Tech
Video: Cat Replaced the 316F with Faster 317 and 317 GC Excavators
Caterpillar’s small excavator lineup looks pretty different these days with the inclusion of new models and their GC counterparts. In this video we discuss the new 317 and 317 GC, how these models differ and how they both improve over the 316F L that they replace.
Mentioned in this video:
The New Cat 315 is All About Speed
How is the New Cat 315 GC Excavator Different from the Standard Model? Who’s it For?
A few weeks back we took a look at two of Cat’s latest next-generation excavators, the 315 and the 315 GC. But those two machines aren’t the only new updates to hit Cat’s small excavator lineup of 13-20 metric ton machines. The revamped lineup also includes two new 317 models, the 317 and the 317 GC.
Unlike the 315 models, which are both around the same weight, the 317 and 317 GC differ slightly. While the 317 GC weighs in at around 38,100 pounds or 17 metric tons, the standard 317 is heavier at 40,200 pounds, or 18 metric tons.
When it comes to working ranges and forces, however, the two are nearly identical despite their price difference. Both 317 models have a max dig depth of 21 feet and a max reach of 29 feet. Max loading height is 20.6 feet, and bucket digging force is 27,650 pound feet.
But another area of difference is the engine.
Engines and Hydraulics
While the 317 GC is powered by Cat’s awesome new C3.6—an engine found in a wide variety of Cat’s smaller equipment—the 3.6 provides 119 net hp. The standard 317, however is powered by the Cat C4.4, pushing a more powerful 130 hp.
Another note on engine differences, the C4.4 on the 317 supports three working modes, while the C3.6 on the GC model only has two. On the GC model, operators can switch into Eco and Smart mode—smart mode attempts to save you fuel without putting a cap on potential power—while the standard 317 gets those two modes plus a power mode when you need every ounce of the machine’s performance.
And that really brings us to the primary difference between these two machines—performance. Specifically, quickness.
Though they have the same new-and-improved electronically-controlled hydraulics system, the hydraulics performance in the more expensive standard 317 is unsurprisingly quicker and more powerful than the 317 GC.
That’s partly due to the 317’s more powerful engine, but also because the 317 GC misses out on the optimizations that Cat made to the hydraulics on the standard 317 that amount to an increase in hydraulic efficiency on the standard model. While the 317 has been optimized to create more hydraulic flow at a similar pressure to the system that came on the 316F L, the model that came before it, the 317 GC—at least when it comes to performance—retains the performance of that older 316F L.
Cat says the 317 also boasts a higher swing torque and a bit more drive power than what’s offered by the 317 GC.
So, as we noted in our look at the 315 GC, the primary benefit of these GC models is that you’re basically getting last-generation power but in a new package that is less expensive, while still benefiting from many of the new next generation features.
For instance, while the two models differ in hydraulic power, because both the 317 and the 317 GC do have electro-hydraulic controls, control response times on both machines will be faster than those previous F-Series machines thanks to the quicker response due to the removal of pilot lines.
So in that vein, let’s look at a few other ways these two machines are similar.
Cab
First of all, they both sport Cat’s next generation excavator cab design. These are low-profile cabs with large front, rear and side windows that significantly improve visibility over the F-Series models they replace. Plus, the new cab is founded atop viscous cab mounts that greatly reduce vibration during operation.
Now, in the cab, the GC model saves you a few bucks over the standard 317 by using an 8-inch touchscreen instead of a 10-inch and by going with an opaque steel hatch while the 317 gets the nicer see-through poly hatch that gives you overhead visibility and a bit more light. Plus, instead of a heated air-ride seat, the GC model has a mechanical suspension seat.
Apart from those differences though, these cabs are identical.
Maintenance
Another important similarity between these two machines is their huge reduction in maintenance costs.
With the elimination of certain filters and large interval extensions to others—such as the 50 percent increase to 3,000 hours on the hydraulic oil filter—both new 317 models can save you up to 20 percent on your maintenance costs over the 316F L.
Standard Technology Brings Huge Productivity Boost to 317
We’ll round things out here on the 317 and 317 GC with a discussion of the biggest difference between these two machines apart from performance and that’s standard technology.
While the standard 317 comes packed with standard technology like real-time Cat Payload measuring, Cat Grade with 2D grade indicate—upgradable to 3D—, VisionLink telematics monitoring, the 2D E-fence safety system and the ability to remotely run diagnostics, troubleshoot and upgrade firmware, the 317 GC doesn’t have any of those features.
As I discussed in our video on the 315 GC, Cat excavators are beginning to differentiate themselves from the competition not just on the quality of their machine control and telematics technology, but also on the standard inclusion of this technology on these next-generation models.
Cat says the combination of those standard tech features I just listed off on the 317 can boost operating efficiencies by up to 45 percent. That’s a huge boost in productivity and Cat is really proud of that number.
