Overview
The 545 Skidder is built to exceed all expectations for skidding performance, reliability and comfort, while maximizing productivity.
Specifications
| Gross Power - SAE J1995 | — |
| Est. Operating Weight | — |
| Thinning - Capacity | — |
Benefits & Features
Specifications
| Gross Power - SAE J1995 | — |
| Engine Model | Cat® 3306 DITA |
| Net Power - ISO 9249 | — |
| Net Power - SAE J1349 | — |
| Net Power - EEC 80/1269 | — |
| Net Flywheel Power | — |
| Governed Speed at Rated Power | — |
| Displacement | — |
| Bore | — |
| Stroke | — |
| Derating Altitude | — |
| Air Cleaner | Dry precleaner |
| Alternator | 75 Amp |
| Fan Speed | — |
| Fan Type | Blower |
| Electrical System | 24V |
| Battery Quantity | 2 |
| Battery - Volts | 12V |
| Battery Capacity | 950 CCA |
| Starting System | Direct electric |
| Travel Speed - Forward 1 | — |
| Travel Speed - Forward 2 | — |
| Travel Speed - Forward 3 | — |
| Travel Speed - Forward 4 | — |
| Travel Speed - Forward 5 | — |
| Travel Speed - Reverse 1 | — |
| Travel Speed - Reverse 2 | — |
| Travel Speed - Reverse 3 | — |
| Maximum Drawbar Pull | — |
| Torque Converter - Model | C484-E3611 AAA |
| Torque Converter Type | Rotating housing, single stage |
| Transmission | 5fwd/3rev countershaft, powershift |
| Transmission Cooler Location | Lower tank radiator |
| Steering, Frame Articulation | Full Hydraulic Control |
| Brakes - Service Type | Enclosed wet disc |
| Brakes - Parking Type | Drum |
| Transmission Cooler Type | Plate |
| Circuit Type | closed cntr, var flow |
| Pump Type | axial piston |
| Pump Output | — |
| Relief Valve Setting | — |
| Reservoir Tank Capacity | — |
| Steering Valve | direct link, non-follow |
| Steering Cylinder - Bore | — |
| Steering Cylinder - Stroke | — |
| Steering Cylinder - Rod Diameter | — |
| Dozer Valve | direct linkage |
| Dozer Cylinder - Bore | — |
| Dozer Cylinder - Stroke | — |
| Dozer Cylinder - Rod Diameter | — |
| Grapple Valve | 3 or 4 stack, pilot |
| Thinning - Capacity | — |
| Bunching - Capacity | — |
| Bunching - Full Open Height | — |
| Bunching - Fully Closed Height | — |
| Bunching - Minimum Stem Diameter | — |
| Bunching - Tip to Tip Height | — |
| Bunching - Tong Opening | — |
| Thinning - Tip to Tip Height | — |
| Thinning - Tong Opening | — |
| Thinning - Full Open Height | — |
| Thinning - Minimum Stem Diameter | — |
| Thinning - Fully Closed Height | — |
| Arch Types | dual/cable |
| Dual Function - Lift Highest, Retracted | — |
| Dual Function - Lift Highest, Farthest | — |
| Dual Function - Lift Maximum Reach | — |
| Dual Function - Lift Lowest, Retracted | — |
| Dual Function - Lift Lowest, Farthest | — |
| Dual Function - Reach Highest, Retracted | — |
| Dual Function - Reach Lowest, Retracted | — |
| Dual Function - Reach Lowest, Farthest | — |
| Dual Function - Reach Highest, Farthest | — |
| Dual Function - Reach Maximum | — |
| Maximum Line Pull - Bare Drum | — |
| Maximum Line Speed | — |
| Drum Capacity - 19.0 mm (3/4 in) | — |
| Drum Capacity - 22.2 mm (7/8 in) | — |
| Drum Capacity - 25.4mm (1 in) | — |
| Drum Diameter | — |
| Drum Width | — |
| Fuel Tank | — |
| Cooling System | — |
| Differential - Final Drives - Front | — |
| Differential - Final Drives - Rear | — |
| Engine Oil | — |
| Transmission - Torque Converter | — |
| Mechanical Winch | — |
| Hydraulic System - Tank | — |
| Hydraulic System - Total | — |
| Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Height | — |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Wheel Base | — |
| Est. Operating Weight | — |
| Arch - Cable Skidding | — |
| Decking Blade | — |
| Enclosed ROPS + AC | — |
| Frame - Cable Fenders | — |
| Frame - No Fenders | — |
| Lights - 4 Standard | — |
| Lights - 8 Optional | — |
| Open ROPS | — |
| Starting Aid - Ether | — |
| Tires - 30.5L x 32, 16 PR | — |
| Tires - 35.5L x 32, 16 PR | — |
Benefits & Features
Power Train
3306 DITA Engine
Cat 3306 DITA engine continues its tradition of powerful, efficient performance and unmatched reliability and durability.
