Caterpillar Inc.’s first model in its new line of hybrid excavators, the Cat 336E H, is a hybrid version of the 336E that the company designed to reduce customers’ ownership and operating costs. The hydraulic hybrid machines meet stringent interim Tier 4/Stage IIIB emission standards and are quieter.

The 336E H has all of the same features as the 336E with the biggest difference between the two models being even greater fuel efficiency. To achieve added fuel savings, the design of the 336E H uses three building block technologies that:

1) Conserve fuel with engine power management via the Cat Electronic Standardized Programmable (ESP) pump, which smoothly transitions between the hydraulic hybrid power sources, engine and accumulator. 

2) Optimize performance using restriction management via the patented Cat Adaptive Control System (ACS) valve, which manages restrictions and flows to seamlessly control machine motion with no loss of power, and to ensure operators experience no difference in control, hydraulic power, or lift capability.

3) Reuse energy via the hydraulic hybrid swing system, which captures the excavator’s upper structure swing brake energy in accumulators, and then releases the energy during swing acceleration.

The 336E H delivers productivity with up to 50% greater fuel efficiency, which is measured in tons per liter, over the 336D. Customers can expect the 336E H to use up to 25% less fuel compared to a standard 336E, and up to 33% less fuel than the 330/336D. Precisely when customers will recoup their initial investment in a 336E H depends on fuel prices and their applications. Assuming today’s fuel prices and a high-production application for a 336E H, Caterpillar estimates customers can realistically expect to see a return on their investment for the hybrid excavator model in as little as one year.

Caterpillar will begin taking orders for the 336E H in February 2013, with factory shipments beginning in March 2013.