated and utilizes specific keys to prevent unauthorized machine use, a significant theft deterrent.

Product Link

Product Link is now an attachment available from the factory on the 345C L.

Travel Controls

The 345C L uses pilot operated control levers, positioned so the operator can operate with arms on the armrests. The vertical stroke is longer than the horizontal stroke, reducing operator fatigue. The control lever grips are shaped to fit into the operator's hands. The horn switch and one-touch low idle switch are positioned on the left and right grip.

Controllers

The mechanically actuated unit injection system features a high-pressure fuel injection system,proven to significantly reduce fuel consumption and particulate emission. Electronic Unit Injection (EUI) produces high-pressure and affords the integration of electronics with fewer components. The modular design of the electronic control system allows greater update, flexibility, improves serviceability and lowers repair costs.

Keypad

The keypad allows operator to select machine operation conditions and to set view preferences.

ADEM™ A4 Engine Controller

The ADEM A4 electronic control module manages fuel delivery to get the best performance per liter or gallon of fuel used. The engine management system provides flexible fuel mapping, allowing the engine to respond quickly to varying application needs. It tracks engine and machine conditions while keeping the engine operating at peak efficiency.

Monitor Display Screen

The monitor is a full color 400x234 pixels Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) graphic display. The Master Caution Lamp blinks ON and OFF when one of these critical conditions occur:
• Engine oil pressure low
• Coolant temperature high
• Hydraulic oil temperature high
Under the normal condition or the default condition, the monitor display screen is divided into four areas: clock and throttle dial area, gauge area, event display area and multi-information display area.

Travel Motors

Two-speed axial piston hydraulic motors provide the 345C L drive power and speed selection which is automatic when the high-speed position is selected. This enables the machine to automatically change between computer-controlled high and low speeds depending on drawbar-pull requirements.

Straight-line Travel Circuit

The straight-line travel circuit is incorporated into the hydraulic system, which maintains low-speed, straight-line travel, even when operating the front linkage.

Track

The 345C L comes standard with the new grease lubricated track called GLT4. The track links are assembled and sealed with grease to decrease internal bushing wear, reduce travel noise and extend service life lowering operating costs.

Final Drive

The final drives are a new compact design with three-stage planetary reduction. This design results in a complete drive/brake unit that is compact and delivers excellent performance and reliability.

Track Guards

The idler guard and bolt-on center guard are standard equipment. They help maintain track alignment while traveling or working on slopes. For applications that require additional track protection or alignment, optional guards are available.

Carbody

The 345C L has three undercarriage options to meet regional transportation requirements and application needs.
• Fixed gauge for narrow transport and weight sensitive areas.
• Variable gauge for increased track and ground clearance and over-side lift.
• Wide variable gauge with significant increase in over-side lift with the capability for handling larger buckets.
The carbody utilizes a new columnless design that allows the swing bearing to be directly mounted on the top plate for excellent rigidity and strength.

Upper Frame

The rugged main frame is designed for maximum durability. Robot welding is used for consistent, high-quality welds. The main channels are box sections connected by a large diameter tube in the boom foot area to improve rigidity and strength. The outer frame utilizes curved side rails for rigidity against bending and torsional loads.

Track Roller Frame

Fixed Gauge Undercarriage
• Uses a press-formed, pentagonal section for the track frame that is robot-welded for weld consistency and quality. The track frame has been designed so that the top of the track frame has a steep angle to help prevent accumulation of mud and debris. Variable Gauge Undercarriage
• The track roller frame is made of thick steel plate that is bent into a U-shape and welded to the bottom plate to create a box structure. The box structure design for increased rigidity and impact resistance.

Front Linkage Attachments

Three length of booms and six types of sticks are available, offering a range of configurations suitable for a wide variety of application conditions.

Boom Construction

The 345C L booms have large cross-sections and internal baffle plates to provide long life durability. Forged steel is used in critical high-load areas such as the boom-foot and boom cylinder connection.

Long Reach Boom - 7.4 m (23 ft 3 in) long

The Long Reach boom is new with the introduction of the 345C L. This boom combined with the new 4.3 m (14'1”) stick provides a similar digging envelope to the previous 345B. This new boom/stick combination has a significantly reduced transport height, eliminating the need to remove the stick cylinder pin.

Reach Boom - 6.9 m (22 ft 8 in) long

The Reach boom is designed to balance reach, digging force bucket capacity, offering a wide range of applications as digging, loading and trenching.

Mass Excavation Boom - 6.55 m (21 ft 6 in) long

The mass boom is designed to provide maximum digging forces, bucket capacity and truck loading productivity. The mass boom comes with two stick options for further job site versatility.

Stick Construction

The 345C L sticks are made of high-tensile strength steel, using a large box section design, interior baffle plates and an additional bottom guard.

Linkage Pins

The bucket linkage pins have been enlarged and have a thick chrome plating improving reliability, durability, giving them high wear and corrosion resistance. An adapter kit is available for using 345B II buckets.

