The next generation Cat 395 excavator offers 10 percent more production, two times more structural durability, and up to 20 percent less maintenance costs than the model it replaces, the 390F. The swing torque and stick force, each, have been increased by 10 percent to enable the use of larger buckets.
Similarly, the next generation Cat 374 excavator offers higher production, two times more structural durability, and up to 20 percent less maintenance costs than the model it replaces, the 374F.
Cat 395 specifications
| Engine model | Cat C18 |
| Engine power (ISO 14396) | 405 kW |
| Operating weight | 94,100 kg |
| Maximum digging depth* | 7190 mm |
| Maximum reach at ground level* | 12,260 mm |
| Maximum loading height* | 7960 mm |
*7.25m boom, 2.92m stick, SDV 6.5 m3 bucket, 650mm shoes
Cat 374 specifications
| Engine model | Cat C15 |
| Engine power (ISO 14396) | 362 kW |
| Operating weight | 71,700 kg |
| Maximum digging depth* | 8570 mm |
| Maximum reach at ground level* | 13,160 mm |
| Maximum loading height* | 8430 mm |
*7.8m boom, 3.6m stick, SD 3.3 m3 bucket
A new feature enabling the high production of the two models is their dedicated hydrostatic swing circuit, which was previously included only on larger Cat mining shovels. The circuit enables the excavator to regenerate swing brake energy and independently manage cylinder oil flow. This results in greater fuel efficiency along with smoother, more predictable performance when multitasking with the excavator.
Three modes of operation are available on the 395 and 374 models – Power, Eco and Smart.
The Power mode provides maximum power at all times; the Eco mode lowers engine speed and cycle times while maintaining breakout force; and the Smart mode automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to the actual digging conditions.
The cooling system features a new on-demand fan that’s designed to operate only when required, which helps save fuel. An auto reverse function assists with cleaning debris from the cooling cores.
Machine technology and features
Cat Payload helps operators increase loading efficiency with on-the-go weighing; real-time payload estimates can be calculated without swinging to help prevent overloading and underloading trucks. The monitor’s USB port lets operators download results from a single shift all the way up to 30 days of work with no need for an internet connection or subscription to Cat VisionLink fleet management services.
Cat Grade with 2D gives operators visual guidance to grade via the standard touchscreen monitor so they can make more accurate cuts. The system is readily upgradable to Cat Grade with Advanced 2D or Cat Grade with 3D for enhanced accuracy. Advanced 2D includes an additional touchscreen monitor to enable in-field design. 3D adds GPS and global navigation satellite system (GLONASS) positioning for pinpoint accuracy. The built-in communication technology on the 395 and 374 models makes it easier than ever to connect to 3D services like Trimble Connected Community or Virtual Reference Station.
Lift Assist is a new safety feature that helps prevent the excavator from tipping. It quickly calculates the weight of the actual load being lifted and compares it to the excavator’s rated capability. Visual and auditory alerts show and tell the operator if the excavator is within a safe working range.
Whether equipped with a bucket or hammer, standard 2D E-Fence prevents the excavator from moving outside operator-defined points. This helps protect the machine and other objects from damage and reduces the risk of fines related to zoning or underground and aboveground utility damage. It also helps prevent operator fatigue by reducing overswinging and digging.
Auto Hammer Stop prevents unnecessary wear and tear on the attachment and machine. A warning message appears on the monitor after 15 seconds of continuous firing; the hammer will automatically stop after 30 seconds of continuous firing.
Cat Product Link makes managing the machine easy. It provides a constant stream of wireless information available via the online VisionLink interface, allowing machine managers in the office to quickly evaluate critical operating information.
Optional Work Tool Recognition saves time and energy when changing attachments. A simple shake of an attached tool confirms its identity and automatically adjusts the hydraulic system to the parameters the operator set for that specific tool.
The optional Cat PL161 Attachment Locator is a Bluetooth device that makes finding attachments and other gear quick and easy. The excavator’s onboard Bluetooth reader or Cat App on a smart phone will locate the device automatically up to 91 metres (300 feet) away.
Booms have increased top and bottom plate thickness; sticks have increased side, bottom, and bracket plate thickness; and frames have increased base frame and counterweight mounting plate thickness. The reinforced car body, track link, track rollers, and boom, stick, and bucket cylinders ensure long-term, trouble-free performance.
Cat Remote Services include Remote Troubleshoot to connect owners to dealer service pros for quick problem resolution, and Remote Flash to ensure machine software is up to date for optimal performance.
Ground-level drains and oil level checks make routing maintenance faster, easier, and safer. In addition, extended and synchronized maintenance intervals contribute to the lower long-term costs of the excavators:
• The new Cat air filter with an integrated pre-cleaner and primary and secondary filters provides double the dust-holding capacity of the previous design.
• The new Cat hydraulic return filter has a 3,000-hour service life — a 50 percent increase over previous filters.
• Fuel system filters are synchronized for service at 1,000 hours — a 100 percent increase over the previous filters.
• The fuel system’s water and sediment drains and hydraulic system’s oil level check are positioned close together at ground level, making routine maintenance faster, easier, and safer.
Operator-oriented cab: the 395 and 374 models offer a choice between a deluxe and premium cab. Performance-enhancing features like the front-facing control panel, keyless pushbutton start, and large touchscreen monitor with jog dial keys come as standard features.
Other cab amenities include a tilt-up console that allows easy cab entry and exit; advanced viscous cab mounts that reduce vibration as much as 50 percent compared with previous models; Bluetooth integrated radio with USB ports for connecting and charging phones; automatic climate control that maintains temperature settings regardless of ambient temperatures; programmable joystick buttons that allow setting control patterns and hydraulic response rates for individual preferences; large front, rear, and side windows along with standard rearview and right-hand-sideview cameras to enhance visibility; and an optional 360-degree-visibility package that combines images from multiple cameras to enhance the operator’s sight lines in all directions.
Brian Abbott, worldwide product manager for Caterpillar large excavators, said: “In this size class, high production and durability are the most critical requirements for contractors. The 395 and 374 excavators deliver that and much more with the industry’s most comprehensive offering of factory-installed technology in their size classes.”
UAE-based quarrying and mining company Stevin Rock has been using the 395 for the past ten months primarily for extraction applications and for loading material directly to crushers.
Brian Howard, operations manager, Stevin Rock, said: “We run the 395 for 22 hours a day at temperatures of up to 45 degrees, loading 100-tonne capacity dump trucks, and we’ve found it to be very reliable. The performance of the 395 is impressive with regard to the tonnes per hour loaded. The fuel efficiency of the machine enables us to maximize the tonnes per gallon; the 395 burns around 30 litres less fuel per hour than similar machines of the same size and weight class.”