2017 International Forest Industries Magazines May 2017 SHOW Special | Page 72

The Cat 573 D
fan keep the feller bunchers debris-
free and running at the proper
operating temperature, optimizing
performance, durability and
fuel economy. The closed centre
hydraulic system includes fully
adjustable electric over hydraulic
controls and plentiful flow
capacities; two pumps power the
hydraulic system to give loggers
smoother multi-functioning.
Large structures such as
swing bearings and booms have
been designed for longer life
and durability. The tracks and all
undercarriage rolling components
are high-grade to extend track life,
reduce repair costs, and increase
stability. The machines have
excellent ground clearance and an
open carbody design, increasing
mobility by eliminating interference
with obstacles.
Caterpillar recently introduced
Steep Slope Harvesting
enhancements for the 552 Series 2
track machine. The enhancements
enable more efficient, productive,
and reliable machine performance
and also promote safety and
comfort on steep terrain.
Cat steep slope harvesting
enhancements enable the use of
mechanized logging equipment on
steep terrain, minimizing the need
for felling timber by hand with
chainsaws.
An integrated dual-anchor
point, cable-assist mount was
designed and optimized to be
attached to the carbody of the Cat
552 Series 2 machine platform. It
may be connected via cables to a
winch-assist machine – such as an
excavator with a dual drum system
–¬ at the top of the harvest area
or block to help with traction and
stability.
The track roller frames of
the 552 Series 2 were recently
extended 724 mm (28.5 in) to the
rear of the machine. This includes
two additional rollers (for 11 rollers
total), extended rock guards,
and carbody reinforcements. The
extension lowers the machine’s
centre of gravity, increasing overall
stability, and lift capacity increases
significantly over the back of
the machine. The extension also
reduces ground pressure in steep
slope operations.
Optional engine and hydraulic
The Cat 541 Series 2 machines are much improved on previous models
66 International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2017
updates maximize durability and
reliability, allowing the Cat 552
Series to work on a continuous
grade of 100% or 45°.
Product Link, the remote
monitoring solution, enables
efficient and effective fleet
management of Cat forestry
equipment. The easy-to-use
interface, VisionLink, enables
customized health and utilization
reports, enhanced mapping, and
mixed-fleet capabilities.