Caterpillar has announced multiple updates to its Cat® Hydraulic Excavator line as part of its annual product update (APU) programme. These updates aim to improve machine efficiency and operator productivity, featuring enhanced Cat Grade technologies, a redesigned User Interface (UI), and a new Advanced Payload option for Cat track excavators.
The upgrades apply across the board – to Cat small, medium and large excavators, as well as material handlers, wheeled excavators, and forestry and specialty machines.
Cat Grade enhancements
Starting with 2025 models, Cat Grade with Advanced 2D features and functions are now fully integrated into standard Cat Grade with 2D. This real-time guidance system improves accuracy for vertical and horizontal control, helping operators make precise cuts and fills while reducing or eliminating the need for ground stakes.
“Our 2D grading technology provides easy adjustments to target depth and slope using joystick commands, the touchscreen interface, or a jog dial,” says Jason Ho, Senior Global Product Consultant – Excavation, Caterpillar. “It displays target grade with visual guidance, plus height and depth. The integrated components are protected from damage and compatible with a wide range of bucket types – digging, cleaning, grading and tilting.”
For more complex grading tasks, Cat Grade with 3D is now available as a factory-installed option for both track and wheeled excavators. The system is pre-installed and tested at the factory, simplifying future upgrades for customers who want to add 3D capabilities post-purchase.
New user interface
The latest UI significantly streamlines operator setup and improves access to information. Whether reordering tool lists or configuring new combinations, the new interface starts quickly, helping crews get to work without delay.
Cat Payload continues to offer precise, on-the-go bucket load information to help avoid underloading or overloading. Operators can monitor material movement with ease, switching between Weigh Mode for truck loading and Stockpile Mode for general site handling. Setting up attachments and couplers is faster, with reduced calibration times and improved efficiency.
Advanced Payload now available for track excavators
“For customers with track excavators, the new Advanced Payload upgrade provides expanded functionality – including custom tags, daily totals, and electronic ticketing,” adds Ho. “When paired with VisionLink®, it also enables remote job site monitoring, with detailed production metrics and asset management.”
Cat Advanced Payload benefits include:
– Lower costs – saving time, labour, and fuel
– Improved accuracy – with precise load targets to reduce errors
– Increased efficiency – helping new operators work confidently and experienced ones more accurately
– Safety monitoring – by helping avoid truck overloading and unstable loads
Operator training support
All new features from APU 2025 can be viewed through Cat Operator Training at www.catoperatortraining.com. Caterpillar’s Equipment Training Solutions (ETS) team offers eLearning, instructor-led sessions, simulators and customised training to help operators and supervisors boost safety and productivity.