Differential Locks
Hydraulicaaly engaged differential locks in both axles significantly expand the operating range of the 545. Fingertip selectable, on-the-go engagement capability means there is no need to stop to engage or disengage the differential locks. In addition, they improve performance in soft underfoot conditions, reduced tire scrubbing for longer tire life, and allow a tighter turning radius for improved maneuverability.
Hydraulics
Load Sensing Hydraulics
A load sensing variable displacement pump and pressure compensating system continually monitor hydraulic power requirements, and provide hydraulic power based on demand.
Less Hydraulic Pump Demand
The hydraulic pump doesn't run continuously under load, but operates only when needed. This lowers horsepower consumption, maximizes power to the ground as well as loading and grapple forces. It also increases fuel efficiency, extends hydraulic component life, and reduces system heat.
The Auto-Grab Feature
Constantly monitors and adjusts tong pressure as needed to securely hold loads in the grapple. Like the load sensing hydraulic system, Auto-Grab places demand on engine horsepower only when the system senses a change in the load that requires an increase in tong pressure. It is easily activated on demand by the tong close switch located on the right hand control lever. Tractor operation is much easier, constant tong pressure is maintained, and operating costs are reduced through greater fuel efficiency and less time spent re-gripping slipped loads.
Winch
The 545 uses a high capacity winch with four-function control. This self-contained unit has a separate oil pump using winch sump oil for control, and to cool and lubricate the winch.
Cat Hoses
Caterpillar hose technology allows high pressures for maximum power and reduced downtime, and intelligent routing minimizes exposure to damage.
Steering
Fully hydraulic control. Meets the following standards: SAE J1511/ISO 5010 FEB94, ISO 5010-1992
Undercarriage
Cradled Front Axle
Exclusive to Caterpillar wheel skidders, the cradled front axle with a high pivot center acts as a working counterweight, and delivers enhanced performance and operator comfort. It provides excellent fore-aft stability for large grapples and the dual-function arch. Heavy-duty trunnion bearings assure durable, reliable operation. The 15 degree oscillation absorbs minor shock loads, isolating the cab from axle movement for a smoother ride.
Final Drives
Heavy-duty inboard final drives are protected from the harsh logging environment, and use splash oil lubrication and cooling. This configuration makes wheel and tire removal and installation easier.
Brake Components
Brake components are housed inside the axles, protecting them from dirt, dust and wet ground conditions. Inboard brakes allow for splash lubrication and cooling, are virtually maintenance free, and provide reliable brake performance in the most demanding logging applications.
Oil Sump
Full axle-length oil sump provides excellent lubrication and heat rejection for long component life. All components housed in the axle are splash lubricated, and outboard bearings are maintenance free. • Large oil capacity delivers excellent heat rejection, ensuring proper lubrication
Structures
Box-Section Construction
The 545 frames use resilient box section construction that sets the industry standard for reliability and durability.
Front Frame
The front frame is designed with higher clearance to accommodate the front axle cradle mounts, and lower blade pivot mounting position for a smoother opeartor ride.