Power Link

The new 345C L power link improves durability, increases machine-lifting capability in key lifting positions, and is easier to use compared to the previous lift bar design.

General Purpose Buckets

General purpose (GP) buckets for digging in low-impact, moderately abrasive materials such as dirt, loam, gravel and clay.

Heavy Duty Buckets

Heavy duty (HD) buckets for a wide range of moderately abrasive applications such as mixed dirt, clay and rock. HD buckets have best loading and dumping characteristics and will empty easier in cohesive material. More robust construction than the GP buckets.

Heavy-Duty Power (HDP) Buckets

For use in moderately abrasive applications where breakout force and cycle times are critical. Maximizes tip force and improves cycle times in most materials. Not for use in sticky material conditions. Cutting edge and GET are upsized.

Heavy Duty Rock Buckets

Heavy duty rock for aggressive bucket loading in highly abrasive application such as shot rock and granite. Features include:
• Thickest wear plates to extend the life of bucket in severe applications.
• Side wear plated extend further up the side of the bucket for maximum protection in rocky soils.
• Buckets accept sidebar protectors for best sidebar protection, or sidecutters for best fill characteristics and bucket wear protection.

Rock Ripping Buckets

Ruggedly constructed narrow bucket for ripping where material penetration and the inability to blast is the primary problem. The aggressive lip-type ripping design uses five sharp or twin sharp teeth in a staggered position. The staggered design allows one or two tips to penetrate first for higher breakout forces.

Service Life

Caterpillar® buckets increase service life and reduce repair costs.
• Dual radius design for increased life and reduced wear.
• Robot welding of hinge assembly for increased weld penetration and longer life.
• Incorporates the new aggressive and easier to install, K Series™ GET system.
• High strength and heat-treated steel that exceeds T-1 in high wear areas.

Caterpillar Ground Engaging Tools (GET)

The new Caterpillar K Series™ GET is featured on the new 345C L buckets. This new GET system uses a vertical retainer, which is easier to remove and install than the old Cat J Series pin. The new tooth shapes are more aggressive and offer excellent penetration. There are a variety of side cutters and sidebar protectors to match operating conditions. • A new sidecutter design is more aggressive in trenching applications, improving efficiency and bucket payload.

Tool Control System

The optional tool control system maximizes work tool productivity by configuring hydraulic flow, pressure, and operator controls to match a specific work tool. System versatility enables a wide range of tools to be used.

Work Tools

Choose from a variety of work tools such as hammers, shears, pulverizers, compactors, multi-processors, sorting grapples and couplers. Ask your Cat dealer for information on attachments or special configurations.

Control Levers

The operator's control lever preferences are diverse in much the same way as different tools. Three types of tool controls are available to ensure that the operator's preferences are met.
• Foot pedal - The hydraulic modulated foot pedal is used in conjunction with the hydraulic controller.
• Foot Switch - The electric on/off switch pedal is used in conjunction with either the hydraulic controller or attachment controller. The foot switch is located on cab floor.
• Tool controller joystick - Two types of the tool controller joysticks are available. The joystick with modulation switch has two on/off switches, one trigger switch and one modulation switch. The joystick without the modulation switch has three on/off switches and one trigger switch.

Extended Service Intervals

Extended service and maintenance intervals increase machine availability. The maintenance intervals for engine oil and engine oil filter have been extended to 500 hours.

Capsule Filter

The hydraulic return filters are located in the hydraulic tank. The filter elements are removable without spilling hydraulic oil.

Pilot Hydraulic System Filter

Pilot hydraulic system filter keeps contaminants from the pilot system and is located in the pump compartment.

Radial Seal Main Air Cleaner

Radial seal main air cleaner with pre-cleaner has a double-layered filter element for more efficient filtration. No tools are required to change the element.

Fuel-Water Separator

The water separator has a primary fuel filter element and is located in the air cleaner compartment for easy access from the ground.

Service Points

Service points are centrally located with easy access to facilitate routine maintenance.

Oil Sample and Pressure Ports

Oil sample and pressure ports provide easy checking of machine condition and are standard on every machine.

Greasing Points

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

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 downtime. You can save money with Cat remanufactured components.

Machine Selection

Make detailed comparisons of the machines you are considering before you buy. What are the job requirements, machine attachments and operating hours? What production is needed? Your Cat dealer can provide recommendations.

Purchase

Look past initial price. 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.

Customer Support Agreements

Cat dealers offer a variety of product support agreements, and work with customers to develop a plan the best meets specific needs. These plans can cover the entire machine, including attachments, to help protect the customer's investment.

Operation

Improving operating techniques can boost your profits. Your Cat dealer has videotapes, literature and other ideas to help you increase productivity, and Caterpillar offers certified operator training classes to help maximize the return on your investment.

Maintenance Services

Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Diagnostic programs such as Scheduled Oil Sampling, Coolant 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.