551^Non-Current

Powerful Performance

The Cat® C9 electronically controlled ACERT delivers power while meeting all current Tier 2 emission standards. All models contain a fuel/water separator, engine air intake heater and a dual-stage combination air cleaner with pre-cleaner.

High Capacity Cooling System

The side-by-side radiator/oil cooler gives excellent cooling capacity for high production bunching and harvesting. On-demand Flexxaire™ fan activates only when required and allows the cooling fan to purge debris from the radiator area, keeping a cleaner cooling system. The IQAN control system infinitely controls blade pitch angle to reduce horsepower demand from the cooling package, and lower operating costs.

Engine Oil

Caterpillar engine oil is formulated to optimize engine life and performance and is recommended for use in Cat diesel engines. The engine oil change interval has been increased to 500 hours.

Service

The clamshell engine compartment provides easy access to oil filters, oil dipstick, hydraulic fill pump and hoses reducing maintenance time.

Low Exhaust Emissions

The Cat C9 ACERT engine is a low emission engine designed to meet US EPA off-road Tier 2 emission regulations.

Electric Hydraulic Oil fill Pump

The hydraulic oil site gauge provides easy visibility to know when hydraulic oil needs to be added. An easy accessible service wand allows hydraulic oil to be pumped through the hydraulic filtering system and into the tank. This reduces maintenance down time and helps to maintain oil cleanliness requirements.

Variable Displacement Pump

All Cat® 500 series FTS Track Feller Bunchers are equipped with 200 cc variable displacement pump for travel, a 200 cc boom and implement functions, and a dedicated 55 cc variable displacement pump for felling attachments. Optional hydraulics for dangle harvesting or processor heads and intermittent saw heads are available for all models.

Caterpillar® Hydraulic Oil

Provides maximum protection against mechanical and corrosive wear in all hydraulic systems. It's high zinc content reduces wear, and extends pump life. Provided certain requirements are met (e.g. S•O•SSM analysis every 500 hours), the hydraulic oil change interval is extended from 2,000 hours to 4,000 hours.

Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil

The optional biodegradable hydraulic oil (HEES) is formulated to provide excellent high-pressure and high-temperature characteristics and is fully compatible with the all hydraulic components. HEES is fully decomposed by soil or water microorganisms, providing a more environmentally-sound alternative to mineral-based oils.

ToughGuard Hoses™

Abrasion resistant hoses along the boom and stick provide strength and flexibility. The ToughGuard cover consists of a thin layer of UHMW polyethylene bonded to the rubber cover, providing exceptional abrasion resistance. In many applications, it eliminates the need for external guarding.

Viewing

Cab design optimizes post structures and window placement to provide excellent operator visibility to front, sides and rear. Standard 1.25" thick “Margard” front window maximizes operator protection. All purpose built forestry cabs are designed with heavy-duty guarding, meeting FOPS/ROPS/OPS requirements.

Fresh Air

Large sliding side window with screen to allow fresh air into cab.

Interior Operator Station

The operator station is quiet with conveniently placed controls, joysticks and an ergonomically designed seat reducing operator fatigue.

Quiet Operation

Isolation mounted cab and engine reduces sound levels and vibration for quiet and comfortable operation.

Large Storage Compartment

A large storage space behind the seat, provides sufficient room for a lunch box, hard hats and work tools.

IQAN

IQAN display allows the operator to continuously monitor the operating systems of the machine. This provides early warning for potential problems, and allows the operator to adjust control parameters maximizing performance and productivity.

Control Convenience

Each control is placed within easy reach of the operator. Joysticks control the implement and attachment functions, providing easy operation.

Foot Pedals

Ergonomically located pedals with side-by-side foot rests provide for maximum operator comfort while operating machine travel.

Skylight

A unique large polycarbonate skylight provides excellent upward visibility, and acts as an alternate escape hatch.

Electrical System

24-volt electrical system with in-cab 24-12 volt converter, dual in-cab 12 volt power points and one 24 volt power point. Power is provided by two 12 volt maintenance free batteries and 95 amp alternator. An optional cold weather starting attachment may be selected to provide two additional batteries, a HD starter, and HD cables.

Tilt Mechanism

With the most robust tilt mechanism in the industry, the FTS 552 tilter has a patented 3-cylinder tilt mechanism with simultaneous tilting forward and side-to-side. Trunion cylinders are mounted on 2" (51 mm) steel plates and transfer vertical loads down to the interface of the track frames and carbody, putting the load into the track and ground.

