In the previous video, we detailed the new 315th Caterpillar Next Generation Excavator. But this is not the only new 315 model. Cat also sells the 315 GC. What’s the difference between 315 and 315 GC? Who should consider purchasing the 315 GC? We split it up in this video last week I covered the new Cat 315 excavator. At 15 metric tons, it replaces the 315F L in the Cat compact excavator lineup and has a number of major improvements that add up primarily to one thing: much more speed. But we had a lot to cover in the 315 discussion – new hydraulic system, new engine, new cab, lower maintenance costs – we didn’t have room to cover the other new Cat 315, the 315 GC. As a major upgrade that the 315 is higher than the 315F L it replaces, there is so much functionality where the extra technology – and the extra expense – that comes along with the 315 makes no sense when the GC is up and running. The Basics (How These Models Are Alike) Before we go into the finer details of what this machine is and what it does not compare to 315, let’s talk about what it is, like the 315, 315 GC is a excavator weighing 34,000 lbs / 15 metric tons. It’s part of the Cat’s “small” excavator lineup – a step up from the compact and compact models, but less straightforward than the mid-size lineup and machines like the 320s through the 335. In this lineup of small excavators, the 315 GC is right in the middle, between 13 metric tons 313 And 18 metric tons 317. It is thus a suitable machine for use in a wide variety of jobs across many different job sites. Work on steps, slope work, trenching, foundations, utility work – you name it, the 315 GC can tackle it. The other major piece of the 315 GC is that it is a small radius machine with a diameter of 5 feet and 1 inch of tail swing radius. So you’ll be able to fit this machine into some of the smaller drilling and lifting spaces. Due to its small size, it is easy to transport as well. And while the digging forces are below what you get from a mid-size excavator, the 315 GC’s maximum cutting depth of 19 feet 6 inches and the maximum loading height of 23 feet 6 inches compare very favorably with those of the larger machines. In fact, while this cutting depth is a few feet lower than what the mid-size models can do, the lift height is greater than what you get on the 330, and when you take that load into account along with the tail swing radius of half of the 330’s, you have A machine suitable for more than just utility work or in residential locations. These machines are at home even for large infrastructure jobs and more than you might think there is to load trucks. Now, all that we have said up to this point about the 315 GC can be said of the 315 gauge. Same size, same weight, same cutting depth and loading height. And like the standard 315 GC, it will also save you a significant amount of maintenance costs thanks to the elimination of certain filters and large separator extensions for others – such as the 50 percent increase to 3000 hours on the hydraulic oil filter – both new 315 models can save you up to 25 Both models will save you up to 15 percent in your fuel costs as well thanks to the new Eco and Smart Mode, which automatically shifts the machine somewhat operating and responding between Eco and Power modes. The big problem with Smart Mode is that unlike Eco Mode, it can save you fuel without putting a cap on available power. Check our coverage of standard 315 for more details on these modes. How different are they? So, these two devices share a lot in common – even to the point that three of the five fundamental differences in the two models are differences in the common devices. Since we’ve just been discussing working ranges and dimensions, the first major differences between the two machines – at least according to the specifications Cat lists – are the extra reach you get with the 315 GC. There is no mention of a different arm or stick in the GC, but depending on the specifications provided with this machine, the 315 GC is 28.5 feet long compared to 315 feet 19.5 feet. Second, both machines are driven by the same engine, the Cat C3.6. However, this engine produces 98 net horsepower on 315 GC and 108 net horsepower on 315, the third difference being with the hydraulics. Both machines feature the same new hydraulic system, and unlike the replaced 315F L, the 315 and 315 GC engines have electronically controlled hydraulics. As we discuss in more detail in our coverage of the 315 standard, these new hydraulics make for a faster control response and higher hydraulic flow in the standard model. However, while the 315 GC should provide the faster control response found in the 315th standard thanks to the elimination of pilot lines in favor of electronics, the hydraulic power of the GC model, and thus its overall speed compared to the 315th standard, is lower. While Cat says the high performance of the 315 gives you about an 8 percent increase in productivity compared to the 315F L, with the 315 GC you can expect overall performance to be the same as the F-Series. So, the benefit of the GC is that you get the F-Series performance level that is still very capable, but now at a lower price while still achieving significant maintenance savings, significant fuel savings, and electro-hydraulic controls the more expensive 315. With the GC, you also get the same next-generation cab design found on the standard model 315. With this cab, vertical visibility is increased by 60 percent over the cab in the 315F L thanks to larger front, rear and side windows and narrower pillars. Vibration is also reduced thanks to the viscous cab mounts, in addition, like the 315, the 315 GC also comes standard with the rear and right-side cameras. However, as was the case with the engine and hydraulics, there are some differences in the GC cab. For starters, you’ll get an 8-inch touchscreen instead of a 10-inch touchscreen. And while the standard 315 has a transparent poly hatch that gives you a top view and slightly more light, the 315 GC has an opaque steel bay. Finally, instead of the heated air ride-on seat, the GC model has a mechanical suspension seat. Who Should Consider the 315 GC? Now all this leads us to what – other than the difference in hydraulic power – is the other key difference between the 315 and 315 GC which is standard technology, while the 315 comes with standard technology such as real-time payload metering from Cat, and the Cat Grade indicates with the 2D grade, VisionLink remote monitoring, 2D E-fence security system and ability to operate remotely diagnostics, troubleshooting and firmware upgrade 315 GC does not have any of these features. Cat excavators are beginning to differentiate themselves from the competition not only for the quality of machine control and remote IT technology, but also for the standard inclusion of this technology in these next-generation models. Cat knows their machines are premium grade and the company knows there’s a lot of strong competition. So, the company somehow draws a line in the sand with a robust set of technology as standard features on its standard models to justify the extra expense of its machines, however, Cat also knows that not everyone needs these technical features everywhere a job and certainly not every machine. Many of you need a machine that weighs 15 metric tons, but you probably only need it as a support machine, or a machine that is only used for certain jobs – something that uses maybe 400 or 500 hours each year. If this is the case, and you’re not using this as a production machine, then you probably don’t need the 2D signal or load gauge. With GC, Cat essentially tries to give you just what you really need, and that’s robust performance while taking advantage of lower upfront purchase costs and lower owning and operating costs, plus giving customers greater control over whether the device they purchase is the device they need. GC models also provide less barrier to entry for first-time Cat customers, or those who consider the brand outside of their price range. In multiple conversations with Cat Director in North America for Alex Stockman, Retail Development, I was told that one of her biggest initiatives is to try to remove some ambiguity from Cat pricing while also dispelling the notion that the Cat is too expensive for smaller operations or even one person or person One and their own truck and trailer companies, which is why Cat has moved to machine quotations on many of its smaller machines in dealerships across North America, which is why value and budget machines like the GC strive to deliver solid performance, durability, and the kind of advancement in The cost cutting that comes with new models over time – and pairing it all with a lower initial cost – will be very important to the company’s group going forward.
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