The 345B has a Cat 3176 engine producing 286, 290, or 321 horsepower (HP).
The 345B was manufactured in the USA, with a 4SS, 9GS, or 2NW serial number prefix; in Japan, with a 6MW, 6XS, 8KW, 5WS, 8RW, or 9CW prefix; in Belgium, with a 2SW prefix; and in France, with a 7KS prefix.
The 7KS, 6XS, 5WS, and 4SS units have a Rexroth pump. The 4SS also has a power and work mode selector with a new user mode, high stick and bucket forces, a level of operator comfort, integrated seat and console, air conditioner, serviceability from the ground, large lifting capacity, and low fuel consumption.
The 2SW has a heavy-duty upper frame, boom and hydraulic hoe. It has an operating weight of 106,260 pounds (48,300 kg).
The 9GS and 2NW units have a variable gauge undercarriage. The 2NW is a material handler unit.
Modifications
Production of 6XS and 9GS ended in 1999. Caterpillar
Caterpillar introduced 345B Series II in 1999 in the USA and Japan. Production began in Belgium in 2001.
