Maintenance schedules have been extended and synchronized on the new Cat 315 GC Next Gen compact radius excavator, changes that have prompted up to a 25 per cent reduction in maintenance costs, says Cat. In addition, fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 15 per cent.

Other improvements center on cab visibility; Cat says larger front, rear and side windows with narrow cab pillars give the cab a 60 per cent greater vertical visibility compared to its predecessor Cat 315F.

The machine’s Cat 3.6 engine’s high ambient temperature operation capability reaches 125 degree Fahrenheit. The combination of the 315 GC’s new Smart Mode operation — which automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions — and ECO mode for less demanding applications can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15% compared to the 315F, Cat says.

A new main hydraulic control valve eliminates the need for pilot lines, reduces pressure losses and lowers fuel consumption.

As mentioned, Cat says its comfort cab offers 60 per cent greater vertical visibility compared to the Cat 315F excavator.

The new cab features an 8-inch LCD touchscreen monitor. Standard rearview and right-hand sideview cameras further improve visibility. Viscous mounts lessen cab vibration compared to previous designs, reducing operator fatigue.

A new hydraulic oil filter delivers improved filtration and extends filter change intervals to 3,000 operating hours, a 50 per cent increase over previous models. New anti-drain valves keep the hydraulic oil clean during filter replacement.

Using the cab monitor, operators can track filter life and maintenance intervals. All daily maintenance checkpoints have ground-level accessibility; oil sampling ports are also at ground level. Service technicians can also use a second engine oil dipstick and oil fill located at the top of the excavator.