Caterpillar Forest Products recently introduced the Cat® 553C wheel feller buncher, the third model in the C Series that was first launched in 2011. The 553C is equipped with the 174 hp Cat® C6.6 ACERT™ engine, while the 563C and 573C are equipped with the new Cat C7.1 ACERT engine. All engines meet EPA emissions requirements.

“All of the performance, reliability and serviceability advances that were built into the 563C and 573C are incorporated in the 553C. It just has a different engine,” said Matt McDonald, Caterpillar Forest Products product performance engineer.
“We designed this model to be more versatile than the previous generation. With a longer wheelbase and the new engine position, we were able to greatly improve stability while keeping the same overall machine width to provide a tighter turning radius for manoeuvrability in thinning applications,” he added.

Caterpillar says the C Series is more productive while burning less fuel than previous models. Power is delivered where and when it is needed as a result of PowerDirect Plus, new technology that optimizes machine efficiency and productivity. The engine is positioned at the back, providing better weight distribution and balance between the front and rear axles, while the centre articulation joint is positioned between the front and rear axles to facilitate tyre tracking. The fuel tank is located behind the rear axle and the fill is at ground level.

Given the high debris nature of forestry work, the 533C is segmented into separate compartments that are pressurized to prevent debris from entering. Less debris build-up means less time required for cleaning it out and better performance. The pressurized airflow keeps electronics, sensors and other key components cool during long workdays.

The tilt cab and large hinged doors on three sides and at the bottom of the engine compartment provide ground-level access to the engine, hydraulic pumps and other key components, including fuel, air and oil filters, drive belt, hydraulic hose connections, water pump, AC compressor, and more. Short hoses and electrical wires that are bulkheaded between systems also contribute to the ease and safety of servicing the C Series machines.

The cab is centred between the axles for a smooth ride. The standard air suspension seat with neck and back support and new high capacity HVAC system adds to operator comfort. A clean three-piece front windshield, large rear windows and skylight give the operator a 360˚ view, including the rear tires.

The C Series features additional functions including Control Adjustability to customize the machine operation for each operator, Terrain Selection Mode to optimize performance on hills or flat ground, Creep Mode to improve machine functionality particularly in first thinnings, and Road Steer Mode for high-speed transport of the machine. These functions, combined with complete electrohydraulic controls, provide the operator with a smoother machine, increasing productivity.

Cat 533C Basic Specifications
Gross Power:    130 kW (174 hp)
Wheelbase:  2,794 mm (110 in.)
Weight:  13,862 kg  (30,560 lb)

Recently released to the US market, local release of the 533C is unconfirmed.

For more information, visit www.cat.com/forestry