The Caterpillar 350 hydraulic excavator was introduced in 1993 in Japan. Production began in the USA and Belgium a year later.

[edit] Features

The 350 has a Cat 3306 air-to-air after-cooled diesel engine producing 286 flywheel horsepower (FWHP). It comes standard with a variable flow hydraulic system with a power mode selector, pilot activated controls, a load sensing hydraulic system, independent swing pump, high level of operator comfort, H-shaped carbody, variable track gauge, large cross-section design for the boom and stick, increased stick and bucket forces, and increased pressure in the travel circuit.

The 350 was manufactured in Japan, with a 7RK or 9DK serial number prefix; in the USA, with a 2ZL or 3ML prefix; and in Belgium, with an 8HK or 9FL prefix.

The 9FL, 9DK, and 3ML units have a long undercarriage and large lifting capacity.

[edit] Modifications

Production of 8HK ended in 1994.

In 1995 Caterpillar modified the steering valve on the 9FL unit, beginning with 9FL00075.

Production of 2ZL ended in 1996; 3ML ended in 1997; and 9FL ended in 1998.

Production ended in Japan in 1999.

Based on data from the sales database of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, it is estimated that more than 2,900 Caterpillar 350 hydraulic excavators have been produced.

Highest Serial #

Belgium
8HK	N/A
9FL	01007
Japan
7RK	00410
9DK	00343
USA
2ZL	00172
3ML	00996
Total = 2,928