Gulf Construction Online - Cat launches new pipelayer series

Pipes & Fittings

Cat’s new series of pipelayers ... meeting the demands.

Cat launches new pipelayer series

01 August 2006

Caterpillar says its recently-introduced T-Series pipelayers – the 583T and the 587T – have been designed to meet the toughest demands of pipeline contractors worldwide.

“While the 583T, with a lifting capacity of 63,504 kg comes as a replacement for the 583R, the new 587T represents a new size class in the product line, and fills a range needed by pipeline contractors,” says a spokesman for the global construction and mining equipment giant. “The 587T has a lifting capacity of 91,625 kg.”
He continues: “For enhanced productivity, both the 583T and 587T – which will be available in the Middle East shortly – feature ergonomic controls and new operator stations that allow full circle viewing. A factory-installed cab now is available for operator comfort in extreme environments. Both new machines feature one-hand, precise control of steering, direction and gear selection. In addition, the low-effort pipelayer controls allow simultaneous, precise positioning of the hook and boom with one hand.
“The new pipelayers use Cat C15 engines with Acert Technology for optimum performance while meeting worldwide exhaust emissions regulations. In the 583T, the engine produces 231 kW, and in the 587T, the engine produces a net power of 273 kW. Acert Technology delivers reliable engine performance in all climates, and the technology allows extended service intervals for reduced operating costs.”
The new pipelayers retain the proven hydrostatic draw works and extendible counterweight. The boom and hook are driven by independent hydraulic winches with variable speeds to provide excellent controllability and precise pipe positioning, he says. The operator can extend the counterweight hydraulically for improved stability when lifting heavy loads and can retract the counterweight for clearance when manoeuvring.

High productivity
“Each of the T-Series pipelayers provides a clear, full-circle view from the operator's station,” says the spokesman. “A tapered hood and a notched fuel tank provide clear lines of sight to the front and rear work area. The new, streamlined design further enhances sight lines to the side work areas. The Cat Comfort Series seat is ergonomically designed and fully adjustable to suit the operator. Compared to the 583R, the seat is raised and moved to the left to provide superior all-around visibility.”
The 583T features differential steering while the 587T features an electronic clutch and brake steering system.
“Both steering control systems are low effort and responsive and allow the operator to work more precisely in close areas, around structures, obstacles, grade stakes and other machines. The dual-twist tiller on the 583T controls direction and degree of turns, forward reverse shifting, and gear selection in a single control handle. Fingertip controls on the 587T are clustered to the operator's left for easy one-handed operation of steering, direction and gear selection. In addition, the monitoring system provides instant feedback to the operator on machine operating systems, and stores data for maintenance technicians,” says the spokesman.
He adds: “The pipelayers also come with an ROPS canopy and enclosed cab as an option. The ROPS canopy provides additional protection for the operator, and the cab – equipped with a heater and an air-conditioner – is designed for operator comfort in any climate. The cab has a skylight window to view the boom and upper block. Eight additional halogen lights come with the cab arrangement.”

High performance
The Cat C15 engine offers large displacement of 15.2 litres and high torque rise for reliable performance in tough conditions. The engine's Acert Technology combines incremental improvements in fuel delivery, air management and electronic control to optimise engine performance and meet emissions regulations. The ADEM A4 electronic control module manages fuel delivery to get the most from a unit of fuel.
“The power train features constant net horsepower, since the engine automatically adjusts power irrespective of what the parasitic loads, such as those created by the hydraulically-driven cooling fan. This feature maintains machine responsiveness for smooth operation and high productivity, and it provides fuel savings when demands are low.
“The engine is matched to a high-efficiency torque divider, which provides high torque multiplication while shielding the drive train from torque shocks and vibration. The planetary power shift transmission features electronic clutch pressure control on the 587T.
“The elevated sprocket undercarriage raises the final drives and associated power train components above the work area. This isolates them from impact loads as well as pipelayer loads, which extends power train component life. The Positive Pin Retention sealed and lubricated track design locks the link to the pin-for high load and high-impact applications,” he says.

Improved access
“New sight gauges and filter locations, improved access to oil and coolant sampling ports, and a work lamp in the engine compartment make daily and periodic service faster and easier. Quick disconnect fittings allow for fast diagnosis of the power train, hydraulics and attachment oil systems. Improved serviceability means lower owning and operating costs.
“As an option, the T-Series pipelayers offer Caterpillar Product Link PL300, which - via a wireless link – provides updates on service meter hours, machine condition and machine location,” he concludes.