Cat MH3022, MH3024 and MH3040 material handlers
Caterpillar has revealed details about its new material handlers, called the MH3022, MH3024 and MH3040 (a replacement for the M325D L MH model).
The MH3040 (38,529kg operating weight) material handler’s new 202hp Cat C7.1 engine meets EU Stage 5 emissions standards with an aftertreatment system that requires no maintenance or downtime. New Smart Mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to working conditions to reduce fuel consumption, while Power Mode constantly provides maximum power to optimise productivity. The fuel-efficient engine can run up to B20 biodiesel and offers up to 25% lower fuel consumption than the M325D L MH. Maximum reach for this model is 15.5m and maximum height is 17.5m.
Offering a 12% faster swing speed, the MH3040 reduces cycle times and allows operators to move more material in the same amount of time, says Cat. The advanced hydraulic system features valve priority to direct pressure and flow to where it’s needed and delivers an ideal balance of power, efficiency and load control. The handler’s new heavy lift mode boosts lifting capacities and improves controllability. Its auto warm-up features reduce the time it takes for hydraulic oil warming in cold temperatures to prolong component life.
The MH3040’s larger premium cab design includes sound suppression to reduce operating noise levels inside the cab. Smaller cab pillars combined with large tempered windows deliver excellent all-around visibility. Rear-view and right-side cameras are standard, keeping operators aware of their surroundings. New joystick machine control removes the centre steering wheel column to further improve forward visibility. A tip-up left console allows operators to enter and exit the cab much easier.
A larger 10in high-resolution touchscreen with jog dial offers navigation of the operator controls. Joystick controls are located within easy reach to reduce operator fatigue, while joystick settings and preferred power mode are set to a specific user ID via the monitor. The premium air suspension seat with headrest, heater and ventilator is designed to comfortably adjust to operators of all sizes.
Offering a maximum 15.5m reach, multiple configurations are available for the MH3040 material handler to meet customer needs. Customers can choose from a range of work tool attachments in different sizes to meet the site’s material handling and production needs. Work in low-light conditions with the standard, 1,800 lumen, LED lights on the boom, stick, and cab. The optional, ex-factory 20kW generator with wiring to stick nose helps to efficiently power magnet attachments for handling fine ferrous material.
MH3040 material handler service design changes reduce maintenance costs by up to 20%. All fuel filters feature a synchronised 1,000-operating-hour change interval, and the new air intake filter with pre-cleaner lasts up to 1,000 hours to reduce maintenance requirements. Its new hydraulic oil filter improves filtration and increases change intervals to 3,000 operating hours, a 50% longer service life over the M325D L MH. New anti-drain valves keep the hydraulic oil clean during filter replacement to improve system longevity.
Filter life and maintenance intervals are quickly tracked through the in-cab high-resolution monitor. Featuring electric drive to operate only when necessary, the high-efficiency cooling fans can be programmed to automatically reverse at set intervals to keep the cores clean without work interruptions. The new right-hand-side service access provides easy access for refueling and engine oil checks.
Standard Product Link, new to the MH3040 material handler, captures critical operating data such as location, hours, fuel usage, productivity, idle time, maintenance alerts and fault codes, which can be remotely accessed and tracked to boost fleet management efficiency. New Remote Flash works around the production schedule to conveniently assure the machine is operating with the most current version of on-board software, so it delivers high performance, maximum efficiency and minimum downtime.
Meanwhile, the new Cat MH3022 (24.5t) and MH3024 (26.8t) material handlers feature an advanced electro-hydraulic system, which is said to optimise the balance of power and efficiency, and improve cycle times to handle more material in the same amount of time, which boosts profit potential. Maximum reach for the MH3022 is 10.3m (11.7m maximum height) and for the MH3024 is 12.0m (13.0m maximum height).
These Next Generation material handlers are powered by the Cat C4.4 engine, capable of operating on up to B20 biodiesel. Meeting EU Stage 5 standard, the engine’s maintenance-free aftertreatment system is said to lower operating costs and increase machine uptime. The choice between Power and Eco power modes fine-tunes power requirements to the task at hand, offering up to 10% lower fuel usage than previous models without sacrificing machine performance.
A 12% wider, stabilised footprint increases the Cat MH3022’s operating stability for improved performance when lifting at extended reach. The MH3024 offers up to 7% greater swing torque to move more material faster. Heavy lift mode for both models boosts lifting capacities to more efficiently handle heavy loads. Allowing the boom to freely travel up and down without using pump flow, the standard SmartBoom allows the operator to focus on grapple control and have a smoother cycle.
A range of attachments and new reach options are available for varied applications to increase operating flexibility for the MH3022 and MH3024. Increasing their versatility, both material handlers can be equipped ex-factory with a 15kW generator for magnet operation.
Large tempered glass windows with small pillars on the reengineered cab design enhance all-around visibility and operating safety. Standard right-side and rear-view cameras, upgradable to 360-degree vision, display video feed on the large in-cab touchscreen monitor to further enhance work area visibility. Thicker, high-impact and impact-resistant windshields and roof windows meet EN356, P8B and P5A standards.
A ground-level shut-off switch stops all fuel to the engine and shuts down the machine. Preventing reverse oil flow in the event of an unexpected loss of hydraulic pressure, standard boom and stick lowering check valves keep the front linkage securely in place. All daily maintenance points are quickly accessed from ground level, while a new service platform with steps provides easy, safe and quick access to the upper service area.
Offering a choice between Deluxe and Premium designs, the new Next Generation cab features a joystick steering option, eliminating the steering column to significantly improve forward visibility, legroom and ease of cab entry. Further facilitating cab entry and exit, the left-hand console tilts up. All controls are positioned in front of and within easy reach of the operator to avoid unnecessary movements.
The new MH3022 and MH3024 get a 10in touchscreen linked to jog dial, too. Both models offer a maximum cab height of 5,750mm to improve loading and material handling visibility. Cat’s Product Link is standard, as are the improved maintenance features of the MH3040 detailed above.
Got a news story? Email news@earthmoversmagazine.co.uk.
