324D/324D L^Non-Current

Cat C7

The Cat C7 with ACERT™ Technology introduces a series of evolutionary, incremental improvements that provide breakthrough engine technology. The building blocks of ACERT Technology are fuel delivery, air management and electronic control. ACERT Technology optimizes engine performance while meeting EU Stage II engine emission regulations for off-road applications. By combining ACERT Technology with the new Economy Mode and Power Management, customers can balance the demands of performance and fuel economy to suit their requirements and application.

Performance

The Cat C7 with ACERT Technology offers more power, and runs at lower speeds for better fuel efficiency and reduced wear. The 324D is available with two power versions:— Standard power (124 kW)— Optional High power (140 kW)

Automatic Engine Speed Control

The two-stage, one-touch control maximizes fuel efficiency and reduces sound levels.

ADEM™ A4 Engine Controller

The ADEM A4 electronic control module manages fuel delivery to get the best performance per liter 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.

Fuel Delivery

The Cat C7 features electronic controls that govern the unit fuel injection system. Multiple injection fuel delivery involves a high degree of precision. Precisely shaping the combustion cycle lowers combustion chamber temperatures, generating fewer emissions and optimizing fuel combustion. This translates into more work output for your fuel cost.

Flexible Fuel Options

Economy ModeAvailable as standard, economy mode is best utilized in light duty applications and offers the best fuel economy while maintaining the breakout forces and lift capacity enjoyed while in standard power mode.Power ManagementIncluded when the machine is configured with the optional high power (140kW) setting. Power Management optimizes machine performance for each type of application. The operator can change the engine power on the monitor (password protected) from standard to high. The high power mode is recommended for extremely productive and hard digging applications. The standard power mode is recommended for lighter duty applications and optimizes fuel efficiency.

Cooling System

The cooling fan is directly driven from the engine. An electrically controlled viscous clutch fan is available as an attachment to reduce fan noise. The optimum fan speed is calculated based on the target engine speed, coolant temperature, hydraulic oil temperature and actual fan speed. The Cat C7 delivered a completely new layout that separates the cooling system from the engine compartment.

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.

Noise Reduction Technologies

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

Component Layout

The 324D hydraulic system and component locations have been designed to provide a high level of system efficiency. The main pumps, control valves and hydraulic tank are located close together to allow for shorter tubes and lines between components which reduces friction loss and pressure drops in the lines. The layout further provides greater operator comfort by placing the radiator on the cab side of the upper structure. This allows incoming air to enter the engine compartment from the operator side and hot air and corresponding engine sound to exit on the opposite side away from the operator. This reduces engine compartment heat and sound being transmitted to the operator.

Pilot System

The pilot pump is independent from the main pumps and controls the front linkage, swing and travel operations.

Hydraulic Cross Sensing System

The hydraulic cross sensing system utilizes each of two hydraulic pumps to 100 percent of engine power, under all operating conditions. This improves productivity with faster implement speeds and quicker, stronger pivot turns.

Boom and Stick Regeneration Circuit

Boom and stick regeneration circuit saves energy during boom-down and stick-in operation which increases efficiency, reduces cycle times and pressure loss for higher productivity, lower operating costs and increased fuel efficiency.

Auxiliary Hydraulic Valve

The auxiliary valve is standard on the 324D. Control Circuits are available as attachments, allowing for 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.

Operator Station

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 and maximizes visibility.

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.

Monitor

The monitor is a full color 400x234 pixels Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) graphic display. The monitor angle can be adjusted to minimize sun glare and has the capability of displaying information in twenty-seven different languages. The Master Caution Lamp blinks ON and OFF when one of the critical conditions below occurs:
• Engine oil pressure low
• Coolant temperature high
• Hydraulic oil temperature high
Under normal conditions or the default condition, the monitor display screen is divided into four areas; clock and throttle dial, gage, event display and multi-information display.

Joystick Control

Joystick controls have low lever effort and are designed to match the operator's natural wrist and arm position. The operator can operate joystick controls with an arm on the armrest and the horizontal and vertical strokes have been designed to reduce operator fatigue.

Seat

A new optional air suspension seat is available in the 324D. 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 Activiation 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 is standard. Fresh air or re-circulated air can be selected with a switch on the left console.

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.

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.

Windows

To maximize visibility, 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 excellent ventilation.

Product Link

Product Link is now an attachment available from the factory.

Robotic Welding

Up to 95% of the structural welds on a Caterpillar® Excavator are completed by robots. Robotic welds achieve over three times the penetration of manual welds.

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.

Main Frame

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

Undercarriage

Durable Cat undercarriage absorbs stresses and provides excellent stability.

Rollers and Idlers

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

Standard Undercarriage

The standard undercarriage is well suited for applications that require frequent repositioning of the machine, have restricted working space or uneven, rocky terrain.

