Caterpillar unveils heavy-duty material handler

The Cat MH3295 material handler. Photo: Caterpillar

The company said the machine, which builds on the existing Cat 395 Excavator platform, features a purpose-built design to meet the performance and durability demands of heavy-duty material handling applications.

The MH3295 offers an extended reach of up to 18 m (59.1 ft), which Caterpillar said makes it suitable for barge loading, unloading, and other long-reach tasks.

Powered by a 405 kW (543 hp) Cat C18 engine that meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emissions standards, it can operate at altitudes up to 3,000 m (9,840 ft) with an operating weight of approximately 100,700 kg (222,100 lb).

The machine’s undercarriage includes a wide track gauge of 4.8 m (15.7 ft ), which can retract to 4.1 m (13.5 ft) for easier transport, while track length measures 7.2 m (23.6 ft).

Several integrated technologies are included as standard features. Cat Payload assists operators in tracking material loads in real time, helping to avoid overloading trucks and improving operational efficiency.

Swing Assist allows for more consistent swing movement by automatically stopping the upper structure at pre-set points. The 2D E-fence system helps prevent the machine from moving outside defined work boundaries, and remote services such as Remote Troubleshoot and Remote Flash support maintenance and software updates without requiring a technician to be onsite.

The operator cab includes a fixed riser for elevated visibility, floor windows, and an enclosed stairway with integrated lighting. Inside, the cab features a wide, adjustable seat, automatic climate control, multiple storage compartments, and a high-resolution 10-inch touchscreen display.

Rearview and side-view cameras are included, and the design is said to prioritise visibility with smaller cab pillars and large windows. Connectivity options include USB ports and Bluetooth.

The MH3295 is also compatible with a wide range of Cat attachments, and the SmartBoom system allows the boom to float freely, reducing the load on hydraulic systems and enabling more precise control of stick and tool movements.