Cat launches Next Gen material handler
02 May 2023
Caterpillar has expanded its range of material handlers for the recycling and industrial sectors, launching its largest Next Generation model to date for the North American and European equipment markets.
Cat MH3050 material handler (PHOTO: Caterpillar)
A 50 t machine designed to “handle more material in the same amount of time”, the new MH3050 material handler is powered by a Cat C9.3B diesel engine that meets Stage V/Tier 4 Final emissions standards and can be run on up to B20 biodiesel.
The wheeled model offers Power, Smart and Economy operating modes to help lower fuel consumption and its boom and stick provide a combined reach of 18 m (59 ft).
Like the manufacturer’s other Next Generation machines, the new material handler requires operators to enter a unique PIN code to start the engine.
While Operator ID prevents unauthorised use of the machine, it also automatically recalls the joystick settings for the individual driver.
Standout features of the model are its redesigned cab, which the manufacturer says delivers “reimagined comfort”.
“The MH3050 comes standard with a premium cab, featuring joystick steering to eliminate the steering column and improve forward visibility, legroom and ease of cab entry,” said Caterpillar.
“All controls are conveniently positioned in front of and within easy reach of the operator to avoid unnecessary movements. A large, 254-mm (10-in) high-resolution touchscreen monitor with jog-dial offers easy navigation of the intuitive operator controls.”
The MH3050 also benefits from the company’s E-fence technology, to stop the machine from moving outside a defined envelope.
The Cab Avoidance system, which prevents contact between the attachment and the operator cab, and Cat Payload, which gives operators real-time weight estimates for the material picked up by grapple and clamshell attachment, are also included.
The MH3050 comes fitted with a premium operator cab as standard. (PHOTO: Caterpillar)
To improve safety, the manufacturer has increased the operator’s field of vision by adding large tempered glass windows with small pillars. The thick windshields and roof windows are high-impact and impact-resistant, and meet EN356, P8B and P5A standards.
While the standard MH3050 also comes with right-side and rear-view cameras included, a 360-degree video feed that is displayed through the machine’s in-cab touchscreen monitor is available as an optional extra.
Other standard safety features include a ground-level shutoff switch that immediately cuts power to the handler and LED lights on the chassis, boom, and stick for enhanced visibility in low light.
To help improve fleet maintenance and servicing, Caterpillar’s “Standard Product Link captures critical operating data such as location, hours, fuel usage, productivity, idle time, maintenance alerts and fault codes”.
To further help lower maintenance costs, the MH3050’s improved hydraulic filter now lasts 50% longer than previous designs, with an increased change interval of 3,000 operating hours.
Caterpillar added that operators can “conveniently track filter life and maintenance intervals on the in-cab high-resolution monitor. Eliminating the need for operator interaction, the high-efficiency cooling fan features a standard automatic reverse function to keep the cores clean, maximizing machine uptime.”
Caterpillar says the hydraulic cab riser includes a new dampening system that improves all-around visibility and provides cushion from external vibrations. (PHOTO: Caterpillar)
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