The two new models are the Cat 559D and 579D.
The loaders, which meet Tier 4 Final emission standards, are manufactured in LaGrange, Georgia. The Cat Tier 4 Final C4.4 ACERT™ engine provides the same horsepower as the previous series (rated at 173 hp or 129.5 kW) while minimising overall fluid consumption. An automatic idle feature with multiple settings minimizes fuel consumption when the loader is on standby and not actively working. Twin, fixed-geometry, waste-gated turbochargers give maximum turbo performance to improve productivity, fuel efficiency, and engine life while reducing operating costs.
The engine has good cooling capability with a large side-by-side engine coolant, hydraulic, and charge air cooling package. Coarse fin spacing allows outside debris to pass through and efficiently dissipates heat. Individually isolated cooling cores eliminate core-to-core thermal stresses, increasing durability. The large diameter variable speed fan is electronically controlled to provide cooling only as required, reducing noise levels and fuel consumption. The negative flow hydraulic system is at the core of the D Series to provide continuous, reliable, responsive control. The operator can lift, swing, and rotate the grapple simultaneously without sacrificing performance.
Reliability improvements over the previous model include optimized hose routings and larger pins and bushings to increase durability. Both models include cylinder hold valves as standard and are available with tapered wedge (TW) or straight narrow (SN) jaw configurations; and 2 port or 3 port hydraulic swivel (grapple saw ready) configuration for delimbing and loading applications:
Caterpillar offers a delimber/slasher package that is a complete factory-installed timber merchandising system having a loader and grapple, trailer with trailer-mounted delimber, and ground saw slasher connections. The new Cat DLK426 four-knife delimber improves loading of trees, fast delimbing, and producing clean stems.
Integrated safety features range from a robust step system with two handrails, heavy-duty front window guard, stabilizer movement alarm and pilot enabled alarm and anti-skid plates. Other features are smooth hydraulic controls and good balance, high-capacity HVAC system, high back comfort seat, and the quiet, spacious cab. Other features for the operator include cupped, adjustable arm rests for better support, sound-dampening insulation, storage trays to eliminate clutter, and factory-installed mounting bracket and other accessories for a CB radio. Satellite radio and auxiliary audio port for MP3 players are standard.
The loader has three operating modes to meet various requirements for production and fuel consumption. Hydraulic flow is managed automatically and increases in each mode by adjusting the horsepower load on the engine. Each operating mode provides superior multi-function ability, function response, control, and fast cycle times. The upper frame includes cross plate head-side reinforcements for severe delimbing applications while the lower frame includes a large bearing ring to support the upper frame swing bearing.
Engine, fuel, pilot, and case drain filters are accessible at ground level. A standard on-board service hose and electric fill pump makes it easy and safe to service the hydraulic oil. Product Link™, the remote monitoring solution that enables efficient fleet management, is standard. Source