Operator Station
The workstation is spacious, quiet and comfortable, assuring high productivity during a long work day. The air conditioner and attachment switches are conveniently located on the right-hand wall, and the key switch and throttle dial are on the right-hand console. The monitor is easy to see and maximizes visibility.
Standard Cab Equipment
To enhance operator comfort and productivity, the cab includes a lighter, drink holder, coat hook, service meter, literature holder, magazine rack and storage compartment.
Monitor
The monitor is a full color 400x234 pixels Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) graphic display. The monitor angle can be adjusted to minimize sun glare and has the capability of displaying information in twenty-seven different languages. The Master Caution Lamp blinks ON and OFF when one of the critical conditions below occurs:
- Engine oil pressure low
- Coolant temperature high
- Hydraulic oil temperature high
Under normal conditions or the default condition, the monitor display screen is divided into four areas; clock and throttle dial, gage, event display and multi-information display.
Joystick Control
Joystick controls have low lever effort and are designed to match the operator’s natural wrist and arm position. The operator can operate joystick controls with an arm on the armrest and the horizontal and vertical strokes have been designed to reduce operator fatigue.
Seat
A new optional air suspension seat is available in the 324D. The standard and optional seats provide a variety of adjustments to suit the operator’s size and weight including fore/aft, height and weight. Wide adjustable armrests and a retractable seat belt are also included.
Hydraulic Activiation Control Lever
For added safety, this lever must be in the operate position to activate the machine control functions.
Climate Control
Positive filtered ventilation with a pressurized cab is standard. Fresh air or re-circulated air can be selected with a switch on the left console.
Console
Redesigned consoles feature a simple, functional design to reduce operator fatigue, ease of switch operation and excellent visibility. Both consoles have attached armrests with height adjustments.
Cab Exterior
The exterior design uses thick steel tubing along the bottom perimeter of the cab, improving the resistance of fatigue and vibration. This design allows the FOGS to be bolted directly to the cab, at the factory or as an attachment later, enabling the machine to meet specifications and job site requirements.
Cab Mounts
The cab shell is attached to the frame with viscous rubber cab mounts, which dampen vibrations and sound levels while enhancing operator comfort.
Windows
To maximize visibility, all glass is affixed directly to the cab, eliminating window frames. The upper front windshield opens, closes and stores on the roof above the operator with a one-touch action release system.
Wipers
Pillar-mounted wipers increase the operator’s viewing area and offer continuous and intermittent modes.
Skylight
An enlarged skylight with sunshade provides excellent visibility and excellent ventilation.
Product Link
Product Link is now an attachment available from the factory.
Structures
Robotic Welding
Up to 95% of the structural welds on a Caterpillar® Excavator are completed by robots. Robotic welds achieve over three times the penetration of manual welds.
Carbody Design and Track Roller Frames
X-shaped, box-section carbody provides excellent resistance to torsional bending. Robot-welded track roller frames are press-formed, pentagonal units to deliver exceptional strength and service life.
Main Frame
Rugged main frame is designed for maximum durability and efficient use of materials.
Undercarriage
Durable Cat undercarriage absorbs stresses and provides excellent stability.
Rollers and Idlers
Sealed and lubricated track rollers, carrier rollers, and idlers provide excellent service life, to keep the machine in the field longer.
Standard Undercarriage
The standard undercarriage is well suited for applications that require frequent repositioning of the machine, have restricted working space or uneven, rocky terrain.
Long Undercarriage
The long (L) undercarriage maximizes stability and lift capacity. This long, wide, and sturdy undercarriage offers a very stable work platform.
Booms and Sticks
Booms, Sticks and Attachments
Designed for maximum flexibility, productivity and high efficiency on all jobs, the 324D offers a wide range of configurations suitable for a variety of applications.
Front Linkage Attachments
Three length of booms and five types of sticks are available, offering a range of configurations suitable for a wide variety of application conditions.
Booms
The booms have large cross-sections and internal baffle plates to provide long life durability.
Sticks
The sticks are made of high-tensile strength steel using a large box section design with interior baffle plates and an additional bottom guard.
Reach Boom
The reach boom features an optimum design that maximizes digging envelopes with three stick choices: R3.6B1, R2.95CB1 and R2.5CB1 Sticks
- The B1 and CB1-family bucket associated with these sticks have enough capacity for excellent reach and depth in trenching and general construction applications. R3.6B1 Stick
- Stick provides maximum reach at the expense of bucket size and forces. R2.95CB1
- The most versatile front linkage and is a good fit for all 11-ton dump trucks with regard to reach and bucket capacity. R2.5CB1
- Provides excellent digging envelope with large bucket sizes.
Mass Excavation Boom
The mass excavation boom maximizes productivity. The mass version offers significantly higher digging forces and allows use of larger buckets. M2.5DB and M2.0DB Sticks • The DB Stick uses a DB-family bucket and was designed for high volume earth moving, powerful digging force and a large capacity bucket. Combined with a Mass boom, this stick delivers outstanding productivity.
Linkage Pins
The bucket linkage pins have been enlarged to improve reliability and durability. All the pins in the front linkages have thick chrome plating, giving them high wear and corrosion resistance.
Bucket Linkage
The power link improves durability, increases machine-lifting capability in key lifting positions and is easier to use than compared to the previous lifting eye.
Work Tools - Attachments
Service Life
Caterpillar buckets increase service life and reduce repair costs.
- Dual radius design for increased heel clearance and reduced wear
- Robot welding of hinge assembly for increased weld penetration and longer life
- Incorporates the new aggressive and easier to install, K Series™ GET tool system
- High strength and heat-treated steel that exceeds T-1 in high wear areas
Excavation Buckets (X)
Excavation (X) buckets for digging in low-impact, moderately abrasive materials such as dirt, loam, gravel and clay.
