Fuel Consumption of the Caterpillar 345B L Series II Ultra-High Demolition Excavator

[MikePhua]

Overview
The Caterpillar 345B L Series II UHD is a heavy-duty hydraulic excavator purpose-built for demanding demolition and earthmoving applications. Equipped with a Caterpillar 3176C ATAAC diesel engine developing 321 horsepower (239 kW), it balances power, efficiency, and operator comfort. Understanding its fuel consumption under normal operating conditions helps in planning jobsite logistics and budgeting fuel costs.
Engine and Fuel System

• Engine Model: Caterpillar 3176C ATAAC diesel
  
• Net Power: 321 hp (239 kW) at 2000 rpm
  
• Displacement: 10.3 liters (630 in³)
  
• Turbocharged and aftercooled for efficient combustion
  
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 190 gallons (720 liters)
  

Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption varies depending on work intensity, attachment, and operator habits. However, typical fuel usage for the 345B L series during normal operating conditions is around:

• 18 to 24 liters per hour (4.7 to 6.3 gallons per hour)
  

This range reflects moderate digging, demolition, and material handling work with average hydraulic loads. Peak fuel consumption may rise temporarily during heavy lifting or sustained high engine loads.
Hydraulic System Overview

• Main hydraulic system flow capacity: approximately 95 gallons per minute (360 liters per minute)
  
• Maximum equipment pressure: about 4980 psi (34,340 kPa)
  
• Auxiliary hydraulics for attachments provide programmable flow presets for hydraulic tools, optimizing power usage and fuel efficiency.
  

Design Features That Influence Fuel Efficiency

• Boom and stick regeneration circuits recover hydraulic oil flow during cylinder retraction, reducing pump load and fuel consumption.
  
• Variable displacement pumps adjust hydraulic flow based on demand, avoiding over-pumping.
  
• Automatic two-speed travel controls improve efficiency when shifting between slow and fast modes.
  
• Idle shutdown and low-engine-speed management reduce fuel use during waiting periods.
  

Operator Environment

• The cab is designed for operator comfort and visibility, reducing fatigue and encouraging more efficient machine operation. Features include climate control, ergonomic seating, joystick controls, and clear instrumentation for monitoring fuel use.
  

Operational Advice for Fuel Efficiency

• Avoid engine idling longer than necessary; use auto-shutdown features.
  
• Optimize hydraulic attachment use, matching flow settings to tool requirements.
  
• Schedule maintenance on fuel, air, and hydraulic filters to maintain system efficiency.
  
• Train operators on fuel-efficient techniques including smooth control inputs and planned movements.
  

Glossary

• Fuel Consumption (L/hr): The volume of fuel used per hour of machine operation.
  
• Hydraulic Regeneration: Reuse of hydraulic oil flow during cylinder retraction to save energy.
  
• Variable Displacement Pump: A pump adjusting flow based on demand, improving fuel economy.
  
• Auxiliary Hydraulics: Additional hydraulic circuits for powering attachments.
  
• Idle Shutdown: Engine automatic turn-off after prolonged idling to save fuel.
  

Summary
The Caterpillar 345B L Series II UHD excavator typically consumes between 18 and 24 liters of fuel per hour during moderate working conditions. This efficiency is achieved thanks to advanced hydraulic regeneration, variable displacement pumps, and thoughtful operator ergonomics. Maintaining the equipment properly and following fuel-saving operational techniques further optimizes the machine’s fuel economy on demanding demolition and excavation projects.