545 ® Skidder Featured machines may include additional equipment applicable Cat® 3306 DITA Engine 545 545 onlyapplicable for special only forapplications. special applications. See your Caterpillar dealer for availableSee your options.Caterpillar dealer for available options. CatGross® 3304 Power DIT Engine 168 kW 225 hp GrossWheel Power Base 153 HP3838 114 kW mm 175 151.1HP in 130 kW WheelGrapple Base Capacity 130 in 3300 1.5 mm m2 138 in16 ft2 3505 mm GrappleOperating Capacity Weight 8 ft2 18.74 217 m2 kg 40,1619 ft 2lbs- 13.5 ft2 .84 m2 - 1.25 m2 545 Skidder The 545 Skidder is built to exceed all expectations for skidding performance, reliability and comfort while maximizing productivity. Powertrain Application Flexibility Cradled Front Axle The field-proven Cat 3306 DITA diesel The 545 Skidder provides unsurpassed This enhanced design provides a weight engine, heavy-duty torque converter performance and application flexibility forward balance for outstanding grapple with lock-up, new five speed due to improved balance, torque and cable skidding performance while transmission and re-engineered converter with lock-up powertrain, providing a comfortable ride for the differential lock system provide higher ground clearance and an extended operator. pg. 6 horsepower to the ground to maximize wheelbase. pg. 5 performance and productivity. pg. 4 Engineered for demanding work. This skidder is a state-of-the-art machine that represents Caterpillar’s commitment to the logging industry. Reliable, durable operation. Rugged construction and easy maintenance provide long hours of service with the low operating costs you expect from Cat machines. 2 Load-Sensing Hydraulic System Operator Environment Serviceability The load sensing hydraulic system Ergonomically engineered to provide the Easily perform maintenance jobs with reduces horsepower consumption and operator increased comfort, spaciousness easy access to major service points such system heat. A single lever controls and viewing area. Operator productivity as oil levels and fills, grease fittings, grapple and tong hydraulics, reducing is also increased with low effort, refueling, sight gauges, filters and operator efforts for improved fingertip implement, steering, and electrical breakers. A diagnostic productivity. Exclusive Auto-Grab transmission controls, reduced sound connector allows quick electronic hydraulics maintain constant tong levels, improved lighting and easier analysis. pg. 11 gripping pressures to compensate entry and exit. pg. 8-9 for shifting loads. pg. 7 Complete Customer Service Durable Structures In addition to machine selection, a Durable box section mainframe and Cat dealer offers a wide range of decking blade which absorbs twisting services, from purchase options to and impact forces to provide a sound operator training, maintenance foundation and well-balanced system programs and the most sophisticated for the entire structure. Tapered roller parts delivery system in the industry. bearing, lower hitch-pin and standard pg. 11 belly guards provide increased durability and reliability. pg. 10 3 Skidder Performance Caterpillar power train provides relentless pulling power for the 545. ■ Torque converter is well suited for the high breakout loads and high speeds of grapple skidding. ■ Torque converter with lock-up provides direct drive to wheels. ■ Allows fast acceleration and delivers exceptional power through soft underfoot conditions. ■ Automatic lock-up provides fuel- efficient, direct-drive hauling. ■ Caterpillar proven technologies feature first time engineering for any wheel skidder. Five-speed transmission easily matches power to the load size and ground conditions. Five working gears forward Cat 3306 DITA engine continues its ■ Turbocharger enhances performance provide application flexibility. tradition of powerful, efficient and engine efficiency, especially at ■ Gears one and two provide industry performance and unmatched reliability high altitudes by packing more air in leading pull capability for heavy load and durability. The six-cylinder engine the cylinders for excellent and steep grade applications. is turbocharged and aftercooled with combustion. ■ Gear three is for lighter loads and a high displacement of 10.5 liters. ■ Jacket water aftercooler reduces higher speed operations. This large displacement produces better smoke and emissions by providing a ■ Gears four and five provide excellent pulling capability, lower internal cooler, more efficient combustion. empty return capability. stresses and extended component life. This also extends the life of the piston ■ Extremely easy to use transmission ■ Best in class and highest rings and bore. controls, with forward-neutral-reverse displacement engine available in a Large, heavy