The Cat 395 is the first novel front shovel large excavator configuration that Caterpillar has introduced in 15 years.
The new front shovel model is specifically engineered to satisfy the requirements of mining and quarry customers. It optimises operator comfort and control while leveraging standard Caterpillar next-generation features, including fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs.
Caterpillar provided a preview of a pre-production machine at bauma in Munich, despite the fact that the 395 front shovel will be officially launched in October.
Front shovel configuration excavators from Caterpillar have been accessible on 300 tonne machinery for the past two decades.
Ana Pinzon, Caterpillar’s Product Application Specialist, stated, “This is the first time in 15 years that Caterpillar is introducing a front shovel solution that weighs less than 100 tonnes.” “This configuration is constructed using the well-established and proven 395 next-generation platform and weighs 95 tonnes.”
She clarified that the 395 front shovel is an optimal machine for mining and aggregate locations that have horizontal space constraints. Additionally, the front shovel configuration enables the excavators to substitute for wheel loaders in situations where the floor conditions are not conducive to tires.
“It is capable of performing a multitude of functions.” Pinzon stated that it is capable of producing and cleaning, thereby maintaining the integrity of the task site.
The primary objectives of the 395 front shovel design are to address three primary objectives: rigorous pail fill, lightning-quick loading cycles, and robust digging capabilities and breakout force.
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Vincent Migeotte, Caterpillar Senior Product and Sales Consultant, stated, “Customers have consistently expressed their need for a machine that not only provides peak performance but also maintains that performance.”
“That is demonstrated in the 395 FS, which boasts a maximum ground level digging force that extends to truck height, as well as a robust breakout force at the bucket cutting edge that guarantees optimal bucket fill factors and superior material penetration.”
Additionally, the excavator is capable of producing bucket capacities of up to 6.5 cubic meters or a maximum density of 1.85 tonnes per cubic metre.
Migeotte stated, “That provides operators with a substantial increase in productivity.” The machine was also designed by Caterpillar with features such as a reinforced, extra-durable undercarriage, additional cylinder shields, and long-life fuel and hydraulic oil filters to reduce costs and downtime. Additionally, all models of the next generation are equipped with consistent components.
Migeotte acknowledged that a machine’s optimal performance is contingent upon its operator’s cooperation. Consequently, we have prioritised operator optimisation in our next-generation developments.
The 395 front shovel is designed with a master cylinder and a parallelogram-type front linkage, which enables the operator to extract the machine’s utmost capability.
The operator can achieve a smooth floor clean-up by optimising penetration, loading, sorting, and breaking by maintaining the container parallel to the ground.
“We have also installed a fixed riser on the 395 FS, which enables the operator to observe the side of the truck body while loading, in addition to building it around the next generation cab,” Migeotte stated. “Premium work task visibility contributes to the enhancement of both productivity and worksite safety.”
The interior of the cab is equipped with an ergonomic seat, a touchscreen display, climate control, noise insulation, and vibration reduction, all of which contribute to a more productive and comfortable operating experience.
Source: equipment journal