Heavy-Duty Buckets
Heavy duty (HD) buckets for a wide range of moderately abrasive applications such as mixed dirt, clay and rock. HD buckets have best loading and dumping characteristics and will empty easier in cohesive material. More robust construction than the GP buckets.
Heavy-Duty Power (HDP) Buckets
For use in moderately abrasive applications where breakout force and cycle times are critical. Maximizes tip force and improves cycle times in most materials. Not for use in sticky material conditions. Cutting edge and GET are up-sized.
Heavy-Duty Rock Buckets
Heavy duty rock for aggressive bucket loading in highly abrasive application such as shot rock and granite. Features include:
- Thickest wear plates to extend the life of bucket in severe applications
- Side wear plated extend further up the side of the bucket for maximum protection in rocky soils
- Buckets accept sidebar protectors for best sidebar protection, or sidecutters for best fill characteristics and bucket wear protection
Caterpillar Ground Engaging Tools (GET)
The new Caterpillar K Series™ GET is featured on the new buckets. This new GET system uses a hammerless vertical retainer, which is easier to remove and install than the Cat J Series pin. The new tooth shapes are more aggressive and offer better penetration than the previous generation of tips. There is also a variety of side cutters and sidebar protectors to match operating conditions.
Cat Hydraulic Hammers are precisely matched to Cat machines for optimum performance in a wide variety of demolition and construction applications.
Cat thumbs multiply the capacilities of your excavator. This Highly versatile tool works in conjunction with the bucket to transform an excavator into a versatile material-handling machine.
Multi-processors do the work of many types of demolition tools by use of interchangeable jaw sets. Changing jaws allows a single unit to crush, pulverize and perform a variety of specialized cutting tasks, such as cutting steel rebar and tanks.
Versatility
Tool Control System
The optional tool control system maximizes work tool productivity by configuring hydraulic flow, pressure, and operator controls to match a specific work tool. System versatility enables a wide range of tools to be used.
Auxiliary Hydraulic Options
There are four different options that can be factory installed to meet the various demands for hydra-mechanical tools. Single-Function, Double-Function, Tool Control System without Medium Pressure and Tool Control System with Medium Pressure are available as a factory installed option.
Pin Grabber Plus Quick Couplers multiply the versatility and utility of Cat Excavators by allowing them to pick up and use virtually any work tool equipped with standard pins.
Caterpillar Vibratory Plate Compactors provide superior compaction force in a reliable, low-maintenance package. These units produce high-power impulses at a rate of 2200 impacts per minute. The forces generated by this vibration drive soil particles close together for solid, stable compactions. Whether in a trench or on a slope, driving sheeting or posts, Cat Compactors are the superior choice for any jobsite’s compaction tasks.
Caterpillar Scrap Shears feature 360° rotation and a high force-to-weight ratio. Used for demolishing steel structures, and preparing bulk scrap (such as cars, farm machinery and railroad cars) for further processing.
Dedicated Quick Coupler
Quick Couplers increase the versatility of Cat excavators; allowing the ease of changing work tools to meet job requirements at hand in a matter of minutes or seconds. Dedicated quick coupler buckets have no loss of tip radius, and develop maximum breakout force.
Service and Maintenance
Ground Level Service
The design and layout of the 324D was made with the service technician in mind. Many service locations are easily accessible at ground level allowing critical maintenance to get done quickly and efficiently.
Air Filter Compartment
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.
Pump Compartment
A service door on the right side of the upper structure allows ground-level access to the pump and pilot filter.
Radiator Compartment
The left rear service door allows easy access to the engine radiator, oil cooler and air-to-air-after-cooler. A reserve tank and drain cock are attached to the radiator for simplified maintenance.
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 324D 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 in the cab.
Extended Service Interval
324D service and maintenance intervals have been extended to reduce machine service time and increase machine availability.
Complete Customer Support
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 down time. 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.
Purchase
Look past initial price. Consider the financing options available as well as day-to-day operating costs. This is also the time to look at dealer services that can be included in the cost of the machine to yield lower equipment owning and operating costs over the long run.
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.
Operation
Improving operating techniques can boost your profits. Your Cat dealer has videotapes, literature and other ideas to help you increase productivity, and Caterpillar offers certified operator training classes to help maximize the return on your investment.
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.
Replacement
Repair, rebuild, or replace? Your Cat dealer can help you evaluate the cost involved so you can make the right choice.
CATERPILLAR 303.5E CR Crawler Excavator
CATERPILLAR 304E CR Crawler Excavator
CATERPILLAR 305E CR Hydraulic Excavator
CATERPILLAR 306E Mini Hydraulic Excavator
CATERPILLAR 305.5E CR Hydraulic Excavator
CATERPILLAR 307E Mini Hydraulic Excavator
CATERPILLAR 315D L Hydraulic Excavator
CATERPILLAR 311D LRR Hydraulic Excavator
CATERPILLAR 312D/312D L Hydraulic Excavator
CATERPILLAR 312D GC Series 2 Excavator
CATERPILLAR 303D Hydraulic Excavator
CATERPILLAR 318DL Crawler Excavator
CATERPILLAR 324D/324D L Hydraulic Excavator
CATERPILLAR 328D LCR Hydraulic Excavator
CATERPILLAR 329D/329D L Hydraulic Excavator
CATERPILLAR 320D/320D L Hydraulic Crawler Excavator
CATERPILLAR 320D/D L Series 2 Hydraulic Excavator