duty torque converter fingertip control trigger and speed wheel skidder. provides torque multiplication which, range controls located on the steering ■ Stylish and functional radiator guards when combined with the high torque wheel. and engine covers maximize air flow rise of the 3306, provides excellent Hydraulically engaged differential to the engine and radiator for reliable skidding power and speed. operation in hot operating conditions. locks significantly expand the operating ■ Fluid coupling allows the engine to range of the 545. ■ Centrifugal pre-cleaner removes large run in its optimal RPM range, ■ Fingertip selectable. debris before it reaches the air cleaner assuring full available power can be ■ for excellent engine protection and applied to skidding. On-the-go engagement capability reduced air cleaner service means there is no need to stop to ■ Reduces operator need for continuous requirements in harsh logging engage or disengage the differential shifting. environments. locks. ■ Direct-injection fuel system uses New lock-up torque converter features ■ Improved performance in soft adjustment-free unit fuel injectors for ■ The Caterpillar torque converter is a underfoot conditions. efficient, accurate fuel metering, single-stage unit with free-wheeling ■ Reduced tire scrubbing for longer reduced emissions, reliable power stator. A ring gear mounted on the tire life. high torque rise and responsive engine flywheel drives the torque ■ Smaller turning radius for improved performance. converter, which has an integral lock- maneuverability. ■ Oil-cooled pistons increase heat up clutch to allow the machine to ■ New piston design and fluid control dissipation and promote longer piston operate in converter drive or direct circuitry uses hydraulic oil to control life. drive for high efficiency hauling and and actuate differential locks. ■ Full-length water cooled cylinder reduced shock loads to drive train. ■ Axle oil is not used for differential liners provide maximum heat transfer. ■ Less operator effort and interaction is lock application. required to match transmission speed range to skidding requirements. 4 Application Flexibility The 545 can easily handle the variety of tasks for today’s loggers. For the ultimate in skidder flexibility the 545 is available with Expanded light options allow the 545 to maintain skidding cradle oscillation that isolates the cab from axle movement for performance and productivity at any hour. a smoother more comfortable ride. Excellent ground clearance of 606 mm (23.8") allows the The 545 has the horsepower and wheelbase to handle dual- 545 to readily avoid obstacles, maneuver in poor underfoot function arch and large capacity bunching grapples . With conditions and work effectively and efficiently on snow excellent balance and outstanding visibility, the dual-function covered sites. arch produces forward and aft movement providing extra reach for picking up logs or for reaching over obstacles. It also positions loads forward for traction and stability. 5 Axle Design State-of-the-art engineering sets the standard for reliability and durability. Exclusive front axle cradle provides outstanding skidder balance and superior ride. Robust components provide outstanding Full axle length oil sump provides Heavy duty inboard final drives and reliability and durability. excellent lubrication and heat rejection brakes are protected from the harshness Axles are: for long life. of logging environment. ■ ■ Engineered for the 545. All axle components are splash Front axle cradle provides a significant lubricated. The outboard bearings are performance enhancement: ■ Four piece inboard planetary and maintenance free. ■ brake. Acts as a working counterweight to ■ Oil capacity provides excellent heat offset the weight of the log load and ■ Rugged housing, bearings and shafts. rejection, ensuring proper lubrication. grapple. ■ Differential locks provide maximum ■ Brake componentry is maintenance ■ Creates superior balance for excellent traction. free, and provides reliable brake uphill skidding performance. ■ Differential lock components are performance in the most demanding ■ 15 degrees oscillation helps isolate designed with non-leaking seals and logging applications. the cab from axle movement for a simplified control systems using ■ Differential locks provide added smoother, more comfortable ride. hydraulic oil for high reliability and traction in weak ground conditions. ■ durability. Heavy duty trunnion bearings provide On-the-go engagement/disengagement durable, reliable operation. ■ Standard ecology drains provided for allows operator to maintain production. environmentally safe fluid disposal. 6 Hydraulics State-of-the-art Hydraulic System contributes to system efficiency and operational