Caterpillar Performance Handbook, January 2017, SEBD0351-47

Machine Operation ● Maximizing Production with a Mass Excavator

Hydraulic Excavators

Cat 300 Series Mass Excavation booms and buckets coupled with the proper stick will help you move material faster and more efficiently in production excavation and loading applications. With the largest bucket, shortest stick and long undercarriage your excavator can often do the work of a larger machine. A longer stick and standard undercarriage make it ideal for loading on-highway trucks and general construction jobs.

MAXIMIZING PRODUCTIONWITH A MASS EXCAVATOR

Ideal Bench Height and Truck Distance — For stable or consolidated materials, bench height should be about equal to stick length. For unstable materials it should be less. The most useful truck position is when the inside truck body rail is below the boomstick hinge pin.

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Optimum Work Zone and Swing Angle — For maximum production, the work zone should be limited to 15° either side of machine center or about equal to undercarriage width. Trucks should be positioned as close as possible to machine centerline. Two alternatives shown here.

Best Distance from the Edge — The machine should be positioned so that the stick is vertical when the bucket reaches full load. If the unit is farther back, breakout force is reduced. If it is closer to the edge, undercutting may occur and time is wasted bringing the stick back out. Also, the operator should begin boom-up when the bucket is 75% of the way through the curl cycle. This should be as the stick nears the vertical position. This example reflects the ideal situation. Not all points are usable on each job, but incorporation of as many of these points as possible will positively affect production.

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