| Engine | A combination of innovations working at the point of combustion, ACERT® Technology
optimizes engine performance while meeting EPA Tier 3 emission regulations.
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| Diesel Engine | The Caterpillar C18 with ACERT Technology, is a 18.1 liter, six-cylinder, 382 kW (513 hp) engine with mechanically actuated electronic fuel injection (MEUI) and overhead camshaft. ACERT technology provides outstanding engine performance through advanced electronic control, precision fuel delivery, and refined air management. |
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| Fuel Consumption | The ADEM™ A4 controller uses sensors throughout the engine to manage engine load and performance. The ADEM A4 controller is the muscle behind engine responsiveness, self-diagnostics, controlling emissions, and fuel economy. |
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| Fuel System | The C18 uses a mechanically actuated electrically controlled unit injection (MEUI) system. The MEUI system combines high-pressure injection and electronic control in a single compact unit. The electronic unit injector is an integral part of the C18 fuel system. Computerized electronic control provides precise metering and timing of fuel injection. |
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| Cooling System | High capacity, side-by-side cooling system allows operation in ambient temperatures up to 52 degree C (126 degree F). The Electric Power Control (EPC) controls the fan speed based on coolant temperature and hydraulic oil temperature for optimized cooling. |
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| Turbocharger | The C18 uses a water-cooled, center-section waste gated turbocharger for improved performance. This turbocharger controls the air volume to the cylinders and works efficiently during low and high load conditions. |
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| Emissions | ACERT Technology is a differentiated technology that reduces emissions at the point of combustion. The technology capitalizes on Caterpillar’s proven leadership in three core engine systems: fuel, air and electronics. | 
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| Cold Weather Starting Kit | The kit consists of two additional batteries, heavy-duty harness, large capacity starting motor, and the ether starting aid. With this kit, the 385C L has the capability to start at -32 degree C (-25.6 degree F). |
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| Product Link | The 385C L is "Product Link Ready" from the factory. |
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| Hydraulics | Cat hydraulics deliver power and precise control to keep material moving. | 
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| PPPC Hydraulics | Load sensing, Proportional Priority Pressure Compensation (PPPC) system, with Caterpillar-developed electronic actuation, provides high efficiency and excellent controllability.
- Cylinder speed is directly related to operator’s movement of joystick from feathering to full speed.
- Flow to cylinders during multifunctional operation is directly controlled by the operator and is not dependent on loads.
- Controller reduces pump output to minimum to save power when joysticks ar
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| Main Pumps | Large, heavy-duty main pumps and a separate swing pump provide quick cycle times during multi-function operation. |
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| Power Management Control | The pump-valve electronic controller is central to power management and provides highly efficient control of the pumps, valves, and engine. |
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| Reverse Swing Damping Valve | Swing dampening valves reduce swing wag and produce smooth swing stops. |
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| Auxiliary Hydraulic Valve | The auxiliary valve is standard on the 385C L. The standard auxiliary valve is for use with optional control arrangements to operate tools such as hammers and shears. Flow settings can be programmed for up to four tools, which the operator can select through the monitor. |
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| Heavy Lift Standard | The operator can select the heavy lift mode at the push of a button to boost lifting capability and provide improved controllability of heavy loads. |
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| Operator Station | Designed for simple, easy operation and comfort, the 385C L allows the operator to focus on production. | 
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| Cab Design | The work station has been designed to be spacious, quiet and comfortable. Operator comfort, and a high level of visibility assure productivity throughout the entire workday. The monitor and switches are conveniently located for easy access and visibility. |
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| Seat | The 385C L seat provides a variety of adjustments, including fore/aft, height and weight to suit the operator. Also included are adjustable armrests and a retractable seat belt. For additional comfort, a new heated air suspension seat is available as an attachment. |
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| Hydraulic Activation Control Lever | The hydraulic activation control lever deactivates hydraulic functions during engine start-up, and prevents unintentional machine operation. |
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| Climate Control | Positive filtered ventilation with a pressurized cab comes standard on the 385C L. Fresh air or re-circulated air can be selected, and the automatic climate control maintains constant, comfortable temperature. |
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| Windows | To maximize visibility, all glass is affixed directly to the cab eliminating the use of window frames. The upper front windshield opens, closes and stores on the roof above the operator with a one-touch action release system. The lower front windshield features a rounded design to maximize downward visibility and improves wiper coverage. |
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| Wipers | Pillar-mounted parallelogram wiper, including a washer nozzle, increases the operator’s viewing area and offers continuous and intermittent modes. |
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| Skylight | An enlarged skylight with sunshade provides excellent visibility and good ventilation. |
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| Consoles | Redesigned consoles feature a simple, functional design to reduce operator fatigue, ease of switch operation and excellent visibility. Both consoles have attached armrests and allow the height of the armrests to be adjusted. | 
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| Monitor | The compact, full-color, graphical display monitor is new with the 385C L. The monitor has functions to display machine, maintenance, diagnostic and prognostic information. The angle of the monitor can be adjusted to face the operator and prevent sun glare. |
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| Cab Mounts | The cab shell is attached to the frame with viscous rubber cab mounts, which dampen vibrations and sound levels while enhancing operator comfort. |
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| Standard Cab Equipment | To enhance operator comfort and productivity, the 385C L cab includes a lighter, drink holder, coat hook, service meter, literature holder, magazine rack and storage compartment. The cab also comes equipped with two, 12V-7 Amp electrical sockets to provide additional electrical resources. |
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| Machine Security | An optional Machine Security System (MSS) is available from the factory on the 385C L. MSS uses a special Caterpillar key with an embedded electronic chip for controlling unauthorized machine operation. |
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| Electronic Control System | Manages the engine and hydraulics for maximum performance. | 
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| Clock and Throttle Dial Display | The clock, throttle dial and gas-station icon with green color are displayed in the area. |
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| Gauge Display | Three analog gauges, fuel level, hydraulic oil temperature and coolant temperature, are displayed in this area. |
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| Event Display | Machine event information is displayed in the area along with the icon and language. |
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| Multi-information Display. | This area is reserved for displaying information that is convenient for the operator. The "CAT" logo mark is displayed when no information is available to display. |
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| Monitor Display Screen | The monitor is a full color 400 x 234 pixels Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) graphic display.
