Caterpillar 336DL Excavator User Experience

[MikePhua]

In this interview, we highlight a user from Liaoning, China, known as "Autumn's Feelings YZ," a passionate excavator operator and a veteran in the field. As a member of an engineering machinery forum, he is known for offering guidance to fellow enthusiasts. Being a 70s-born "Northeast guy," his experience with excavators began in 2004, when his family-owned brick factory needed a machine for earth-moving. He initially bought a second-hand Hitachi EX200, which led him into the world of excavators. For the first few years, Autumn’s Feelings YZ drove the machine himself, developing a deep understanding of excavator quality, performance, and operation. Over time, he gained experience operating nearly every major brand and model on the market, which significantly contributed to his ability to choose and maintain equipment.
Purchase Information:

• Purchase Date: November 2009
  
• Purchase Price: 2.05 million yuan (paid in full)
  
• Dealer: Purchased from Liaoning West
  
• Alternatives Considered: Komatsu PC350-7, Caterpillar 336DL
  

Autumn’s Feelings YZ considered the Komatsu PC350-7, but due to its limited availability and high maintenance costs in China, he decided on the Caterpillar 336DL, a common model used in local mining operations.
Operator Details:
The 336DL is operated by two local 80s-generation operators who alternate shifts. Autumn's Feelings YZ, being an operator himself, understands the importance of maintaining a clean and comfortable driving environment. His 336DL’s cabin is notably spotless, a reflection of his care for equipment and emphasis on safety and efficiency.
Working Conditions:
After purchasing the machine, it was sent to a local quarry for heavy-duty work, where it primarily dealt with blasting debris and hard rocks. Other machines on-site include the Komatsu PC360 and Hitachi ZX330-3, both over 30 tons.
Work Efficiency:
According to Autumn's Feelings YZ, the Caterpillar 336DL offers significant advantages in terms of speed and efficiency:

• Bucket Size Comparison: The 336DL is equipped with a 1.62 m³ rock bucket and a 1.87 m³ standard bucket. For comparison, the standard 40 cubic meter dump trucks in the quarry are filled with just 15 bucket loads, whereas the smaller buckets of the Komatsu PC360-7 and Hitachi ZX330-3 are unable to handle the same amount efficiently.
  
• Loading Speed: The 336DL can load faster than both the Komatsu and Hitachi machines, particularly with the larger buckets, giving it a noticeable edge in the quarry.
  

Additionally, Autumn’s Feelings YZ shares an incident where the 336DL outperformed a Komatsu PC400-7 in lifting heavy parts in the quarry. This solidified his confidence in the Caterpillar brand and the machine’s exceptional capabilities.
Fuel Consumption:
The 336DL generally operates in economy mode (E mode), with an average fuel consumption of 28 liters per hour, which increases slightly to 32-33 liters per hour during active digging. When factoring in all operational time, including idling and waiting for trucks, the fuel consumption remains relatively efficient.

• Fuel Efficiency: In daily work with a 1.64 m³ rock bucket, the machine consumes 30-33 liters per hour in economy mode and slightly more in standard mode. This consumption rate is deemed reasonable for its class.
  

Product Performance and Issues:

• Engine Performance: There have been no major issues with the engine, though it consumes a small amount of oil. Every 500 hours, 12-13 liters of oil are added. The consumption is due to the deeper cylinder honing used in Caterpillar engines to extend their lifespan. This results in a small amount of oil burning off during operation.
  
• Hydraulic System: No significant issues have been reported with the hydraulic system.
  
• Other Issues: The operator’s cabin experienced minor issues, such as a broken handrail, which was repaired through welding. Additionally, the air intake grille's plastic cover broke, which is a common problem across many brands. Lastly, the cabin's front windshield seal was not tight enough, allowing dust to enter, so the seal was reinforced with glue for better protection.
  

Maintenance and Parts:
Autumn’s Feelings YZ maintains the excavator himself due to his extensive experience. He also added a fuel filter machine and an air pre-filter system to improve machine longevity and performance:

• Fuel Filtration: A fuel filter machine was purchased for 6,000 yuan to clean diesel before it enters the machine, improving fuel quality and significantly extending filter replacement intervals from 250 hours to 1,000 hours.
  
• Air Pre-Filter & Anti-theft System: He added an air pre-filter and a computer board anti-theft system, further enhancing the machine's reliability.
  

Dealer and After-Sales Service:
Though Autumn’s Feelings YZ has never had to call the dealer for repairs, he has had positive experiences with Liaoning West, the authorized Caterpillar dealer. He feels that they offer excellent customer service and are always ready to assist, although he prefers to manage maintenance independently.
Parts and Pricing:

• Parts Pricing: Autumn’s Feelings YZ typically buys parts directly from the dealer, emphasizing the quality and reliability of Caterpillar's original parts. However, he finds that some parts, especially for smaller components like buckets and teeth, can be overpriced, although they offer high durability.
  
• Parts Choice: For minor parts, he sometimes sources from other suppliers if the quality is comparable and the price is more reasonable.
  

Conclusion:
Autumn’s Feelings YZ is highly satisfied with the performance of the Caterpillar 336DL. He praises its durability, efficiency, and excellent control precision, which makes it stand out among other brands in the same class. The machine’s fuel consumption is also reasonable, especially considering the harsh quarry conditions in which it operates. If parts pricing were a bit more competitive, Caterpillar would likely see an even greater market share.