Next-Gen Cat 336F L XE Hybrid Excavator Boosts Fuel Economy 20%

Caterpillar says the second generation of its 87,000-lb. hybrid excavator -- the 336F XE -- is 5% to 10% more fuel efficient than the first-generation 336E hybrid. Much of the fuel-efficiency gain is likely the result of adding selective catalytic reduction technology to the engine to satisfy U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions requirements. But Caterpillar does claim additional economy came from refinements in the software that controls the Adaptive Control System’s smart hydraulic valve, and from improved engine mapping. As a result, even though the conventional 336F excavator has become much more fuel efficient with SCR and addition of a high-volume hydraulic pump, Cat says the 336F XE hybrid beats it by up to 20% better fuel efficiency.

Caterpillar is so far unwilling to talk about pricing with the Tier 4 Final version of the 336F XE, but an increase seems certain. One indication is the addition of standard technology to the purchase. With Tier 4 Interim and Final machines, manufacturers including Cat have added refined technology and features to machines aimed at improving productivity and efficiency in the hopes of offsetting some of the expense of emissions compliance. The 336F XE is a clear example. It comes with a full complement of Cat Connect technologies: Cat Production Measurement, which weighs each bucket load as the boom swings; Cat Grade Control, which indicates cutting-edge depth relative to a desired grade; and Product Link machine-status telematics.

New control settings allow the operator to adjust what Caterpillar calls “lever gain,” the speed and extent to which machine functions respond to joystick inputs. Reduce gain to get better controllability for precise grading or lifting work, or dial up more gain to move quicker. Another setting adjustable in the in-cab monitor changes the crispness of swing braking, which can provide precision for hitting small targets with each bucket load, or a little more delay to give operators a little less fatiguing cycles when the demand for precision is lower.

• 308-hp C9.3 engine meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions regulation with SCR and diesel exhaust fluid (no interruptions to the operator or the job)
• Hydraulic accumulator captures energy during swing braking and uses fluid that would otherwise have returned to tank to power other functions
• Smart ACS valve diverts hydraulic fluid headed to tank to other work functions that need flow
• Electronic Standardized Programmable pump ensures smooth transitions between pump and accumulator power
• Automatic engine speed control, programmable engine-idle shutdown
• Three power modes: high, standard, and ECO
• Max. dig depth: 26 ft. 10 in.
• Operating weight range: 81,800 – 88,800 lb.

SPEC SHEET: Cat 336F XE Hybrid Excavator

VIDEO: How Standard Data Technology Boosts Cat 336F XE Excavator Productivity

VIDEO: How Cat Got More Fuel Efficiency with its 336F XE Hybrid Excavator

VIDEO: How Cat's Hydraulic Hybrid Excavator Works

VIDEO: Cat Says Hybrid ROI Will Make it Core Technology in 5 Years