The Master Caution Lamp the action lamp blinks ON and OFF when one of the critical conditions below occurs:
- Engine oil pressure low
- Coolant temperature high
- Hydraulic oil temperature high
Under the normal condition or the default condition, the monitor display screen is divided into four areas; clock and throttle dial area, gauge area, event display area and multi-inf |
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| Operator Gain/Response | Used to suit the operators preference or application.
- Quicker, for fast response and more production
- Slower, for more precision
- Three preset settings with 21 available
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| Pattern Control Changer | The standard hand control pattern changer can be accessed through the monitor, to utilize either the standard excavator control pattern (SAE) or Backhoe-loader pattern (BHL). |
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| Electronic Joysticks | Electronic joysticks provide features not possible with hydraulic pilot valves:
• Simple pattern change through the monitor |
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| Undercarriage | Durable undercarriage absorbs stresses and provides excellent stability. | 
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| Undercarriage Components | Large, Caterpillar designed and built undercarriage components offer heavy-duty performance and durability. |
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| Track Rollers | Heavy-duty track rollers, carrier rollers and idlers are sealed and lubricated for excellent service life. |
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| Track | The 385C L comes standard with the new grease lubricated track called GLT4. The track links are assembled and sealed with grease to decrease internal bushing wear, reduce travel noise and extend service life lowering operating costs. | 
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| Idler Guards and Track Guides | Standard idler guards and center track guides maintain track alignment. Additional sprocket and idler end guards, as well as two-piece full-length guards are optional for additional protection on steep side slopes. |
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| Travel Motor | Two-speed axial piston hydraulic motors provide the 385C L drive power and automatic speed selection when the high-speed position is selected. This enables the machine to automatically change between computer-controlled high and low speeds depending on drawbar-pull requirements. |
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| Final Drives | The final drives are the three-stage reduction planetary types. This design results in a complete drive/brake unit that is compact and delivers excellent performance and reliability. |
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| Structures | The 385C L structural components are the backbone of the machine’s durability. | 
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| Carbody Design | The advanced carbody design stands up to the toughest applications.
- Modified X-shaped, box-section carbody provides excellent resistance to torsional bending.
- Upper structure weight and stresses are distributed evenly across the full length of the track roller frame.
- Robot welding ensures consistent, high-quality welds throughout the manufacturing process.
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| Upper Frame | Rugged main frame is designed for maximum durability and efficient use of materials.
- Robot welding for consistent, high-quality welds.
- Outer frame utilizes curved side rails, which are die-formed, for excellent uniformity and strength throughout the length.
- The main channels are box sections connected by a large diameter tube in the boom foot area to improve rigidity and strength.
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| Track Roller Frames | The track roller frame is made of thick steel plate that is bent into a U-shape and welded to the bottom plate to create a box structure. The box structure design provides increased rigidity and impact resistance. |
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| Cross-roller Bearing | The 385C L swing bearing is a cross roller type, with greater contact area than ball type bearings, for increased stability and longer life. |
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| Variable Gauge Undercarriage | The long variable gauge undercarriage is standard. The track roller frames are bolted to the carbody, and can be placed in two positions – wide, for a stable base for operating, or a narrow gauge for reduced shipping width. |
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| Front Linkage | Caterpillar excavator booms and sticks are built for performance and long service life. Two types of booms and six lengths of sticks are available, offering a range of configurations suitable for a wide variety of applications. All booms and sticks are stress relieved. | 
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| Front Linkage Attachments | Select the right combination of front linkage with your Cat dealer to ensure high productivity from the very start of your job. Three types of booms and six sticks are available, offering a range of configurations suitable for a wide variety of applications. The 385C L offers a large combination of reach and digging forces for optimum versatility. |
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| Boom Construction | All 385C L booms have large cross-sections and internal baffle plates to provide higher rigidity and less stress. All booms are stress relieved for extended life. |
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| Reach Boom | The 10.0 m (32 ft 10 in) Reach Boom is for use in deep trenching applications where long reach and depth are necessary. Two long sticks are available for this boom. |
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| General Purpose Boom | The 8.4 m (27 ft 7 in) GP Boom has been designed to balance the reach, digging force and bucket capacity required for a wide range of applications. Four sticks are available for use with the GP boom. |
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| Mass Excavation Boom | The 7.25 m (23 ft 9 in) Mass Excavation Boom is most suitable for high production loading where reach and depth are less important. It allows use of the largest buckets. Two sticks are available for this boom. |
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| Stick Construction | The 385C L sticks are made of high-tensile strength steel using a large box section design with interior baffle plates and an additional bottom guard to protect against damage. All sticks undergo a stress relieving process for greater durability. |
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| Sticks | There are six sticks for maximum versatility in reach, digging forces, and bucket capacity requirements of various applications. Each stick is designed for use in combination with a specific boom and bucket family. |
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| Bucket Linkage | Two bucket linkages are available for the 385C L. Both linkages are available with or without a lifting eye on the power link.
