Caterpillar Launches New Forest Machines

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The Cat 548 Forest Machine is built to be a logger’s best friend. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Caterpillar, one of the world’s leading construction and mining equipment manufacturers, just launched the new 548 and 548 LL Forest Machines, which are purpose-built tracked excavators designed to increase productivity and maximize profitability for a variety of logging applications.

A Master Of Many

According to Cat, the new 548 Forest Machine is ideally suited to core forestry tasks, including road building, site preparation, and log processing. Cat configured the 548 LL Forest Machine as a log loader, and as such it excels at shovel logging, loading, power clam/butt-n-top applications, and other common millyard tasks.

These machines both feature Cat’s 204 horsepower C7.1 ACERT (Advanced Combustion Emissions Reduction Technology) engine, which adhere to U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final standards. Operators and contractors alike can also rest assured that these machines offer excellent fuel efficiency, ample horsepower, and nearly 20% boost in swing torque, depending on the model. These excavators include a heavy lift mode to support higher lift capacities and heavier loads, with better control. Furthermore, the 548s support 13% better tractive effort, which results in better handling on less-than-paved surfaces, according to Cat.

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Although highly versatile, the Cat 548 LL is outfitted for various log-loading applications. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Not Just A Souped-Up Excavator

For these new 548 Series Forestry Machines, Cat didn’t just retrofit existing excavators with some nifty new attachments. These units feature different boom arrangements and hydraulic systems for specific applications, track-based mobility for lower ground pressure, and support for ground saw hydraulics. You can also choose between the standard cab, or the purpose-built processor cab, both of which feature a fully adjustable air ride seat with built-in heating and cooling; a bi-level air conditioner, heater, and defroster; satellite radio; 12-volt power supply socket for charging; and a large easy-to-use monitor.

These Forestry Machines are also built with ease-of-maintenance and serviceability top-of-mind. They feature a one-piece engine hood design that grants ready access to both the engine and cooling compartments, side-by-side engine and hydraulic coolers, a debris flow-through optimized radiator that’s less prone to clogging, and numerous ground-level storage options.

Source: Caterpillar