Cylinders

Three-cylinder tilt mechanism with simultaneously 20 degree forward tilt and 11 degree side-to-side tilt.

Ground Clearance

FTS machines have excellent ground clearance and open carbody design. This provides increased mobility by eliminating debris interference and other obstacles encountered in rugged working conditions.

Reliable

Precision welded, high-wide carbody has strong frames thatreduce flexing and increase reliability of rollers and track links throughout the life of the machine. Nine bottom rollers per side.

Travel Motor

Proven final drives and travel motors provide up to 104,000 lb (47174 kg) of tractive effort on the 552 giving excellent traction and power to the ground.

Track Guards

All models contain bolt-on track guards.

Carbody

Leveling 552 model features a bolted track frame to carbody design. This provides a standard gauge width, or allows adjustment to a wide gauge width to improve machine stability, and increase productivity on steep slope applications.

With up to 21,800 lbs (9400 kg) of bare pin lift capacity at 21.5' (6.6 m) on the 552 track feller buncher (with the standard linkage), the 500 series machines are dominant over competitors in their size classes. With market leading lift capacity, 28.8' (8.6 m) of reach, and tight stick tuck-in capabilities, these machines deliver high performance felling in all applications. The 552 track harvester delivers the same high performance with 12,500 lbs (5700 kg) of bare pin lift capacity and 37' (11.3 m) of maximum reach, while the 552 long felling linkage delivers 16,900 lbs (7700 kg) of bare pin lift capacity at 32' (9.7 m).

Attachments

From plantation thinning to select cut of large diameter wood, Cat felling attachments provide reliable productive felling solutions. These range in cut capacity from 22" to 24". Designed to allow maximum visibility of the cutting area, all saws utilize high pressure hydraulics for fast saw recovery and quick arm speed. This provides a positive impact on production and better tree control.

Tilt

All models are available with a standard 40 degree partial lateral tilt, or an optional 220 degree full lateral tilt.

ACERT Technology Fuel Economy

Based on Caterpillar® testing, the fuel economy of Cat® engines with ACERT technology is 3 to 5 percent better than current competing technologies. This fuel economy is directly related to the complete combustion of fuel due to the integration between the electronic control that monitors conditions, the air management system that controls air volume and the fuel injection system that delivers just the right amount of fuel as needed.

Clam-Shell Service Doors

The hydraulically actuated clam-shell service doors provide easy and quick access reducing machine maintenance time. Less service time means less down time, more work time and greater productivity.

Extended Service Intervals

Caterpillar® service and maintenance intervals have been extended to reduce machine service time, increase machine availability and reduce operating costs. Hydraulic oil change intervals can be extended from 2,000 hours to 4,000 hours. Engine coolant change intervals are 12,000 hour with Cat Extended Life Coolant/Anti-freeze. Regularly scheduled maintenance extends machine service life and lowers overall operating costs. 500-hour oil change interval reduces overall maintenance costs.

Flexxaire™ Fan

Standard Flexxaire fan operates only when required and allows the cooling fan to purge debris from the radiator area, reducing cleaning maintenance time.

Clam-Shell Service Doors

The hydraulically actuated clam-shell service doors provide easy and quick access reducing maintenance down time.

Product Support

Your Cat® dealer will help provide you with parts quickly and efficiently by utilizing the Cat worldwide dealer network parts system, minimizing downtime.

Machine Selections

Make detailed comparisons of the machines you are considering before you buy. What are job requirements, machine attachments and operating hours? What production is needed? Your Cat dealer can provide recommendations.

Purchase

Consider the financing options available as well as day-to-day operating costs. This is also the time to look at dealer services that can be included in the cost of the machine to yield lower equipment owning and operating costs over the long run.

Customer Support Agreements

Cat dealers offer a wide variety of product support agreements, and work with customers to develop a plan that best meets specific needs. These plans can help protect your investment.

Operation

Improving operating techniques can boost your profits. The Cat Forest Products Consulting Services Group offers certified operator training classes to help maximize the return on your machine investment.

Maintenance Services

Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Diagnostic programs such as S•O•SSM Analysis and Coolant Sampling and Technical Analysis help avoid unscheduled repairs.

Replacement

Repair, rebuild or replace? Your Cat dealer can help you evaluate the cost involved so you can make the right choice.