Features Heavy Equipment
Caterpillar introduces MH3040 material handler with first-ever virtual product launch

The industry’s “new normal” of working from home and cancellation of trade shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed down Caterpillar when it comes to introducing product. The company presented a new piece of equipment by means of a virtual event on May 27.

Caterpillar did its best to bring live components of a product launch to industry professionals and media as it showcased the new Cat MH3040 material handler. Highlights of the virtual event included a review of Caterpillar’s Material Handler Portfolio, features of the MH3040, a machine “walk-around” from the Edward’s Training facility, comments from Caterpillar’s Field Follow customer and his lead operator about their experience with the MH3040 the past eight months, and time for questions at the end.

“This was our first virtual press program in these current times. And we definitely have plans to offer more in the future as products are introduced,” said Sharon Holling, from Caterpillar.

Caterpillar’s new MH3040 material handler was introduced by means of a virtual product launch on May 27. Photo courtesy of Caterpillar

Cat MH3040

The Cat MH3040 builds on the successful legacy of the M325D L MH model. The boom, sticks and other high-stress areas feature thick, multi-plate fabrications, castings and forgings to withstand wear and deliver years of durable operation. Specially designed mountings on the upper frame support the new heavy-duty cab.

The material handler’s new 202-hp Cat C7.1 engine meets stringent U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards with an after-treatment system that requires no maintenance or downtime. New Smart Mode operation automatically matches engine and hydraulic power to working conditions to reduce fuel consumption, while Power Mode constantly provides maximum power to optimize productivity. The fuel-efficient engine can run up to B20 biodiesel and offers up to 25 per cent lower fuel consumption than the M325D L MH.

Offering a 12 per cent faster swing speed, the MH3040 reduces cycle times and allows operators to move more material in the same amount of time. The advanced hydraulic system features valve priority to direct pressure and flow to where it’s needed and delivers the optimum balance of power, efficiency and load control. The handler’s new heavy lift mode boosts lifting capacities and improves controllability. Its auto warm-up features reduce the time it takes for hydraulic oil warming in cold temperatures to prolong component life.

Comfort and flexibility

Caterpillar’s new MH3040 material handler was introduced by means of a virtual product launch on May 27. Photo courtesy of Caterpillar

The MH3040’s larger premium cab design includes sound suppression to reduce operating noise levels inside the cab. Smaller cab pillars combined with large tempered windows deliver all-around visibility. Rearview and right-side cameras are standard, keeping operators aware of their surroundings. New joystick machine control removes the centre steering wheel column to further improve forward visibility. A tip-up left console allows operators to enter and exit the cab much easier.

A larger, 10-inch high-resolution touchscreen monitor with jog-dial offers easy navigation of the intuitive operator controls. Joystick controls are ergonomically located within easy reach to reduce operator fatigue, while joystick settings and preferred power mode are quickly set to a specific user ID via the monitor. The premium air suspension seat with headrest, heater and ventilator is designed to comfortably adjust to operators of all sizes.

Offering a maximum 15.5-metre reach, multiple configurations are available for the flexible MH3040 material handler to meet customer needs. Customers can choose from a range of work tool attachments in different sizes to meet the site’s material handling and production needs. Work in low-light conditions with the standard, 1,800 lumen, LED lights on the boom, stick, and cab. The optional 20-kW generator with wiring to stick nose helps to efficiently power magnet attachments for handling fine ferrous material.

Simplified serviceability

MH3040 material handler service design changes reduce maintenance costs by up to 20 per cent. All fuel filters feature a synchronized 1,000-operating-hour change interval, and the new air intake filter with precleaner lasts up to 1,000 hours to reduce maintenance requirements. Its new hydraulic oil filter improves filtration and increases change intervals to 3,000 operating hours, a 50 per cent longer service life over the M325D L MH. New anti-drain valves keep the hydraulic oil clean during filter replacement to improve system longevity.

Caterpillar’s new MH3040 material handler was introduced by means of a virtual product launch on May 27. Photo courtesy of Caterpillar

Filter life and maintenance intervals are quickly tracked through the in-cab high-resolution monitor. Featuring electric drive to operate only when necessary, the high-efficiency cooling fans can be programmed to automatically reverse at set intervals to keep the cores clean without work interruptions. The new right-hand-side service access provides easy access for refueling and engine oil checks.

Standard Cat Product Link, new to the MH3040 material handler, captures critical operating data such as location, hours, fuel usage, productivity, idle time, maintenance alerts and fault codes, which can be remotely accessed and tracked to boost fleet management efficiency. New Remote Flash works around the production schedule to assure the machine is operating with the most current version of on-board software, so it delivers high performance, maximum efficiency and minimum downtime.

Caterpillar’s new MH3040 material handler was introduced by means of a virtual product launch on May 27. Photo courtesy of Caterpillar

For more information about the new Cat MH3040 material handler visit, www.cat.com.