Caterpillar 345CL and Kenworth T800 in Urban Demolition and Infrastructure Work

[MikePhua]

The Rise of the Caterpillar 345CL
The Caterpillar 345CL hydraulic excavator is a cornerstone of heavy-duty earthmoving and demolition operations. Introduced in the early 2000s as part of Caterpillar’s C-Series lineup, the 345CL was designed to bridge the gap between mid-size and ultra-heavy excavators. With an operating weight of approximately 100,000 lbs and a net power output of 345 horsepower, it quickly became a favorite among contractors handling large-scale excavation, demolition, and utility installation.
The “CL” designation refers to its long undercarriage, which improves stability during deep trenching or high-reach demolition. Its hydraulic system, built around Cat’s ADEM™ engine management and load-sensing hydraulics, allows for precise control and efficient fuel usage. The 345CL’s boom and stick configurations are adaptable, with options for mass excavation, reach digging, or demolition-specific setups.
Caterpillar, founded in 1925, has long been a leader in construction equipment. By 2008, when the 345CL was prominently featured in urban demolition projects, Caterpillar had sold millions of machines globally. The 345CL itself saw strong adoption in North America, particularly in infrastructure renewal zones like New Jersey and New York, where aging industrial sites were being cleared for redevelopment.
Kenworth T800 and Its Role in Heavy Haul
The Kenworth T800 is a vocational truck known for its versatility and durability. Introduced in the late 1980s, the T800 was engineered to handle everything from aggregate hauling to lowboy trailer transport. Its sloped hood improves visibility, while its modular frame allows for customization across axle configurations, suspension types, and powertrains.
In demolition and excavation contexts, the T800 often serves as a tandem dump truck or lowboy hauler. Equipped with Cummins or PACCAR engines producing up to 600 horsepower, it can transport excavated material, demolition debris, or even the excavators themselves. Its popularity in the Northeast U.S. stems from its ability to navigate tight urban corridors while still delivering high payload capacity.
Kenworth, a division of PACCAR Inc., has been manufacturing trucks since 1923. The T800 remains one of its most successful models, with tens of thousands sold across North America. Its reputation among union operators and independent haulers alike is built on reliability and ease of maintenance.
Demolition at Bayonne MOTBY and Newark
One of the most notable deployments of the 345CL and T800 was at the former Military Ocean Terminal at Bayonne (MOTBY), New Jersey. This site, once a bustling logistics hub for the U.S. Army, was decommissioned and slated for redevelopment in the early 2000s. Contractors faced the challenge of removing decades-old infrastructure, including reinforced concrete warehouses and buried utility lines.
Operators reported moving over 600,000 cubic yards of pumped-in sand, a task requiring continuous loading and hauling. The 345CL’s mass excavation boom was paired with a heavy-duty bucket to maximize cycle efficiency. Meanwhile, T800 tandems ran nonstop to keep pace with the excavation, often working overnight shifts to meet deadlines.
In Newark, another 345CL was observed working on a separate demolition site. The machine’s paint scheme had been customized, a common practice among contractors to reflect company branding or improve visibility. These urban deployments highlight the importance of machine adaptability—long undercarriages for stability, reinforced booms for demolition, and high-capacity trucks for material removal.
Union Paving and Infrastructure Renewal
Union Paving, a regional contractor, played a key role in these projects. Their operators, often union-trained, brought decades of experience to the job. One operator recalled working on Route 80 with a Cat 365C, another heavy excavator in Caterpillar’s lineup. The 365C, with its 385-horsepower engine and 130,000-lb operating weight, was ideal for deep trenching and rock excavation.
The Garden State Parkway and Route 78 corridor also saw extensive work, with steel being set over major highways. These infrastructure upgrades were part of a broader push to modernize transportation networks in New Jersey, funded by both state and federal initiatives. The use of heavy iron—excavators, cranes, and haul trucks—was essential to meeting aggressive timelines.
Idle Equipment and Project Delays
Not all deployments went smoothly. In Harrison, New Jersey, near the PATH station, several pieces of equipment were observed sitting idle. A track hoe and dozer were parked on 4th Street, suggesting a stalled project. Such delays are common in urban construction, often caused by permitting issues, funding gaps, or environmental remediation requirements.
Idle equipment poses logistical challenges. Machines must be maintained even when not in use, and their presence can attract vandalism or theft. Contractors often rotate equipment between sites or lease them out to maintain cash flow. In some cases, machines are repurposed for emergency work, such as sewer line repairs or storm cleanup.
Stories from the Field
One operator shared a memory of working with Bedford Construction on Staten Island. Known for their camaraderie and skill, the crew was laying sewer pipe using a Cat 235, an older model excavator with a reputation for durability. The job on Clove Road involved deep trenching and precise pipe placement, tasks requiring both machine finesse and operator intuition.
Another anecdote involved a chance meeting between operators on different jobs. One had worked a single night on Route 80, loading tandem trucks with a 365C. Despite the brief encounter, the shared experience of running heavy iron forged a lasting connection. These stories underscore the human element behind the machines—operators who take pride in their craft and form bonds through shared labor.
Technical Recommendations and Operational Tips
For contractors considering similar deployments, several recommendations emerge:

• Use long undercarriage excavators like the 345CL for stability in demolition and trenching.
  
• Pair mass excavation booms with reinforced buckets to handle dense material.
  
• Employ tandem axle trucks like the T800 for efficient hauling in urban environments.
  
• Rotate equipment between sites to minimize idle time and maximize ROI.
  
• Train operators in both machine control and site logistics to improve coordination.
  

Conclusion
The Caterpillar 345CL and Kenworth T800 exemplify the synergy between excavation and hauling in urban construction. Their deployment in New Jersey’s redevelopment projects showcases the importance of machine selection, operator expertise, and logistical planning. As cities continue to evolve, these machines—and the people behind them—remain essential to shaping the infrastructure of tomorrow.