Gainwell CAT, Caterpillar’s authorised dealer partner for North and East India, recently launched the CAT® 355 Excavator at bauma CONEXPO India 2026 at the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida. The launch forms part of the company’s increased focus on machine uptime, lifecycle value and services-led equipment ownership.

Designed for severe-duty quarry and mining applications, the CAT 355 features a reinforced boom and stick, wide variable-gauge undercarriage and heavy counterweight to support large attachments while maintaining stability. The excavator can operate hammers of up to 210 mm (8 inches), according to the company.

The machine is powered by a C13 engine paired with an electrohydraulic system and offers three selectable operating modes – Power, Smart and Eco. Smart mode automatically balances engine and hydraulic power depending on operating requirements, helping reduce fuel consumption during lighter digging applications.

The CAT 355 is rated to operate at altitudes of up to 4,500 m and ambient temperatures of up to 52°C, allowing deployment across demanding Indian operating environments. A high-efficiency hydraulic fan with reverse-flow capability helps clear debris from cooling cores, while synchronised 1,000-hour filter service intervals are designed to reduce maintenance-related downtime.

The excavator delivers up to 296 kN of bucket digging force and has an operating weight of up to 53,000 kg, providing the capacity required for quarrying, mining and large construction applications.

Alongside the new excavator, Gainwell CAT highlighted its growing focus on Machine Rebuild, which aims to extend the service life of existing Cat equipment. The company is also expanding the use of Customer Value Agreements (CVAs), which combine parts, maintenance and equipment support under planned service coverage.

Manav Kohli, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Gainwell Commosales, said the CAT 355 offers the production and loading capacity required for mining and large construction projects while focusing on fuel efficiency and reliability. He added that the company’s CVAs are intended to support equipment availability and lower operating cost per tonne.

Gainwell CAT is also strengthening its digital equipment-management ecosystem. CAT VisionLink enables customers to monitor fleet performance and machine health, while Cat Central supports online parts ordering. The company is additionally using its Gainwell Vanijya platform to improve customer interaction and equipment ownership support.

Akanksha Chaturvedi, Executive Director and Chief Growth Officer, Gainwell Commosales, said the company is using digital platforms to simplify equipment ownership, improve transparency and help customers monitor machines, order parts and interact with Gainwell more efficiently.

Sunil Kumar Chaturvedi, Chairman and Managing Director, Gainwell Commosales, said infrastructure growth is changing customer expectations from equipment suppliers, with greater emphasis being placed on ensuring machines remain productive throughout their operating life.

Gainwell CAT’s service network extends across North and East India, including high-altitude locations such as Leh and major mining regions. The CAT 355 launch, alongside its rebuild, service and digital initiatives, strengthens the company’s focus on supporting construction and mining customers throughout the equipment lifecycle.