Milton CAT 545C - Manual (Page 7)

Box-Section Construction. Caterpillar
designed and manufactured box section
structures set the industry standard for
reliable, durable main frames. Extensive
computer analysis and field-testing
resulted in the design of the 545C skidder.
Absorbs Twisting and Shock Loads.
Frames can absorb twisting and impact
forces to provide a sound foundation
and well-balanced system for the entire
structure.
Superior Balance. Low center of mass
and weight forward design create
excellent skidder balance.
Maneuverability. The 545C skidder
provides the tightest turning radius
for superior maneuverability while
still maintaining the excellent balance
required for high capacity skidding.
Caterpillar Manufacturing. The front
and rear frames are robotically welded
and manufactured by Caterpillar to
ensure the highest level of quality
and durability.
Hitch. A heavy-duty center section
features oversized plates and bosses to
disperse forces. A large double-tapered
roller bearing is used on the lower
hitch for reduced flexing stress and
maintaining tight joints.
Hitch Pins. The wide hitch pin spread
significantly reduces horizontal loading
on hinge pins and pin bearings for greater
durability and extended pin and bearing
life. The extra room also increases
hydraulic hose clearance and makes
hose routing easier.
Fenders. Rear frame fender options are
available for both grapple and cable
arrangements.
Arches and Booms. All Caterpillar
arches use box-section construction,
and are thoroughly tested to exceed
durability requirements.
Dual-Function Arch. The 545C is
available with a multiple position, dual-
function arch. It accommodates large
capacity grapples, well suited for large
bundles of small stems, and difficult-
to-reach pre-bunched stems. The dual-
function arch offers variable reach,
which minimizes machine maneuvering
to pinpoint a load with the grapple.
In addition, it offers the ability to push
the skidder forward if necessary.
Cable Arch. Allows outstanding line
skidding performance with a two-position
adjustable height fairlead to match site
conditions.
7
Structures
The 545C mainframe, hitch and decking blade are designed and built to surpass the
expectations of the logging industry.
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