Operating the Cat 345C L Excavator in Deep Foundation Work

[MikePhua]

The Cat 345C L and Its Role in Urban Excavation
The Caterpillar 345C L is a heavy-duty hydraulic excavator designed for large-scale earthmoving, demolition, and deep foundation work. Introduced in the mid-2000s, it features a powerful Cat C13 ACERT engine delivering up to 345 horsepower, a long undercarriage for stability, and an operating weight exceeding 90,000 lbs. Caterpillar Inc., founded in 1925, has long dominated the global excavator market, and the 345C L was part of its push into high-production urban excavation.
This model is particularly suited for tight construction sites where deep cuts and precision are required. Its hydraulic system allows for smooth multi-function operation, and its reinforced boom and stick are engineered to handle heavy loads without compromising control.
Terminology Annotation
- ACERT Technology: Caterpillar’s emissions control system that optimizes combustion and reduces particulate output.
- Long Undercarriage (L): A configuration that extends track length for improved stability and reduced ground pressure.
- Foundation Excavation: The process of removing soil and rock to prepare for structural footings, often requiring deep and narrow cuts.
- Articulated Dump Tub: A modified dump body used in tight spaces to receive material from excavators without traditional truck clearance.
- Shank: The steel base that holds a bucket tooth; if missing, the tooth cannot be replaced directly.
Challenges of Deep Foundation Work in Confined Spaces
In the featured operation, the Cat 345C L was deployed in a deep foundation excavation with limited maneuvering room. The site required precise digging and material placement, often into converted articulated dump tubs. Operators had to carefully manage boom swing and bucket rotation to avoid striking rigging or site structures.
Such conditions demand:

• High operator skill and spatial awareness
  
• Responsive hydraulics for fine control
  
• Reinforced bucket teeth and shanks to withstand dense material
  
• Coordination with ground crews for safe material handling
  

In one instance, a missing tooth on the right side of the bucket was noted, likely due to a broken shank. This affects digging efficiency and can lead to uneven wear on the bucket edge.
Machine Access and Site Logistics
Due to the depth and layout of the foundation, the excavator could not track out under its own power. Instead, it had to be lifted out using cranes—a common practice in urban excavation where ramping is impractical. This method was previously used to remove a Komatsu 1250 and another Cat 345C L from similar sites.
Lift-out procedures require:

• Rigging rated for machine weight and center of gravity
  
• Coordination with crane operators and signal personnel
  
• Pre-lift inspection of lifting points and structural integrity
  
• Clearance planning for boom and counterweight
  

Operator Feedback and Brand Comparisons
While Caterpillar machines are widely respected, some operators expressed concerns about long-term reliability and cost. One user reported excessive oil consumption on a Cat 330D LME, burning two gallons of 15W-40 engine oil every 40 hours. This raised questions about engine wear and emissions control systems.
In contrast, Doosan excavators were praised for lower operating costs and fewer mechanical issues. The Doosan DX420 LC-HD, for example, was cited as a strong alternative for heavy excavation, with favorable reviews from operators in Barbados and other regions.
Suggested Maintenance and Inspection Practices
For machines working in deep foundations:

• Inspect bucket teeth and shanks weekly
  
• Monitor hydraulic fluid levels and filter condition
  
• Check undercarriage wear, especially track tension and roller alignment
  
• Perform engine oil analysis every 250 hours to detect early wear
  
• Clean cooling systems regularly to prevent overheating in confined spaces
  

Conclusion
The Cat 345C L excavator remains a formidable tool for deep foundation work, especially in urban environments where space and access are limited. Its power, stability, and hydraulic precision make it ideal for high-stakes excavation. However, like all heavy equipment, it requires diligent maintenance and skilled operation to perform at its best. Whether lifting out of a pit or threading material into a tight dump tub, the 345C L proves that big iron can still move with finesse.