CONEXPO ROUNDUP

New equipment launched in Las Vegas ranges from small electric machines to large next-gen excavators and everything in between.

Caterpillar began launching its next-generation hydraulic excavators in late 2017, and the rollout continues two years later with the introduction of seven new excavators on the next-gen platform at the ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020 tradeshow in Las Vegas. A new family of small excavators - the standard-radius 313, 313 GC, and compact-radius 315 - fills a high-volume industry size class in the “sweet spot” of transportation. “The 13- and 15-ton excavator size range is huge, globally, in North America, really everywhere,” said product application specialist Brian Stellbrink, during a March 8 ConExpo press event.

The “jack-of-all-trades” 313 and 315 models are powered by the new C3.6 diesel engine delivering 110 hp (82 kW); the basic-level 313 GC sees power at 74 hp (55.4 kW) and provides lower operating costs, making it suitable for rental, municipal and general all-around excavating applications. A 10% higher swing torque makes work more efficient and the drive system navigates tough ground conditions and slopes with 14% more drawbar pull.