Performance

The 345D, equipped with the C13 with ACERT® Technology provides 18% more horsepower compared to the 345C. The building blocks of ACERT Technology are fuel delivery, air management, and electronic control - providing better fuel economy and reduced engine wear.

Emissions

ACERT Technology is a differentiated technology that reduces emissions at the point of combustion. The technology capitalizes on Caterpillar’s proven leadership in three core engine systems: fuel, air and electronics.

Fuel System

The Cat® C13 features electronic controls that govern the mechanically actuated unit fuel injection (MEUI) system. MEUI provides the high-pressure required to help reduce particulate emissions and deliver better fuel economy through finer fuel atomization and more complete combustion.

ADEM™ A4 Engine Controller

The ADEM™ A4 electronic control module manages fuel delivery to get the best performance per liter of fuel used. The engine management system provides flexible fuel mapping, allowing the engine to respond quickly to varying application needs. It tracks engine and machine conditions while keeping the engine operating at peak efficiency.

Turbocharger

The Cat C13 uses a wastegate turbocharger for improved performance.

• The wastegate valve controls excessive engine boost pressure by allowing exhaust to bypass the exhaust-side turbine.
• The wastegate also reduces turbine wear in high RPM; low load conditions and optimizes air and fuel delivery for peak engine performance.
• The turbocharger increases the density of the air, enabling the engine to produce more power with few effects from altitude.

Low Sound and Vibration Levels

The engine mounts are rubber-isolating mounts matched with the engine package to provide optimum sound and vibration reduction. Further noise reduction has been achieved through design changes to the isolated top cover, oil pan, multiple injection strategy, insulated timing cover, sculpted crankcase.

Air Cleaner

The radial seal air filter features a double-layered filter core for more efficient filtration and is located in a compartment behind the cab. A warning is displayed on the monitor when dust accumulates above a preset level.

Cooling System

The 345D layout completely separates the cooling system from the engine compartment. The cooling fan is hydraulically driven with variable speed control based on the ambient temperature, coolant temperature, and hydraulic oil temperature. This unique feature assists in the management of engine power and improves noise efficiency while providing optimized cooling.

Cold Weather Starting Kit

The optional kit includes the ether starting aid. With this kit, the 345D has the capability to start at -32 degree Centigrade.

Pilot System

The pilot pump is independent from the main pumps and controls the front linkage, swing and travel operations. The pilot control valve operation is proportional to control lever movement, delivering outstanding controllability.

Component Layout

The component location and hydraulic system design provide the highest level of system efficiency. The main pumps, control valve and hydraulic tank are located as close to each other as possible. This design makes it possible to use shorter tubes and lines between components, reducing friction losses and pressure drops.

Heavy Lift Standard

The operator can select the heavy lift mode at the push of a button to boost lifting capability and provide improved controllability of heavy loads.

Hydraulic Cross-Sensing System

The hydraulic cross sensing system utilizes each of two hydraulic pumps to 100 percent of engine power under all operating conditions. This improves productivity with faster implement speeds and quicker, stronger pivot turns.

Boom and Stick Regeneration Circuits

A hydraulically operated stick regeneration circuit saves energy and improves multi-function performance during the stick-in operation. New on the 345D, the boom regeneration circuit is operated electrically, and this system is managed by the machine ECM. The system improves cycle times and fuel efficiency, increasing your productivity and reducing operating costs.

Boom and Swing Priority

The hydraulic system on the 345D provides automatic priority function for boom-up and swing operations eliminating the need for work mode buttons. When the boom or swing lever is activated, the system automatically assigns priority based on operator demand.

Hydraulic Cylinder Snubbers

Snubbers are located at the rod-end of the boom cylinders and both ends of the stick cylinders to cushion shocks while reducing sound levels and extending component and structure life.

Cab Design

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 with excellent 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 Display Screen

The compact, full color 400x234 pixels Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), displays machine maintenance, diagnostic and prognostic information, in twenty-seven different languages. The keypad allows the operator to select machine operation conditions and to set view preferences. The Master Caution Lamp blinks ON and OFF when one of these critical conditions occur:

• Engine oil pressure low
• Coolant temperature high
• Hydraulic oil temperature high

Under the normal condition or the default condition, the monitor display screen is divided into four areas: clock and throttle dial area, gauge area, event display area and multi-information display area.

Console

The consoles feature a simple, functional design that reduces operator fatigue. Switch access is exceptional providing excellent visibility and easy operation. Both consoles have attached armrests with height adjustments.

Joystick Controls

The 345D uses pilot operated control levers, positioned so the operator can operate with arms on the armrests. The vertical stroke is longer than the horizontal stroke, reducing operator fatigue. The control lever grips are ergonomically to fit into the operator’s hands. The horn switch and one-touch low idle switch are positioned on top of the left and right grip.

Hydraulic Activation Control Lever

For added safety, this lever must be in the operate position to activate the machine control functions.

Seat

A high-back, heated, air-suspension seat is now standard on the 345D. The seat allows a variety of adjustments to suit the operator's size and weight and provides a comfortable working environment. Wide adjustable armrests and a retractable seatbelt are also included.

Climate Control

Positive filtered ventilation with a pressurized cab comes standard on the 345D. Fresh air or re-circulated air can be selected with a switch on the left console.

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

All glass is affixed directly to the cab, eliminating window frames and expanding the operator’s view, which allows for excellent visibility. 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 good ventilation.

Undercarriage Options

Track with Positive Pin Retention 2 (PPR2) and cast idlers are available on the 345D. The PPR2 prevents loosening of the track pin from the track link and the cast idler is designed for extended life. Both options are ideal for extreme applications or those that require a large amount of travel.

Travel Motors

Two-speed axial piston hydraulic motors provide the 345D drive power and automatic speed selection when the high-speed position is selected. This enables the machine to automatically change between computer-controlled high and low speeds depending on drawbar-pull requirements.

Straight-line Travel Circuit

The straight-line travel circuit is incorporated into the hydraulic system, which maintains low-speed, straight-line travel, even when operating the front linkage.

Final Drive

The three-stage planetary reduction final drives design results in a complete drive/brake unit that is compact and delivers excellent performance and reliability.

Track

The 345D comes standard with a grease lubricated track called GLT4. The track links are assembled and sealed with grease to decrease internal bushing wear, reduce travel noise and extend service life lowering operating costs. The track link for the 345D has been re-designed to avoid the concentration of stresses and improve durability and reliability.

Track Guards

The idler guard and bolt-on center guard are standard equipment. They help maintain track alignment while traveling or working on slopes. For applications that require additional track protection or alignment, optional guarding is available.