Caterpillar Sees More Demand for Compact Radius Excavators, Releases New Model
Caterpillar has noted increased customer demand for compact radius excavators, and knowing that it had a gap between its 15-ton 315 and 25-ton 325, has launched the new 319.
"The industry is loaded up with 15- and 25-ton machines," said Brian Stellbrink, senior market professional for Caterpillar. "Customers have said they need more power in a smaller package than 25 tons, and a lot of that is utility-driven for lifting."
Cat's 319 will be chock full of technology and options for a variety of applications beyond utility work.
"This size is a crossroads where a lot of our technologies meet," Stellbrink said.
Complete Cat compact radius family
The 319 joins the 315, 325, and 335 and the company's Next Generation family (Caterpillar Next Generation excavators have been rolling out since 2018). Operating weights for the 319 range from 45,000 to 47,000 pounds, depending on how the unit is equipped, Stellbrink said.
Technology features include Cat Grade 2D, Cat Grade with Assist, Cat Payload, E-Fence and Lift Assist.
Many are controlled and monitored on a large 10-inch touchscreen display. The model will also be Cat 3D Grade Ready.
Options include a 360-degree camera to help maximize visibility, Cat Detect to alert an operator to the presence of people around the machine, and multiple track-shoe options to help ensure smooth operation across varying conditions.
Wider undercarriage for stability
"We've built the 319 with a wider undercarriage from one of our larger excavators for added stability," Stellbrink said. "There's also the front blade, which can be used to further stabilize and allow a little more lift."
The extra width also means extra versatility with attachments and transport.
“For example, it provides the 319 with the capability to handle a TRS17–the tiltrotator attachment that aids precision and helps improve job site efficiency, as well as a variable angle boom or blade," Stellbrink said. "But it remains comfortably within the maximum transport width of 9.8 feet."
What are the hottest 20-ton excavators?
“That added stability, enhanced by the 7.2-foot track gauge, also allows for up to a 7% boost to lifting capacity, including the option to work with a 1.31-cubic-yard general duty bucket," he said.
A one- or two-piece boom is available. The Cat 319 excavator is powered by a 133-horsepower Cat 3.6 diesel engine.
About the Author
Frank Raczon
Raczon’s writing career spans nearly 25 years, including magazine publishing and public relations work with some of the industry’s major equipment manufacturers. He has won numerous awards in his career, including nods from the Construction Writers Association, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, and BtoB magazine. He is responsible for the magazine's Buying Files.