Cat Wheeled Excavators and Wheel Material Handlers Receive Blue Angel Environmental Certification

The Blue Angel certification is an environmental award— supported by the German Federal Environmental Agency and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety— that recognizes products that protect both people and the environment by reducing noise and emissions. The Cat^® M318F, M320F, and M322F wheeled excavators and the MH3022 and MH3024 wheel material handlers have been awarded this coveted certification in recognition of the Caterpillar commitment to environmental protection. The Cat 906M, 907M, 908M, 926M, 930M, and 938M wheel loaders were previously awarded Blue Angel certification.

Blue Angel certification

The Cat models were tested for Blue Angel certification in the construction machinery category for sound and emission levels, by RAL GmbH, the German Institute for Quality Assurance and Certification. Granting the Blue Angel label is based on the methodology used in the statutory procedures, and at the same time, takes into account state-of-the art technology for the reduction of exhaust, particle, and noise emissions. The requirements and test values are more stringent than statutory limits for the European Union. Today, Caterpillar is the only manufacturer to have received the Blue Angel certification in the construction machinery category for its products.

Cat F Series

When designing the F Series wheeled excavators and material handlers, Caterpillar solicited the guidance of both product experts and customers—those who use these machines on a day-to-day basis and know first-hand what characteristics are important. Safety and environmental considerations were defined as key requirements to give customers not only the exceptional performance they expect from Cat products, but also added value. In addition, these new models feature low operating costs, simplicity of operation, ease of maintenance, and a comfortable operator’s station.

F Series wheeled excavators and the MH3022, MH3024 material handlers use the Cat C7.1 ACERT^TM engine that meets EU Stage IV and U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards. The engine integrates an emission aftertreatment system that imposes no requirements on the operator and functions without interrupting the work cycles.

Environmental enabler

Environmental considerations are becoming crucial in today’s world to help build a more sustainable future. Increasingly, cities and states are implementing access restrictions based on equipment sound and particulate emission levels. The Blue Angel label can be an enabler for customers to work in such areas and is the best guarantee that customers will be well positioned to take on this work with their Cat equipment. Frederic Predemoiser, wheeled excavator global product application specialist, comments “This certification complements our strategy to offer our customers versatile products in all application tasks through a wide range of solutions, integrated technologies, and work tools.”