Cat® Feller Buncher Upgrades Increase Performance

Feb 08, 2010

Upgrades to the hydraulic system and other enhancements have improved the productivity and reliability of the 173 hp Cat® 553, 197 hp Cat 563 and the 225 hp Cat 573 wheel feller bunchers.

Multi-functioning, an advantage of Cat wheel feller bunchers, has been enhanced with improvements to the front control valve. Simultaneous lift-tilt and lift-steer functions are over 60% faster than major competitive machines. The saw pump flow capacity in the feller bunchers has been increased, resulting in a 15% improvement in saw recovery time on the Cat 563 and a 6% improvement in the Cat 573. Additional adjustments provide better acceleration and faster ground speed. Operators will notice more power on hills, wet ground and rough terrain.

Hydraulic hoses have been improved to protect them from damage and reduce wear. Hoses are longer and made of an abrasion-resistant material designed to withstand abuse. Extreme-duty rubber tube covers provide additional protection to the lift arm hoses. The covers reduce downtime by deflecting impact to the hoses and preventing friction damage from debris between the hoses.

In addition, the hydraulic return hose that crosses the center section of the carrier has been changed to a smaller diameter and is wrapped in a plastic coil. The smaller hose lasts longer because it is more flexible and better protected.

To make getting in and out of the cab easier, Cat replaced the rubber belt step with a rigid, fixed step. Other enhancements include button head bolts to prevent wear on hoses and expander pins for cab mounts to reduce cab noise.

The Cat 553 is powered by the Cat C6.6 ACERT engine; the Cat 563 and 573 are equipped with the Cat C7 ACERT engine. All engines meet Tier III emissions regulations.

Caterpillar Forest Products also recently made enhancements to the SH-50 bunching saw and is introducing the SC-57, a new center post saw. Together the upgraded carrier and sawheads greatly improve the productivity and reliability of the Cat feller buncher system.

For more information visit www.cat.com/forestry.

Source : Caterpillar

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