Precision control with the PL61 Pipelayer

The PL61, shares many common components with the Caterpillar D6K tractor, featuring a Cat C6.6 ACERT engine, closed-loop hydrostatic drive system, SystemOne undercarriage and an electronically enhanced operator station. Complementing this technology are premium features retained from the design of the predecessor model, the 561N, including hydrostatic draw-works, two-speed load line and extendible counterweight.

The 6.6 litre, 93 net kW engine is equipped with a common-rail fuel system and the Caterpillar ADEM A4 electronic controller, accurately managing fuel delivery for enhanced lugging performance and emissions control.

The electronically controlled hydrostatic drive system uses a variable-displacement hydraulic pump and motor for each track, allowing smooth turns under power and counter-rotation of tracks when required. The system delivers variable speeds of up to 10 km/h, and automatically matches speed and torque requirements to the application, while the left joystick permits single-lever control of the drive system.

The SystemOne undercarriage is designed to reduce costs by 35 to 70 per cent, compared with costs of maintaining standard undercarriages. Design features include rotating bushings that eliminate the need to turn both pins and bushings, and centre-tread idlers, which guide the track without contacting and wearing the link rails.

The PL61 can be equipped with a narrow undercarriage, 2,560 mm across the tracks, or a low ground pressure version, 2,760 mm across the tracks.

The 5.5 m boom is constructed from high tensile strength steel, providing a box-section design that is durable yet lightweight to optimise payload capacity. The hook and cable controlled boom is repositioned by independent hydraulic winches designed for smooth operation and easy speed adjustment through their working range. Two-speed operation of the load line winch enhances productivity, while oil disc brakes in the winches positively retain selected boom and hook positions.

The extendible counterweight, designed to enhance machine stability when handling heavy loads or when working in steep terrain, can be retracted for manoeuvring on confined sites. Lifting functions are managed conveniently with a seat-mounted, electro-hydraulic joystick that controls the boom, load line and counterweight. A thumbwheel in the lever allows precise counterweight positioning, and additional thumb buttons in the lever control the load line two-speed function and the “˜emergency free-fall’ feature for rapid load lowering.

Available with either a canopy or an optional enclosed cabin, the
PL61 operator station provides clear lines of sight to all work areas, including the boom and upper block, which are visible through a new roof-mounted skylight. For added control, a combination
decelerator/brake pedal can be configured to slow the machine with or without a reduction in engine speed.

For more information visit www.australia.cat.com

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