Forest Excavator features purpose-built structures.

Press Release Summary:

Model 325C Forest Machine can be configured as log loader, delimber, or roadbuilder. Six-cylinder diesel engine provides 180 flywheel hp (134 kW). Hydraulic cross-sensing system controls both hydraulic pumps to use 100% of available engine power in all operating conditions. Standard fine swing control cushions swing start and stop. Machine can be equipped with bucket, thumb, clamshell, or clearing grapple to fit wide range of forest road construction requirements.

Original Press Release:

Caterpillar Introduces 325C Forest Machine Designed to be Configured as Log Loader, Delimber, or Roadbuilder

Caterpillar introduces the 325C Forest Machine, a swing machine featuring a high-performance engine and hydraulics, purpose-built forestry structures, an ergonomic operator station in a forestry cab, and design for easier maintenance. The 325C FM has the versatility to be configured as a log loader, delimber or roadbuilder. The 325C FM, based on the new 325C hydraulic excavator technology, offers improved performance through increased horsepower and hydraulic flow. As compared to the 325B, the 325C FM has about 8 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more hydraulic flow, 8 percent more swing torque, and 13 percent improved drawbar pull. These enhancements help maximize productivity through faster implement speeds, quicker and stronger pivot turns, and greater maneuverability. To assure reliability in demanding forestry applications, the reinforced carbody is purpose built, as is the log-loading front linkage. The cab and interior layout allow easier operation and better operator protection. Heavy doors, extra guarding, and other special logging features are designed into the base machine. Also, longer service intervals and easier access to maintenance points boost availability and lower costs. High-performance engine and hydraulics The Cat® 3126B ATAAC (turbocharged and air-to-air aftercooled) six-cylinder diesel engine powers the 325C FM with 180 flywheel horsepower (134 kW). The engine features electronic control and the Cat HEUI(TM) fuel system for responsive and fuel-efficient operation. Automatic engine speed control boosts fuel efficiency and reduces sound and vibration levels. The 3126B meets worldwide Tier 2 emissions requirements. The 325C FM hydraulic cross-sensing system controls both hydraulic pumps to use 100 percent of available engine power in all operating conditions. The hydraulic system offers precise control to enhance operator efficiency. To enhance implement control even further, standard fine swing control cushions swing start and stop. Hydraulic cylinder snubbers at the rod-end of the boom cylinders and both ends of the stick cylinders cushion shocks, reduce sound, and increase cylinder life. The boom and stick regeneration circuit increases efficiency and reduces cycle times for lower operating costs and higher productivity. Structures designed and built for durability The 325C FM structural components and undercarriage are purpose built for durability in demanding forestry applications. The outer frame uses curved side rails, which are die formed for uniformity and strength. Box-section channels increase upper frame rigidity, and inverted U-channels span the width of the main frame. The boom tower and main rails are constructed of solid, high-tensile-strength steel plates. The boom foot and engine mount areas are reinforced for durability, and the wide, tall and thick carbody provides stability and durability. Front-end linkages include heel-type loader arrangements to fit a wide variety of log-handling and log-loading applications. Heel booms are particularly well suited for handling large diameter sawlogs. Factory-installed and supported heel-boom Caterpillar® grapples are matched to the factory logging fronts to increase production and reliability. For machines that will be equipped with a Butt-n-Top grapple, an optional hydraulic arrangement with controls is available from the factory, along with the necessary 37-foot (11.3-meter) front. The 325C FM also can be configured as a roadbuilder and can be equipped with a bucket, thumb, clamshell, or clearing grapple to fit a wide range of forest road construction requirements. As a stroke delimber carrier, the 325C FM can be fitted with one of a variety of AEM delimbers. Different forestry undercarriages are offered to adapt the 325C FM to the application. The standard gauge, heavy-duty undercarriage is designed for extended life in roadside processing applications and in general forestry work. The high-wide undercarriage combines the heavy-duty features of the standard gauge with increased drawbar pull ground clearance, track gauge, and plate thickness for work at the stump and in-woods log-loading and shovel-logging applications. Operator station enhances performance The 325C FM operator workstation is quiet with ergonomic control placement and convenient adjustment devices. Low-effort controls, an ergonomic seat, and highly efficient ventilation combine to reduce fatigue and boost operator efficiency over an entire shift. Large, wide windows provide an excellent viewing area. Two joysticks and buttons actuate the boom, stick, heel, grapple, and swing. The roadbuilder equipped with a bucket operates the same as an excavator. A large rubber-covered footrest at each side of the travel pedals allows easy and positive control, and the travel lever stroke has been enhanced for fine controllability. The control system features an automatic boom and swing priority function. Work mode and power mode switches have been eliminated. Instead, the automatic boom and swing priority function selects the best mode based on joystick movement. The smooth transition of hydraulic flow between circuits enhances operator control, and the automatic function simplifies operation of the machine. A standard tool-control system allows the operator to preset five hydraulic flow and pressure settings, eliminating the need to adjust hydraulics every time a work tool is changed. The system instantly supplies the correct flow and pressure, which is especially beneficial when several different attachments are used in general forestry work. For improved sight lines, every Caterpillar forest machine is equipped with a cab riser. The 325C FM equipped for general forestry work has an 18-inch (457-mm) cab riser, and the 325C FM log loader has a 48-inch (1219-mm) cab riser. The factory forestry cab has several window and windshield guard options available. Simplified service and maintenance The 325C FM service and maintenance intervals have been extended to reduce cumulative service time and increase availability. Many daily maintenance areas are accessible from ground level. A remote greasing block on the boom delivers grease to hard-to-reach locations. The left rear service door allows easy access to the engine radiator and oil cooler. The reserve tank and a drain cock are attached to the radiator for simplified maintenance. The oil cooler swings out horizontally for easy cleaning. The engine can be accessed from the upper structure or from under the machine. The air filter features a double-element construction for superior cleaning efficiency. New grease-lubricated seals protect the track links and promote long life for track link pins and bushings. The proven Caterpillar undercarriage design and structural manufacturing techniques assure durability in the toughest applications. For more information, customers should contact their local Caterpillar dealer or visit the Cat web site at www.cat.com.

325C FM Basic Specifications Operating weight Gen. forestry, HDLC undercar. 69,333 lb (31 449 kg) Gen. forestry, HW undercar. 71,639 lb (32 495 kg) Log loader, under/under 81,783 lb (37 096 kg) Log loader, over/under 83,050 lb (37 671 kg) Engine Cat 3126B ATAAC Net power 180 hp (134 kW) Ground clearance HD undercarriage 20 inches (510 mm) HW undercarriage 28 inches (722 mm) Track gauge HD undercarriage 8 ft 6 inches (2590 mm) HW undercarriage 9 ft 7 inches (2921 mm) Track length HD undercarriage 15 ft 5 inches (4700 mm) HW undercarriage 15 ft 8 inches (4770 mm)