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Caterpillar Unveils Versatile, 30-Ton FM528 GF/LL Forest Machine
Caterpillar’s newest forest machine, the FM528, is a specialized excavator designed and equipped to take on many tasks in the woods or the mill yard. Its narrow, high, and long undercarriage option and compatibility with a variety of attachments make it suitable for fire clean-up, chipper and grinder loading, mulching, log loading, processing, road building, and more.
The FM528 is the first Cat forestry machine to offer a fixed or live heel and blade option for versatility at tasks such as log sorting, heavy log lifting, and work on steep slopes. In addition to its jack-of-all-trades capabilities, Caterpillar designed the FM528 forestry excavator for comfort and cost-effective performance.
“The Cat FM528 represents our commitment to understanding and responding to the evolving needs of the forestry industry,” says Mike Dickenson, Caterpillar’s senior product specialist for forest machines. “We are merging adaptability, operator-oriented design, and cost efficiency, empowering forestry professionals to maximize their productivity while prioritizing safety.”
2 Great Configuration Options
The Cat FM528 forest machine is available in General Forestry (GF) and Log Loader (LL) configurations. The FM528 GF model uses a reach boom and has an operating weight of 59,700 to 62,200 pounds (27,100 to 28,200 kilograms). Its Processor version comes with a drop nose stick, while its Road Builder configuration has a thumb-ready stick and a 1.6-yard3 (1.2-meter3) HD bucket.
The FM528 LL log loader has a straight boom, a live heel, and a heel cylinder mounted under or over the stick for applications such as shovel logging or truck loading, respectively. The log loading Cat has a 48-inch (1,219-millimeter) cab riser with hydraulic tilt for a more elevated view of the jobsite. The LL model weighs 63,300 to 63,900 lbs (28,700 to 29,000 kg).
Cat offers forestry grapples from 52 to 60 in. (132 to 152 centimeters) for the FM528, as well as optional knuckle boom loader controls.
Cat FM528 Visibility & Comfort Features
The new, Next Generation Certified Forestry cab on the Cat FM528 features a wide side-entry door and a tilt-up armrest for easy entry and egress. The cabin has a reinforced structure with a rollover protection system (ROPS). Its large windshield—made of polycarbonate 1.25 in. (3.2 cm) thick—works with narrow pillars, big panoramic windows, and a flat hood to give the operator remarkable visibility. Standard features include air conditioning and a wide, heated and cooled seat with air suspension.
Cat FM528 Mechanical Specs
Caterpillar outfits the FM528 forestry machine with an advanced electrohydraulic system and a fuel-efficient, low-rpm, 173-horsepower (129-kilowatt) Cat C4.4 diesel engine with Tier 4 Final exhaust certification. The E-Fans that cool the engine and hydraulic system have reversing capabilities to eject leaves and debris.
The FM528 GF and LL are available with double grouser and/or triple grouser track shoes in widths of 24 to 30 in. (60 to 76 cm). Cat says the triple grouser shoes provide high maneuverability with minimal disturbance to soft, wet terrain.
Cat reduces maintenance requirements for the FM528 via long-life fuel hydraulic oil filters and extended service intervals. The forestry machine shares parts and service procedures with other Next Generation excavators from the manufacturer.
Source: Caterpillar