Cat has launched a new line of tilt buckets for its 311-325 crawler excavator models and the M314-M322 wheel excavators that it says are ideal for ditch cleaning, landscaping, precision grading and other finishing tasks.
The new buckets range in width from 1142mm to 1800mm and can hydraulically tilt 45 degrees left or right from vertical.
Available in both pin-on and coupler configurations, the bucket’s design uses two horizontal cylinders to give the operator the ability to position the bucket without actually moving the machine.
The horizontal cylinder design also gives the buckets a low profile while also keeping the cylinders out of harm’s way. On top of that, the hydraulic lines are fully sealed for added protection.
A pressurising valve stops the bucket from drooping (causing excessive wear) when in the tilt position
The buckets are fully compatible with Cat’s Grade Control 3D guidance system and are pre-drilled and tapped to accept the sensors and clips that Grade Control requires.
Grade Control is an automated system that provides audio and visual positioning guidance for the operator via the excavator’s in-cab LCD monitor.
At the front of the new buckets is a reversible, wear-resistant, bolt-on cutting edge that protects the base edge underneath from damage. The reversible edge also provides additional service life.
Along with the base edge, surfaces of the bucket exposed to heavy wear (such as corners) are protected by weld-in inserts made from 400 BHN-grade steel.