- The HB linkage is used with the longer sticks and HB family buckets.
- The JB linkage is used with shorter sticks and JB family buckets.
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| Power Link | The new 385C L power link improves durability, increases machine-lifting capability in key lifting positions, and is easier to use compared to the previous lift bar design. | 
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| Linkage Pins | All pins used in 385C L front linkages have thick chrome plating, giving them high wear and corrosion resistance. The large diameter pins smoothly distribute the shear and bending loads to help ensure long pin, boom and stick life. |
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| Buckets | Extensive selection of buckets helps optimize machine performance. | 
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| Service and Performance | Caterpillar buckets increase service life and optimize performance.
- High strength and heat treated steel are located in high wear areas.
- Dual radius design for increased heel clearance and reduced wear.
- HB and JB-family buckets include a lift eye.
- A variety of exclusive hydraulic dedicated coupler buckets are also available.
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| General Purpose (GP) | General Purpose (GP) buckets are for digging in soft to hard ground with low to moderate abrasive materials. |
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| Heavy Duty Rock (HDR) | Heavy Duty Rock (HDR) buckets are for aggressive bucket loading in highly abrasive applications such as shot rock and granite. Differences from GP buckets are:
- More robust construction for improved life and durability
- Additional, thicker bottom wear strips for improved wear in abrasive applications
- Larger, thicker side plates for maximum protection in rocky materials
- Smaller tip radius for greater breakout force
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| Ground Engaging Tools | Caterpillar Ground Engaging Tools (GET) include a variety of side cutters, sidebar protectors, and tip options to match operating conditions. | 
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| Service and Maintenance | Fast, easy service has been designed in with extended service intervals, advanced filtration, convenient filter access and user-friendly electronic diagnostics for increased productivity and reduced maintenance costs. | 
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| Service Intervals | Service intervals are extended to reduce maintenance costs.
• Engine oil, oil filter and fuel filters at 500 hours |
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| Oil Sample and Pressure Ports | Oil sample and pressure ports provide easy checking of machine condition and are standard on every machine. |
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| Hydraulic Capsule Filters | The return filters or capsule filters for the hydraulic system are located beside the hydraulic tank. The filter elements are removable without spilling hydraulic oil. |
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| Service Points | Service points are centrally located with easy access to facilitate routine maintenance. |
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| Pilot Hydraulic System Filter | Pilot hydraulic system filter keeps contaminants from the pilot system and is located in the pump compartment. |
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| Greasing Points | A concentrated remote greasing block on the boom delivers grease to hard-to-reach locations. |
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| Radial Seal Cleaner | Radial seal main air cleaner with precleaner has a double-layered filter element for more efficient filtration. No tools are required to change the element. |
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| Fuel-Water Separator | The water separator removes water from fuel, even when under pressure, and water level can be monitored in the cab. |
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| Complete Customer Support | Cat dealer services help you operate longer with lower costs. | 
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| Product Support | You will find nearly all parts at our dealer parts counter. Cat dealers utilize a worldwide computer network to find in-stock parts to minimize machine downtime. You can save money with Cat remanufactured components. |
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| Machine Selection | Make detailed comparisons of the machines you are considering before you buy. What are the job requirements, machine attachments and operating hours? What production is needed? Your Cat dealer can provide recommendations. |
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| Purchase | Look past initial price. Consider the financing options available as well as day-to-day operating costs. This is also the time to look at dealer services that can be included in the cost of the machine to yield lower equipment owning and operating costs over the long run. |
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| Customer Support Agreements | Cat dealers offer a variety of product support agreements, and work with customers to develop a plan the best meets specific needs. These plans can cover the entire machine, including attachments, to help protect the customer’s investment. |
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| Operation | Improving operating techniques can boost your profits. Your cat dealer has videotapes, literature and other ideas to help you increase productivity, and Caterpillar offers certified operator training classes to help maximize the return on your investment. |
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| Maintenance Services | Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Diagnostic programs such as Scheduled Oil Sampling, Coolant Sampling and Technical Analysis help you avoid unscheduled repairs. |
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| Replacement | Repair, rebuild or replace? Your Cat dealer can help you evaluate the cost involved so you can make the right choice. |
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