Long Undercarriage

The long (L) undercarriage maximizes stability and lift capacity. This long, wide, and sturdy undercarriage offers a very stable work platform.

Booms, Sticks and Attachments

Designed for maximum flexibility, productivity and high efficiency on all jobs, the 324D offers a wide range of configurations suitable for a variety of applications.

Front Linkage Attachments

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

Booms

The booms have large cross-sections and internal baffle plates to provide long life durability.

Sticks

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

Reach Boom

The reach boom features an optimum design that maximizes digging envelopes with three stick choices: R3.6B1, R2.95CB1 and R2.5CB1 Sticks
• The B1 and CB1-family bucket associated with these sticks have enough capacity for excellent reach and depth in trenching and general construction applications.R3.6B1 Stick
• Stick provides maximum reach at the expense of bucket size and forces.R2.95CB1
• The most versatile front linkage and is a good fit for all 11-ton dump trucks with regard to reach and bucket capacity.R2.5CB1
• Provides excellent digging envelope with large bucket sizes.

Mass Excavation Boom

The mass excavation boom maximizes productivity. The mass version offers significantly higher digging forces and allows use of larger buckets.M2.5DB and M2.0DB Sticks• The DB Stick uses a DB-family bucket and was designed for high volume earth moving, powerful digging force and a large capacity bucket. Combined with a Mass boom, this stick delivers outstanding productivity.

Linkage Pins

The bucket linkage pins have been enlarged to improve reliability and durability. All the pins in the front linkages have thick chrome plating, giving them high wear and corrosion resistance.

Bucket Linkage

The power link improves durability, increases machine-lifting capability in key lifting positions and is easier to use than compared to the previous lifting eye.

Service Life

Caterpillar buckets increase service life and reduce repair costs.
• Dual radius design for increased heel clearance 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 tool system
• High strength and heat-treated steel that exceeds T-1 in high wear areas

Excavation Buckets (X)

Excavation (X) 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 up-sized.

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

Caterpillar Ground Engaging Tools (GET)

The new Caterpillar K Series™ GET is featured on the new buckets. This new GET system uses a hammerless vertical retainer, which is easier to remove and install than the Cat J Series pin. The new tooth shapes are more aggressive and offer better penetration than the previous generation of tips. There is also a variety of side cutters and sidebar protectors to match operating conditions.

Cat Hydraulic Hammers are precisely matched to Cat machines for optimum performance in a wide variety of demolition and construction applications.

Cat thumbs multiply the capacilities of your excavator. This Highly versatile tool works in conjunction with the bucket to transform an excavator into a versatile material-handling machine.

Multi-processors do the work of many types of demolition tools by use of interchangeable jaw sets. Changing jaws allows a single unit to crush, pulverize and perform a variety of specialized cutting tasks, such as cutting steel rebar and tanks.

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.

Auxiliary Hydraulic Options

There are four different options that can be factory installed to meet the various demands for hydra-mechanical tools. Single-Function, Double-Function, Tool Control System without Medium Pressure and Tool Control System with Medium Pressure are available as a factory installed option.

Pin Grabber Plus Quick Couplers multiply the versatility and utility of Cat Excavators by allowing them to pick up and use virtually any work tool equipped with standard pins.

Caterpillar Vibratory Plate Compactors provide superior compaction force in a reliable, low-maintenance package. These units produce high-power impulses at a rate of 2200 impacts per minute. The forces generated by this vibration drive soil particles close together for solid, stable compactions. Whether in a trench or on a slope, driving sheeting or posts, Cat Compactors are the superior choice for any jobsite's compaction tasks.

Caterpillar Scrap Shears feature 360° rotation and a high force-to-weight ratio. Used for demolishing steel structures, and preparing bulk scrap (such as cars, farm machinery and railroad cars) for further processing.

Dedicated Quick Coupler

Quick Couplers increase the versatility of Cat excavators; allowing the ease of changing work tools to meet job requirements at hand in a matter of minutes or seconds. Dedicated quick coupler buckets have no loss of tip radius, and develop maximum breakout force.

Ground Level Service

The design and layout of the 324D 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.

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.

Pump Compartment

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

Radiator Compartment

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

Capsule Filter

The hydraulic return filter, a capsule filter, is situated outside the hydraulic tank. This filter prevents contaminants from entering the system when hydraulic oil is changed and keeps the operation clean.

Greasing Points

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

Fan Guard

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

Anti-Skid Plate

Anti-skid plate covers top of storage box and upper structure to prevent slipping during maintenance.

Diagnostics and Monitoring

The 324D is equipped with S•O•SSM sampling ports and hydraulic test ports for the hydraulic system, engine oil, and for coolant. A test connection for the Cat Electronic Technician (Cat ET) service tool is located in the cab.

Extended Service Interval

324D service and maintenance intervals have been extended to reduce machine service time and increase machine availability.

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 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.