The Cat C4.2 engine with ACERT technology optimizes performance and meets U.S. EPA Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIA regulations. In conjunction with integrated electronics, ACERT technology reduces emissions during the combustion process by using advanced technology in the air and fuel systems. The Cat C4.2 engine has five percent more power than the former engine, allowing for more hydraulic pressure and increased productivity.

Automatic Engine Control and Fuel Delivery

A three-stage control with one-touch command maximizes fuel efficiency and reduces sound levels. Fuel delivery is managed by the ADEM™ A4 Engine Controller for the best performance per liter (gallon) of fuel used. Flexible fuel mapping allows the engine to respond quickly to varying application needs. Electronic controls govern the fuel injection system. Multiple injection fuel delivery involves a high level of precision and by precisely shaping the combustion cycle, lowers combustion chamber temperatures, generates fewer emissions and optimizes fuel combustion. This means more work output for your fuel cost.

Crankshaft and Pistons

A forged, one-piece, induction hardened crankshaft enhances balance, decreases vibration and improves abrasion resistance. Heat resistant, aluminum alloy pistons have a short compression height for greater efficiency and longer life.

Economy Mode

Available as a standard feature, economy mode allows you to balance the demands of performance and fuel economy while maintaining the breakout forces and lift capacity enjoyed at standard power.

Outstanding Performance

The 318D L hydraulic system is designed for high efficiency and performance. Auxiliary hydraulic and electrical lines are routed to the boom foot making installation of hydraulic circuits much easier. The new compact design utilizes shorter tubes and lines, reducing friction and pressure drops, resulting in a more efficient use of power.

• Hydraulic snubbers at the rod end of the boom cylinders and both ends of the stick cylinders cushion shock, reduce sound and increase cylinder life.
• Flow is reduced to a minimum when controls are in neutral to reduce fuel consumption and extend component life.
• Hydraulic Cross-Sensing System uses two hydraulic pumps to 100 percent of engine power under all operating conditions, improving productivity with faster implement speeds and quicker, stronger pivot turns.
• Improved balance and lift capacity with six percent increase in additional counterweight.

Boom and Stick Regeneration Circuit

The boom and stick regeneration circuit saves energy during boom-down and stick-in operation, increasing efficiency and lowering operating cost.

Easy Operation

Work mode and power mode switches have been eliminated making full power available at all times. Operators do not need to learn different modes, an automatic boom and swing priority function automatically selects the best mode based on joystick movement.

Caterpillar uses advanced engineering and software to analyze all structures, creating a durable, reliable machine for the toughest applications. More than 70 percent of the structural welds are robotic and achieve additional penetration over manual welds. These structural components and undercarriage are the backbone of the machine’s durability.

Carbody Design

X-shaped, box section carbody provides excellent resistance to torsional bending. Robot-welded track roller frames are press-formed, pentagonal units that deliver exceptional strength and service life. Integral to the track roller frame are the standard idler and center guards, which help maintain track alignment when traveling or working on slopes.

Grease Lubricated Track

Grease lubricated track seals protect the track link and deliver long track link pin and bushing inner wear life.

Travel Motors

Travel motors with automatic speed selection let the 318D L automatically change up and down from high and low speeds in a smooth, controlled manner.

Built for performance and long service life, Cat booms and sticks are welded, box-section structures with thick multi-plate high strength steel fabrications. The 318D L offers one boom with four different stick options.

Heavy Duty Stick

A 2.6 m heavy duty stick has additional plates, new forged parts and welded joints for increased durability, digging force and lifting capability.

Reach Stick

A 2.9 m reach stick maximizes digging envelope. It is made of high tensile strength steel using a large box section design with interior baffle plates for increased durability.

Boom

A 5.1 m one-piece, heavy duty boom features parts made from a new forging pattern and additional, thicker plates. A light attached to the left side offers improved visibility in dark and low-light conditions.

Cat Buckets and Cat Ground Engaging Tools (GET) are designed and matched to the machine ensuring optimal performance and fuel consumption. They are built to Caterpillar specifications guaranteeing quality and durability, whatever the application.

General Duty Buckets

General Duty buckets have been designed for machines digging in low-impact, moderately abrasive materials such as dirt, loam, gravel and clay.

Severe Duty Buckets

Severe duty are best suited to highly abrasive applications such as shot rock and granite.

Ground Level Service

The design and layout of the 318D L was made with the service technician in mind. Many service locations are easily accessible at ground level allowing service and maintenance to get completed quickly and efficiently.

Pump Compartment

A service door on the right side of the upper structure allows ground-level access to the pump, pilot filter, drain filter, and the engine oil filter.

Radiator Compartment

The left service door allows easy access to the engine radiator, oil cooler, air-to-air-after-cooler, water separator and 3rd fuel filter. A reserve tank and drain cock are attached to the radiator for simplified maintenance. The air filter features a double-element construction for superior cleaning efficiency. When the air cleaner plugs, a warning is displayed on the monitor screen inside the cab.

Capsule Filter

The hydraulic return filter, a capsule filter, is situated outside the hydraulic tank. This filter prevents contaminants from entering the system when hydraulic oil is changed and keeps the operation clean.

Greasing Points

A concentrated remote greasing block on the boom delivers grease to hard-to-reach locations on the front.

Fan Guard

Engine radiator fan is completely enclosed by fine wire mesh, reducing the risk of an accident.

Anti-Skid Plate

Anti-skid plate covers top of storage box and upper structure to prevent slipping during maintenance.

Diagnostics and Monitoring

The 318D L is equipped with S•O•SSM sampling ports and hydraulic test ports for the hydraulic system, engine oil, and for coolant. A test connection for the Cat Electronic Technician (Cat ET) service tool is located behind the cab.

Extended Service Interval

318D L service and maintenance intervals have been extended to reduce machine service time and increase machine availability.

Product Support

You will find nearly all parts at our dealer parts counter. Cat dealers utilize a worldwide computer network to find in-stock parts to minimize machine downtime. Save money with remanufactured components.

Machine Selection

Make detailed comparisons of the machines you are considering before you buy. What are the job requirements, machine attachments and operating hours? What production is needed? Your Cat dealer can provide recommendations.

Maintenance Services

Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Diagnostic programs such as Scheduled Oil Sampling, Coolant Sampling and Technical Analysis help you avoid unscheduled repairs.

Customer Support Agreements

Cat dealers offer a variety of product support agreements, and work with customers to develop a plan the best meets specific needs. These plans can cover the entire machine, including attachments, to help protect the customer’s investment.

Replacement

Repair, rebuild, or replace? Your Cat dealer can help you evaluate the cost involved so you can make the right choice.