Cat knows it’s the premium option and the company knows that there is plenty of strong competition. So, like I said before Cat is drawing a line in the sand with that 45% productivity boost number.
The Bottom Line
Cat is differentiating as the premium equipment brand on the strength of its technology to justify the added expense of its machines.
But getting back to this 317 GC model, Cat also knows that not everybody needs those technology features out of a 317-sized machine. Maybe it’s a support machine or one you use a few hundred hours a year.
With both the 315 GC and the 317 GC, Cat is trying to give customers the machine at the right size for their needs, but with a bit more control over necessary features.
If you need technology, the standard models have it all…standard. If you don’t, the GC machines give you a new cab, new E/H controls, greatly reduced maintenance costs and all at a lower price point.
Caterpillar is bidding farewell to its 259D3, 279D3 and 289D3 compact track loaders with the introduction of its new, next-generation 255 and 266 models.
The completely redesigned models debuted at media and customer events at Caterpillar’s Edwards, Illinois, Demonstration and Learning Center last week. The 255 and 265 offer improved engine performance, more lift height, a roomier cab and more standard technology than their predecessors.
“We kept the DNA of the D3 series while reimagining the possibilities of loader performance using voice of customer feedback to lead the way,” says Trevor Chase, product application specialist for Caterpillar. “Both next-generation models leverage the many benefits offered by the vertical lift design. The new Cat 255 replaces the 259D3, while the 265 replaces both the 279D3 and 289D3 machines.”
The CTLs are the last of Cat’s building and construction products to get the next-generation treatment and simplified nomenclature. The first number (2) represents the skid steer loader and compact track loader machine family; the middle number (5 or 6) designates the machine size; and the ending number (5) is the compact track loader identifier. Skid steers will be identified by a 0 end number. Additional new models will roll out in the coming months, the company says.
CaterpillarMore power and torque
Cat equipped the 255 with a C2.8T engine and the 265 with a C2.8TA engine, both at 74 horsepower. This gives the new machines a significant boost in torque – 13% for the 255 and 43% for the 256 – over their D3-Series predecessors. The engine and cooling package are mounted lower in the frame for added visibility out the rear window and stability while lifting heavy loads.
Customers attest that the added lift height makes truck loading easier. The 255 offers 10 feet 4 inches of lift height, while the 265 can reach 11 feet high.
“The lift height has made a big difference when loading trucks,” said Derrick Roger, owner of Coast to Coast Lawnscapes, who spent several months testing the 255. “You can get on top of that truck now and empty the bucket; whereas, before you would have to shake the bucket to try to get the material to fall out.”
The 255 delivers 36% more tilt breakout, 26% higher lift breakout force and a 24% increase in rated operating capacity (ROC). The 265 also delivers 19% higher tilt breakout force and 22% higher lift breakout force.
Standard hydraulic pressure has been increased to 3,500 psi, allowing the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.
If demanding attachments require additional hydraulic flow, customers can have their Cat dealer activate the high flow functionality on the machine or remotely via software update. This makes it possible for the CTLs to hit 30 gallons per minute of flow at the standard system pressure.
A High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 30 gallons per minute for the 255 and 34 gallons per minute for the 265.
The torsion suspension undercarriage delivers better operator comfort, track wear and material retention, plus the stiffer design results in smoother graded surfaces, Cat says. A new 12.6-inch bar-tread narrow track option is available on the 255.
A more spacious cab
Cat says it has increased the cab width by 2.75 inches without making the machines wider and the footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 inches. The larger cab gives operators an additional 1.5 inches of hip room and 1.1 inches more width between the joysticks.
A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available, including a ventilated and heated seat. A new automatic temperature control allows operators to set a specific temperature. Relocated vents help cool or heat the machine quickly.
The standard package includes the same 5-inch LCD monitor as the D3 Series CTLs, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and functionality for the rearview camera feed, creep, job clock, and maintenance reminders.
Customers can upgrade to a new 8-inch advanced touchscreen monitor, like the display found in Cat’s next-generation mini excavators and small loaders. It delivers advanced radio control and supports the 270-degree multicamera option. The advanced monitor pairs with the advanced joysticks for integrated control of all machine functions and adjustments.
“You can adjust the movement – or the aggressiveness or the conservativeness – of how your tracks and lift arms work through your advanced touchscreen display,” Dante Thomas, skid steer and CTL marketing manager, said. “And you can control of all of your display functions from the advanced joysticks. There are buttons with enter and select functions on those joysticks that you’re able to change any functionality that is possible.”
Cat also redesigned the entry, making the 255 and 265 easier to enter and exit. The cab door can be opened even when the lift arms are not fully lowered to the frame stops. It can be removed without tools in less than one minute.
