Operator Station
The ergonomically designed operator station is spacious, quiet, and comfortable, assuring high productivity during a long work day. All switches are located on the right-hand console for convenient access.
Monitor
The monitor is a full-color Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that can be adjusted to minimize sun glare and has the capability of displaying information in 27 languages.
Joystick Control
Low-effort pilot-operated joystick controls are designed to match the operator’s natural wrist and arm position for maximum comfort and minimum fatigue.
Seat
The standard suspension seat provides a variety of adjustments to suit the operator’s size and weight including fore/aft, height and weight. Wide adjustable armrests and a static seat belt are also included.
Console
The consoles feature a simple functional design to reduce operator fatigue, ease of switch operation, and excellent visibility. Both consoles have attached armrests with height adjustments.
Cab Exterior
The cab shell features thick steel tubing along the bottom perimeter of the cab, improving resistance to fatigue and vibration.
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.
Windows
To maximize visibility, all glass is affixed directly to the cab, eliminating window frames. The upper front windshield opens, closes, and stores on the roof above the operator with a one‑touch action release system.
Wipers
Pillar-mounted wipers increase the operator’s viewing area and offer continuous and intermittent modes.
The Cat 3054C engine has been designed to meet U.S. EPA Tier 2 and EU Stage II emission regulations. This engine incorporates a time-proven mechanical governor and a low-pressure fuel injection system that are major contributors to the improvement of fuel system robustness, high fuel efficiency, and ease of troubleshooting. High filtration performance from the primary filter incorporating a water separator and a secondary filter also help to improve fuel filtration system reliability.
Automatic Engine Control and Fuel Delivery
With a net power of 67 kW (90 hp) the 312D/D L Series 2 has been designed with fuel economy in mind and burns less fuel compared with the previous model depending on application.
Economy Mode
Available as standard, economy mode allows you to balance the demands of performance and fuel economy while maintaining the breakout forces and lift capacity enjoyed at standard power.
Outstanding Performance
The 312D/D L Series 2 hydraulic system is designed for high efficiency and performance. Auxiliary hydraulic and electrical lines are routed to the boom foot making installation of hydraulic circuits much easier. This compact design utilizes shorter tubes and lines to reduce friction and pressure drops, resulting in a more efficient use of power.
- Hydraulic snubbers at the rod end of the boom cylinders and both ends of the stick cylinders cushion shock, reduce sound, and increase cylinder life.
- A hydraulic cross-sensing system uses two hydraulic pumps under all operating conditions, improving productivity with faster implement speeds and quicker, stronger pivot turns.
Boom and Stick Regeneration Circuit
The boom and stick regeneration circuit saves energy during boom-down and stick-in operation, increasing efficiency and lowering operating costs.
Easy Operation
Work mode and power mode switches have been eliminated making full power available at all times. Operators do not need to learn different modes. An automatic boom and swing priority function automatically selects the best mode based on joystick movement.
Caterpillar uses advanced engineering and software to analyze all structures, creating a durable, reliable machine for robust applications. More than 70 percent of the structural welds are robotic and achieve additional penetration over manual welds. These structural components and undercarriage are the backbone of the machine’s durability.
Carbody Design
X-shaped, box-section carbody provides excellent resistance to torsional bending. Robot-welded track roller frames are press-formed, pentagonal units that deliver exceptional strength and service life.
Grease Lubricated Track
Grease lubricated track seals protect the track link and deliver long track link pin and bushing inner wear.
Travel Motors
Travel motors with automatic speed selection let the 312D/D L Series 2 automatically change up and down from high and low speeds in a smooth, controlled manner.
Robust applications require robust machine designs. In order to meet your job site needs we use advanced engineering and software to analyze all structures, creating a durable, reliable machine.
Stick
The 2.5 m (8'2") and 3 m (9'10") reach sticks incorporate new forging and welding processes for increased durability, digging force, and lifting capacity.
Reach Boom
A 4.65 m (15'3") one-piece, reach boom features parts made from a new forging pattern. A light attached to the left side offers improved visibility in dark and low-light conditions.
