Cat 360 8960 Excavators - Power and Versatility for Tough Excavation Jobs

An Overview of Cat 360 8960 Excavators

Cat 360 8960 excavators are powerful and versatile machines produced by Caterpillar Inc. They are designed for heavy-duty excavation, demolition, material handling and more. With operating weights ranging from 85,000 to 105,000 pounds, these tracked excavators deliver excellent stability, force and durability on the jobsite.

Key Features and Specifications

The Cat 360 8960 excavators come equipped with features and capabilities to boost productivity and performance:

• Powerful Cat C27 or C32 diesel engines delivering up to 515 hp
• Hydraulic pressures up to 5,220 psi
• Bucket digging forces up to 85,700 pounds
• Maximum digging depths from 25-29 feet
• Lift capacities up to 61,400 pounds
• Swing torque up to 110,000 pound-feet
• Spacious, comfortable cab with excellent visibility
• Advanced hydraulics for smooth, precise control
• Durable, welded mainframe structures

With this impressive power and performance, the 360 8960 can take on some of the toughest excavation challenges in mining, quarrying, construction and more.

Ideal Applications

Here are some of the leading applications where Cat 360 8960 excavators really shine:

• Mining - The 360 8960 is well-suited for loading and excavation duties in surface and underground mining operations. They have the breakout force and hydraulic power for hard digging applications.
• Quarrying - With excellent reach, lift capacity and swing torque, these excavators can efficiently load haul trucks and perform bulk excavation in quarries.
• Heavy construction - On large construction projects like roadwork, site prep and foundations, the 360 8960 delivers the muscle to excavate and move huge amounts of material quickly.
• Demolition - The 360 8960 brings knockdown power and prying strength for demolition of structures and recyclable reclamation projects.
• Forestry - These excavators are great for clearing, processing and loading timber with attachments like harvester heads and grapples.
• Material handling - The 360 8960's lift capacity makes it suitable for loading, unloading, and transferring heavy objects around yards and job sites.

Available Configurations

Cat 360 8960 excavators give you flexibility to choose the right machine configuration for your needs. Available options include:

• Standard undercarriage - For general excavation duties across various ground conditions.
• Mass excavation undercarriage - Optimized for stability in large-volume excavation jobs.
• Minimum counterweight - For improved transportability and reach.
• Heavy counterweight - Adds stability for maximized lift capacity.
• Long front - Extended frame length for increased reach.
• Mono boom - Single boom optimized for dumping height and reach.

You can also select from a variety of cab options, track pad configurations, hydraulic systems and technology features to customize your 360 8960 excavator.

Operator Comfort and Safety

Within the spacious cab of the Cat 360 8960 excavators, operators will enjoy an ergonomic and comfortable environment designed for productivity. Key comfort features include:

• Air suspension, heated seat with adjustable controls
• Joystick steering, throttle and function controls
• Fully automatic climate control system
• Pressurized cab with reduced noise levels
• Advanced vibration isolation mounts
• Tilting consoles for improved visibility
• Ample floor space and storage compartments

For safety, the 360 8960 cabs are ROPS and FOPS certified. Operators gain exceptional visibility through the expansive windows, rearview camera and multiple mirrors. Anti-slip walkways, grab handles and guarded handrails allow safe entry, exit and access around the machine.

Technology and Connectivity

Today's Cat 360 8960 excavators are equipped with smart technology and connectivity to optimize performance. Key features include:

• Cat Link telematics to monitor location, hours, fuel usage, productivity and more
• Cat Production Measurement to track real-time work progress
• Cat Grade with 2D and assist for accurate digging and grading
• Cat Payload to estimate loads in the bucket
• Touchscreen main display with intuitive interface
• Remote services capability for software updates and troubleshooting

These technologies give operators and managers greater insight into the excavator's performance, boosting efficiency and productivity on the jobsite.

Maintaining Cat 360 8960 Excavators

To keep Cat 360 8960 excavators performing at their peak, it is essential to follow the maintenance procedures outlined in the operator's manual. Daily inspections and walkarounds allow operators to check fluid levels, filters, structures, hydraulics and track conditions. Regular greasing of joints and pivot points is critical to avoid wear and extend component life.

More intensive maintenance tasks like engine oil and filter changes, cleaning cooling systems and adjusting tracks should be performed at recommended intervals based on hours of operation and work conditions. Any required repairs or component replacements should use original Cat parts. With proper maintenance and care, Cat 360 8960 excavators will deliver years of reliable service.

The Bottom Line

With excellent power, efficiency, durability and technology, the Cat 360 8960 line represents some of the most advanced hydraulic excavators on the market today. Their massive strength and rugged design makes them a top choice for the most demanding excavation challenges. With flexible configurations and innovative features, these machines can be customized to optimize performance and ROI across a wide range of earthmoving applications.

FAQs

What size buckets can the 360 8960 use?

The Cat 360 8960 is compatible with a wide range of bucket sizes from 15 to 30 cubic yards to match your specific application and material density needs.

What fuel efficiency can I expect from the 360 8960?

The 360 8960 excavators deliver excellent fuel efficiency for their size and power. You can expect fuel consumption between 18-25 gallons per hour under typical working conditions.

What kind of warranty coverage does Cat provide?

New Cat 360 8960 excavators come standard with a 12 month/unlimited hour warranty. Extended protection plans are available to extend coverage for the engine, powertrain and hydraulics.

Can the 360 8960 be equipped with hydraulic thumbs?

Yes, Caterpillar offers factory installed hydraulic thumbs or thumb mounting brackets to add this attachment for improved material handling versatility.

What ground pressure do the tracks create?

With the standard track pads, ground pressure runs 5.7-7.3 psi. Various grouser, width and shoe options can further reduce ground pressure if needed.