Caterpillar adds VAB option to Cat 340 Hydraulic Excavator

By providing one extra boom articulation, the VAB maximises the machine’s application range while minimising the space required to rotate in tight earthmoving and demolition sites.

Highlights

  • Extra boom articulation increases application range while reducing space required to rotate.
  • Rear and side cameras are standard, displaying a rear and right standard camera view of the machine’s position and proximity on the hi-res in-cab touchscreen monitor.

 

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IRVING, Texas, March 7, 2025―Unhindered operation in tight or restricted excavating and demolition jobsites is Caterpillar’s thinking behind the Variable Angle Boom (VAB) option now available for the Cat® 340 Hydraulic Excavator.

By providing one extra boom articulation, Caterpillar says the VAB maximises the machine’s application range while minimising the space required to rotate in tight earthmoving and demolition sites.

By specifying the VAB, operators lose none of the standard functionality of the 340 – not least its 8.2 m maximum digging depth – but gain added flexibility to deploy the machine across a much wider range of jobsites, with improved ability to work closer to the tracks. The VAB option adds even wider appeal to an already well-equipped heavy-duty machine.

Ana Pinzon

Product Application Specialist

Caterpillar Excavators Europe

Caterpillar has approached the design and functionality of the 340 VAB to help deliver both site safety and operator satisfaction. Rear and side cameras are standard equipment, displaying a rear and right standard camera view of the machine’s position and proximity on the hi-res in-cab touchscreen monitor, while Cat 2D E-fence prevents the machine from moving outside operator-defined parameters. An optional demolition cab provides the added reassurance of P5A glazing and fitted Operator Protective Guards (OPG).

 

Operators who are fully engaged with their machine, in command of all its features, and relieved of repetitive or mundane tasks, help increase jobsite safety. We’ve released the latest operator-oriented user interface on the cab monitor, for example, to allow quick and easy identification of all apps and menu options. Scanning a QR code brings up a full suite of ‘how-to’ videos and information about machine technology. In addition, Operator Coaching – an in-cab, automatic system – recognises specific opportunities for operators to be more productive. Not only does that help reduce machine wear and tear but also helps reduce operator fatigue while improving skills development.

Ana Pinzon

Product Application Specialist

Caterpillar Excavators Europe

Further measures to improve both site productivity and operator engagement include Cat Payload, allowing precise, real-time weight estimates ‘on the go,’ and Cat Grade Assist. The latter combines data from machine position sensors with operator-defined input―depth and slope parameters―to automate boom and stick movements to enable single-stick digging.

Powered by the EU Stage V compliant Cat C9.3B, developing 346 hp, the 340 VAB is engineered for rugged conditions with reinforced undercarriage and heavy counterweight, bringing operator confidence for payloads. Pro-active service reminders and an integrated vehicle health management system help to minimise unnecessary downtime, with over-the-air (OTA) machine updates reducing the need for onsite technicians.

 

Bearing in mind the types of sites in which the 340 VAB is likely to operate, this choice of engine also allows operators to use lower-carbon intensity fuels such as biodiesel and hydrotreated vegetable oil either to meet local directives or customers’ own climate-related objectives. While Cat VisionLink® allows monitoring of daily fuel burn and CO2 emissions.

Ana Pinzon

Product Application Specialist

Caterpillar Excavators Europe

The 340 VAB is available only in Europe.

For more information about the Cat 340 Excavator with VAB, contact a Cat dealer or visit: www.cat.com

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Cat® 340 Excavator with Variable Angle Boom (VAB) option.

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Cat® 340 Excavator with Variable Angle Boom (VAB) option.

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Cat® 340 Excavator with Variable Angle Boom (VAB) option.

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Cat® 340 Excavator with Variable Angle Boom (VAB) option.

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Cat® 340 Excavator with Variable Angle Boom (VAB) option.

View Full Size Image
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Cat® 340 Excavator with Variable Angle Boom (VAB) option.

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Cat® 340 Excavator with Variable Angle Boom (VAB) option.

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About Caterpillar:
With 2024 sales and revenues of $64.8 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Caterpillar rolls out products and services in each of its regions at different time intervals. Although every effort is made to ensure that product information is released only after Caterpillar has received confirmation from its independent dealer network, plants, and marketing subsidiaries that products and services are available in the relevant region, editors are kindly requested to verify with a Cat dealer for product availability and specifications.

CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow,” the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

VisionLink is a trademark of Caterpillar Inc., registered in the United States and in other countries.

 

 

Press Inquiries:

Amy Doughty
Caterpillar Trade Press Media Representative
amy.doughty@cat.com
 
For Release: Europe
Release Number: 18PR25 — March 2025


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