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About caterpillar 385 excavator

Types of Caterpillar 385 Excavators

The Caterpillar 385 excavator is deemed one of the largest excavators from the Caterpillar Company. It is used in multiple large construction and mining activities. The people who produced it purposely made it a building vehicle for heavy tasks with better productivity. For better knowledge, here are some common excavators:

Swing Set Excavator

Swing set excavators are known for their ability to rotate their upper cab section, allowing the digging arm to swing in a wider range. This allows the user to work in tight or congested areas without repositioning the entire machine. Most of these excavators also have a short swing radius to maximize space when working close to other structures or in small areas. Caterpillar 385 excavator attachments are beneficial in adding flexibility and efficiency to different construction tasks.

Twin Beam Excavator

Twin-beam excavators include a hydraulic system with two beams or one pair of linked hydraulic cylinders. This structure provides a higher level of stability during operation. Such excavators are advantageous when used in mining and other construction processes that require high stability. These excavators also feature a robust hydraulic system. This makes them able to handle large quantities of heavy materials like rocks and ores.

Zero Tail Excavator

A zero-tail excavator can swing its cab like a conventional excavator in operation, but it will have no tails. Unlike other conventional swing set excavators whose tails extend beyond the size of the undercarriage, this particular cab does not. This makes it ideal for working in small crowded places or ripping up old asphalt. The ZTS's benefit from reduced cab dimensions is evident in its utilization in residential and light commercial ventures. These places do not have adequate space for large equipment.

Long Reach Excavator

As the name suggests, long-reach excavators are designed to provide an extended reach. Their main application is in deep excavation works and placement operations. These excavators consist of several arrangements of boom and arm. They enhance the distance capability of the machine without compromising stability. Long reach excavators are used for dredging, bank protection, and working on piers.

Industrial Applications of Caterpillar 385 Excavators

A Caterpillar 385 excavator hydraulic b>/strong' is one of the biggest hydraulic excavators from the Caterpillar Company. Both innovations and improvements make it suitable for heavy work. With its multiple applications, it is used in numerous industries.

Mining

This is one of the major applications of the caterpillar 385 excavator. The size of the excavator makes it ideal for use in coal and soil removal. The hydraulic movements of the excavator also help in the precise digging of mineral niches. The large buckets of the excavator allow the user to remove large amounts of rubble in a short time. This helps enhance productivity and efficiency, which are the major needs in the mining industry.

Construction

In the construction business, the Cat 385 is mainly used in large civil works. These works include digging foundations and excavation of the sites. Its large size enables it to scoop large quantities of soil with minimal passes. The advanced hydraulic system allows it to power various attachments for different construction tasks. These tasks can range from digging to demolition. It is effective in these tasks, providing versatility and efficiency.

Agriculture

While smaller excavators are the most commonly used in this industry, Large excavators like the 385 are also used in some large agricultural projects. Such projects include land preparation and digging drainage ditches. Its power enables it to accomplish large-scale tasks which cannot be accomplished by smaller machines. It is also effective for land preparation and soil drainage tipping.

Forestry

In forestry operations, Caterpillar 385 excavator attachment used for clearing land and reducing stumps. Its size and power allow it to handle large trees and forest debris. Clearing this area enables the forest to undergo better management and control. It also develops space for other projects like farming and construction.

Salvage Operations

Caterpillar 385 excavator is highly used in marine salvage operations. It is used to retrieve sunken ships and heavy underwater objects. Its size and hydraulic hold provide the necessary depth and strength for this delicate excavation. This makes it ideal for underwater construction work due to its stability and strength.

Product Specifications and Features of Caterpillar 385 Excavators

Features

  • Advanced Hydraulics: The excavator employs a dynamic hydraulic system integrated with advanced hydraulic pumps and motors, precisely orchestrated to optimize power delivery. This system not only ensures enhanced digging force and speed when required but also intelligently adjusts to lower power consumption during lighter tasks. Such an advanced hydraulics system is designed to improve fuel efficiency and operational performance and is suitable for large-scale and multiple workload operations.
  • C7.1 ACERT Engine: At the heart of the Caterpillar 385 stands the C7.1 ACERT engine, a hallmark of Caterpillar engineering. This Tier 4-compliant powerhouse provides unparalleled muscle to the machine. With soaring horsepower and torque levels, it effortlessly tackles the most daunting excavating challenges. Fuel efficiency is also enhanced as it meets stringent environmental regulations in many countries.
  • Variable Track Width: Caterpillar 385 tracks are designed with a variable feature. It provides users with the capability to expand or contract the track width based on the demands of the specific task at hand. This versatility promotes stability on uneven terrains and enhances maneuverability in confined areas. Such a feature is useful, especially in construction and mining areas where ground conditions are unpredictable and ever changing.
  • Rugged Spade-Nosed Boom: The machine's spade-nosed boom is built for absolute durability. Caterpillar has reverberated this feature to withstand the substantial stress of heavy-duty excavation tasks. Made from high-strength steel and low-stretch fabric, the spade-nosed boom offers added reinforcement for the operator. Consequently, the operator enjoys enhanced digging precision and power, resulting in increased productivity.
  • Powerful Bucket: The Caterpillar 385 excavator bucket is designed with a reinforced structure. It utilizes robust steel materials and strategically placed wear strips. These ensure enhanced durability even when working with the most abrasive materials. Moreover, the bucket is designed with an optimal shape featuring a curved cutting edge. This helps facilitate easier penetration into the ground and, as a result, maximizes material retention and minimizes spillage.

