New Cat M325D material handler gets high scores for operator comfort

• 
• 23rd June 2007
• Materials Handling
 

"The M325D material handler offers great operator comfort. This is because of the new joysticks. Visibility and the cab's stability have also been improved over the previous C-series model," lists Bart Vandecaveye, co-director of Belgian scrap yard company Depla nv after several months of experience with the new Caterpillar M325D material handler excavator.

Depla nv specializes in processing scrap. Scrap is cut it into small pieces, which enables processing by steel mills in Belgium and abroad. The machinery is kept up-to-date to ensure environmentally friendly processing. In addition to testing the new D-series M325 material handler, their machine fleet contains two Cat C-series material handlers: M322C MH and M325C MH.

Edwin Pitteman, machine operator at Depla nv confirms the advantages of the updated material handler. For example, the tool modular rotation with a sliding switch on the left joystick helps the operator to precisely position the tool. The new system is less tiring when operating "because otherwise you constantly have to use a different button. Now I put my thumb on it, and if I want to turn left or right, then I simply push left and right. At first it takes getting used to but once you do, you won't want it any other way," Pitteman says.

"The cab moves up and down smoothly. While lowering, the last ten centimeters are now slowed down which makes reaching the lowest position soft and comfortable," Pitteman comments and adds that the whole cab is very steady which makes operating easy.

Vandecaveye adds that the whole excavator is more stable than the previous model thanks to the additional counterweight of 200 kilograms, "The excavator remains stable when you pick up something heavy, for example with the magnet, without extending the stabilizer legs." According to the machine operator Pitteman one can feel the difference on stability especially when moving the excavator, "With M325D MH, I feel you can transport anything."

The D-series material handlers feature an easy-to-read monitor that shows the results of the automatic daily checks, " In the morning, you can see from the seat what the oil and water levels are. You don't need to walk around the excavator anymore but you can check them right from the seat," mentions Vandecaveye.

Pitteman adds, "That is very noticeable. It's operator friendly and it indicates any and all problems. You don't have to first inspect and check the oil and water and this and that...I simply turn the key and everything is checked automatically, everything appears on the monitor. I do find that important, especially for the boss, otherwise all that takes me half an hour!"

"The cab access has really been improved. There is a bar on the arm of the cab that you can hold on to which makes getting on and off the machine safe," Pitteman says. "In addition, visibility has improved a lot. Especially the front windshield." The M325D MH has three windshield options; 50-50 split, 70-30 split and one-piece windshields.

As important as the machine performance and good resale value are for Depla nv when buying Cat equipment, the key requirement still remains the dealer support and service. "We have a very good contact with the local Cat dealer Bergerat Monnoyer Belgium. If there is a problem with our machines, we call them and they come immediately to make repairs. Their service is excellent," Vandecaveye states.

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