Each Cat work tool is designed to optimize the versatility and performance of your machine. An extensive range which includes buckets, compactors, grapples, multi-processors, rippers, crushers, pulverizers, hammers and shears is available for your 312D/D L Series 2.
Couplers
Quick couplers allow one person to change work tools in seconds for maximum performance and flexibility on a job site. One machine can move rapidly from task to task, and a fleet of similarly equipped machines can share a common work tool inventory.
CW Dedicated Coupler
The CW quick coupler can pick up any work tool and is equipped with a wedge-style locking system that fits the quick coupler tight to the tool hinges. Due to the tapered wedge design, there won’t be any play during its entire life. Also it is interchangeable with different machine classes. The CW is highly suitable for harsh applications, such as demolition and quarries.
Center-Lock™ Pin Grabber Coupler
Center-Lock is the pin grabber style coupler and features a patent-pending locking system. A highly visible secondary lock clearly shows the operator when the coupler is engaged or disengaged from the bucket or work tool.
Buckets
Cat Buckets and Cat Ground Engaging Tools (GET) are designed and matched to the machine ensuring optimal performance and fuel consumption.
General Duty Buckets (GD)
These buckets are designed for digging in low-impact, moderately abrasive materials such as dirt, loam, gravel and clay.
Heavy Duty Buckets (HD)
HD buckets are a good starting point when application conditions vary. Especially when conditions include mixed dirt, clay and sand and gravel.
Severe Duty Buckets (SD)
These buckets are best suited to highly abrasive applications such as shot rock, sand stone and granite.
Hydraulic Kits*
Caterpillar offers field-installed hydraulic kits that are uniquely designed to integrate Cat Work Tools with Cat excavators. Hoses and tubes are pre-made, pre‑shaped, and pre-painted to make installation quick and easy. *Offering varies for different regions.
Comprehensive Product Support
All Cat work tools are backed up by a world-wide network of well-stocked spare parts depots and highly experienced after-sales service and support personnel. Work tools available vary by region. Contact your local Cat dealer for more information about the work tools available in your region.
Ground Level Service
The design and layout of the 312D/D L Series 2 was made with the service technician in mind. Most service locations are easily accessible at ground level allowing service and maintenance to get completed quickly and efficiently.
Pump Compartment
A service door on the right side of the upper structure allows ground-level access to the pump, pilot filter, drain filter, the engine oil filter, S·O·SSM sampling port, and diagnostic pressure taps.
Radiator Compartment
The left service door allows easy access to the engine radiator, oil cooler, water separator and first and second fuel filter. A reserve tank and drain cock are attached to the radiator for simplified maintenance. The air filter features a double-element construction for superior cleaning efficiency. When the air cleaner plugs, a warning is displayed on the monitor screen inside the cab.
Hydraulic Return Filter
The hydraulic return filter is situated outside the hydraulic tank. This filter prevents contaminants from entering the system when hydraulic oil is changed and keeps the operation clean.
Greasing Points
A concentrated remote greasing block on the boom delivers grease to hard-to-reach locations on the front.
Fan Guard
The engine radiator fan is 180 degree enclosed by heavy wire guard, reducing the risk of an accident.
Anti-Skid Plate
Anti-skid plate covers top of storage box and upper structure to prevent slipping during maintenance.
Diagnostics and Monitoring
The 312D/D L Series 2 is equipped with S·O·S sampling ports and hydraulic test ports for the hydraulic system, engine oil, and for coolant. A test connection for the Cat Electronic Technician (Cat ET) service tool is located behind the cab.
Extended Service Interval
312D/D L Series 2 service and maintenance intervals have been extended to reduce machine service time and increase machine availability.
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. A wide range of Cat remanufactured components are available for the 312D/D L Series 2, further lowering repair costs and supporting sustainable practices.
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.
Maintenance Services
Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Condition monitoring services and diagnostic programs such as scheduled oil sampling, coolant sampling, and technical analysis help you avoid unscheduled repairs.
Customer Support Agreements
Cat dealers offer a variety of product support agreements, and work with customers to develop a plan that best meets specific needs. These plans can cover the entire machine, including attachments, to help protect the customer’s investment.
Replacement
Repair, rebuild, or replace? Your Cat dealer can help you evaluate the cost involved so you can make the right choice.