How to Install

The caterpillar 385 excavator is an advanced piece of equipment that requires careful installation and setup for optimal performance.

  • Unloading: After receiving the 385 excavator, the owner should unload it carefully from the transport vehicle. They should use ramps or a crane, which will prevent any damage or accidents. The excavator should then be moved onto a flat ground for stability purposes.
  • Installing the Tracks: The 385 excavator has a variable track width feature. Therefore, the caterpillar 385 track installation will depend on the working conditions. The tracks should either be extended or retracted based on the job need. This is done using a track adjustment lever according to the user manual instructions.
  • Leveling: For stability and optimum performance, its base must be level. This is important for the hydraulic systems to work effectively. When working in uneven ground conditions, leveling plates should be used to put the machine into a stable position.
  • Fueling: The 385 excavator comes with the C7.1 ACERT engine. This engine needs diesel fuel of high quality. They should avoid mixing water and gasoline with the diesel fuel to prevent the engine from developing issues. Before starting, they should also check the oil levels and other liquid levels to make the engine work properly without overheating.
  • Starting: With the checklist complete, it's time for the big moment – starting the machine. The user should turn the ignition key to the "On" position and allow the system self-check. After that, the engine should be started by turning the key to the "Start" position. The caterpillar 385 excavator manual has provided detailed instructions for every step.
  • Cab Adjustment: The cab controls and seat position need adjustment to achieve working comfort. This is done to avoid fatigue after long work hours.

Maintenance and Repair

  • Maintenance: Periodic maintenance is also done on some parts like filters, fluids, and hydraulic hoses to enhance performance.
  • Inspections: The owner should frequently inspect excavator components such as the boom, arm, and bucket for wear and tear.

Choosing Factors of Caterpillar 385 Excavators

Caterpillar 385 excavators are enormous and primarily used in quarrying and other large excavating works. Here are some factors business owners should consider when buying Caterpillar 385 excavators.

Working Conditions

Every job site has unique working conditions such as ground and weather conditions. Caterpillar 385 excavators are manufactured for specific jobs. They make it easy to handle massive amounts of materials, about 85 metric tons. They also make it easy to accomplish tough tasks like digging up to 2.86 meters deep. Such unique characteristics enable it to thrive in different working conditions.

Modifications

This excavator model has several optional add-ons that enhance its performance. These add-ons are beneficial in addressing specific business requirements. For instance, there are several booms and arms customers can choose from. Each is designed for unique purposes, such as increasing reach or adding extra power to the equipment. The optional permanent change of the undercarriage has track widths varying from 600 millimeters to 2,800 millimeters. This makes the equipment versatile as it can be modified for use in different types of jobs.

Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system is one of the key factors when investing in an excavator. It determines how well the machine works. Cat 385 hydraulic pumps generate up to 495,000 millimeters of hydraulic pressure. This makes the strongest hydraulic system. The hydraulic fluid is stored in a 60-liter hydraulic fluid reservoir. This fluid helps the machine perform its functions for a long period without the fluid getting overused or spoiled. The hydraulic fans are also fabricated with variable speed to avoid overcooling or cooling too much. This conserves fuel in the long run as the engine cools up only when necessary.

Maintenance Requirements

Regular maintenance is a key concern for every business owner. The good news is that the maintenance requirements of the 385 excavator are minimal. It comes with features that make it easy to service and maintain the machine. For instance, most of the components that require routine checks are easily accessible. In addition, some of the features are designed to minimize wear and tear. This is done to ensure the machine has a long lifespan while giving the best performance.

Q&A

Q1. How much is the Cat 385 excavator bucket lifting capacity?

A1. The 385 Caterpillar excavator has a lifting capability of approximately 38,500 kilograms of bucket payload. The lifting capability also depends on the nature of the materials and the type of the bucket used.

Q2. How deep can the Caterpillar 385 excavator dig?

A2. The 385 hydraulic excavator can dig up to 2.86 meters. The digging depth, however, can change depending on certain factors such as the type of the attachment used and the nature of the ground the machine is working on.

Q3. Can the excavator operate on sloping grounds?

A3. Yes, the excavator has several features that improve its stability on sloping and uneven grounds. The caterpillar 385 stabilized cab and a wide tracks space make it ideal for operating on inclines, around ditches, and on hills without tipping over.

Q4. What maintenance practices are required to keep the Caterpillar 385 excavator functional?

A4. The good news is that the maintenance requirements of the 385 excavator are minimal. Some features make it easy to service and maintain the machine. Most of the components required for routine checks are easily accessible. Some features are designed to minimize wear and tear to ensure the machine has a long lifespan while giving the best performance.

Q5. What is the role of the 385C stabilizing cab?

A5. The stabilizing cab is one of the exceptional features of the Caterpillar 385 excavator. It helps improve the performance of the machine on sloping and uneven grounds.