Advanced technologies
Calling the 255 and 265 “one of the most attachment-friendly machines on the market,” Thomas says both the standard and advanced monitors can run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe.
“It has attachment recognition that when you plug the attachment into the machine, it recognizes which attachment is connected. It adjusts your joystick pattern, so it gives you intuitive and simple control,” says Thomas.
The available Cat Product Link Elite system tracks machine hours, location, asset utilization, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is remotely accessible via VisionLink. In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.
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Quick Data is a snapshot of new and used wheel loader sales trends from Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data, TopBid auction price service and EquipmentWatch market trend reports.
Demand for wheel loaders has softened with new and used financed wheel loader sales down year-over-year from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 according to Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data.
Financed new wheel loader sales dropped 10%, while used financed wheel loader sales fell by 15% compared to the same period last year.
Cat (22.4%), Deere (21.0%) and Komatsu (12.4%) held their positions year-over-year as the top three sellers of new financed wheel loaders. Top models sold included the Deere 544 P-Tier (401), Deere 624 P-Tier (380) and the Komatsu WA270-8 (364).
[Watch: “A Really Solid Machine” – Test Run of Komatsu’s WA475-10 Wheel Loader]
Cat (28.5%) and Deere (22.9%) also snagged the No. 1 and 2 positions for the highest number of financed used units sold, with Case (14.7%) claiming the third spot. On the date we examined the data, the top-selling models were the Case 321F (340), Cat 926M (164) and the Case 621G (159).
During this period, there were more buyers of new loaders in Florida (955) than in any other state. Buyers of new wheel loaders were also prevalent in Texas (893) and Illinois (665). Those states were also top buyers of used financed machines, with 712 units sold in Texas, 413 in Florida, and 412 in Illinois.
EDA data is compiled from state UCC-1 filings on financed construction equipment. EDA continually updates this data as information comes in from each state.
[Related Content: A Rundown of the Latest Wheel Loaders for 2023]
Used Wheel Loader Market
Used wheel loader prices rose 10.1% for the 12-month period from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023, according to Randall Reilly’s EquipmentWatch market trend data.
The average price for a used wheel loader was $137,465 in July 2022 compared to $151,367 in July 2023. The average age of used wheel loaders fell slightly during the period, dropping from 8.8 years to 8.3 years.
EquipmentWatchThe average age and price were calculated on 153,356 resale listings during the period in the EquipmentWatch database.
Over the last 12 months, prices for used wheel loaders have in general increased, with the largest gains in October 2022 (6.5%) and February 2023 (2.9%).
EquipmentWatch defines fair market value (FMV) as the monetary value of an asset that can be expected in a transaction with a single seller and single buyer, neither of whom is under any compulsion or time restriction to complete the transaction. FMV for heavy equipment is most closely associated with the private resale market, as opposed to the public auction market.
Wheel Loader Auction Prices
Caterpillar also dominated the auction charts, accounting for 18 of the top 20 wheel loaders sold in terms of price for the 12-month period of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Deere and Komatsu were the only other manufacturers to appear on the list.
The top auction price spot went to a 2021 Cat 966M with 2,188 hours. It sold for $400,000 at a Ritchie Bros. auction in Orlando, Fla., on September 21, 2022. The second-highest price paid was $315,000 for a 2019 Cat 980M with 7,836 hours at another Ritchie Bros. sale in Atlanta, on December 1, 2022. Rounding out the top three was a 2018 Deere 944K with 8,941 hours. It sold for $290,00 at a J.M. Wood Auction Co. sale in Montgomery, Ala., on March 21, 2023.
In total, there were 358 wheel loaders sold at auctions tracked by Top Bid during this time, with an average price of $99,747. (This does not include any units sold for less than $5,000.)
EDA, Top Bid and EquipmentWatch are owned by Randall Reilly, parent of Equipment World.
[Related Content: Heavy Equipment Auctions Set for Second Half of 2023]
Volvo Construction Equipment bought Terex’s off-road truck line in 2014, and six years later, it rebranded its articulated haulers under the Rokbak name.
On this episode of The Dirt, we hear from Paul Douglas, Volvo vice president of rigid haulers, who explains the differences between the old Terex line and the Rokbak trucks. He also gives a hint at some of the new things coming from Rokbak, including redesigned cabs and replacing the current trucks with new models. There’s also the possibility of a new size truck to hit the market.
Rokbak, as with other construction equipment brands, is working toward a zero-emissions future. On this episode, he explains where the articulated dump truck market is heading in terms of alternative fuel. He adds that customers will see big changes in emissions and engines in the next five years, with the ultimate goal of reaching zero emissions within 10 years.
So to learn more about Rokbak and what the brand has in store for the future, check out this episode of The Dirt.
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