Rear Frame
Tough rear frame provides the platform to support the grapple arch or cable arch configurations. A long rear frame allows two sets of cylinder mount bosses for dual-function or cable arch configurations.
Ground Clearance
Maximized ground clearance improves maneuverability and avoids damage. Full belly guards protect all undercarriage components.
Decking Blade
Fabricated, box-section steel arms mount directly to the mainframe for superior strength. Heat treated bolt-on cutting edges improve serviceability and durability.
Hitch
The bottom hitch has a double tapered roller bearing for improved load distribution, which reduces flexing stress and maintains tight joints.
Hitch Pin
Wide hitch pin spread significantly reduces horizontal loading on hinge pins and hinge pin bearings for improved pin and bearing life. It also allows more clearance for hydraulic line routings.
Arches
The 545 dual-function arch and the cable arch are designed and tested to exceed durability requirements.
Grapples
Durable, high capacity bunching grapples are matched to machine size and horsepower for optimum performance.
Grapple Snubbers
New grapple snubbers on Cat continuous grapples are designed for low maintenance and very long component life. Adjustment is as simple as removing a shim.
Winch
The 545 winch attachment delivers the power and durability ideal for log truck towing, self-retrieval and log skidding.
ROPS / FOPS
Roll-Over Protection and Falling Object Protection guards offer protection to the operator and the machine. Meets standards: ISO 8082 2003, ISO 8083 1989, and ISO 8084 2003
Application Flexibility
Balance
Long front and rear frames and a low center of mass create excellent skidder balance. The powerful mechanically driven, heavy-duty winch provides outstanding grapple or cable skidder performance.
Torque Converter
The heavy duty lockup torque converter offers the advantages of a direct drive transmission (speed and efficiency), with the ease of operating a torque converter drive (meaning less shifting). A computer senses load conditions and automatically switches from torque converter drive to direct drive for the highest possible operating speed.
Cradle Oscillation
For the ultimate in skidder flexibility the 545 is available with cradle oscillation, which isolates the cab from axle movement.
Wheelbase
The 545 has the horsepower and long wheelbase to handle dual-function arch and large capacity bunching grapples.
Dual-Function Arch
The 545 is available with a dual-function arch, which produces forward and aft movement for extra reach when picking up logs or reaching over obstacles. It easily handles large capacity grapples, well suited for large bundles of small stems.
Cat Continuous Rotation Grapples
With 360° rotation the Cat continuous rotation (CCR) grapples can easily get into position to gather stems. Grapple repositioning is reduced, saving valuable time and increasing production.
Cable Arch
Allows outstanding line skidding performance with a two position adjustable height fairlead to match site conditions.
Decking Blade
Efficiently clears landings and roads, and maintains stockpiles.
Tire Options
Expanded tire options allow the 545 to maintain outstanding skidding performance in a wide range of ground conditions.
Light Options
Expanded light options allow the 545 to maintain skidding performance and productivity at any hour.
Operator Station
Comfortable, Efficient Operation
Controls and operator needs are integrated to create a highly productive work station.
Serviceability
Built-in Servicing Ease
Caterpillar uses intelligent engineering to make regular maintenance procedures quick and simple. Easy access to daily service points increases the likelihood that maintenance will be done, extending machine service life and lowering overall operating costs. In addition, less service time means more working time and greater productivity.
Ground Level Access
Most filters and lube points are accessible from the ground. Remote lubrication points make daily attention to hard-to-reach joints easy.
Centrifugal Pre-Cleaner
Centrifugal pre-cleaner removes large debris before it reaches the internal air cleaner to provide significant engine protection.
S•O•SSM Analysis and Coolant Sampling Valves
Provide a fast, convenient means of obtaining uncontaminated fluid samples, which improves analysis reliability.
Radial Seal Air Filters
Hand access makes them easy to change, reducing air filter maintenance times.
Spin-on Oil Filters
Spin-on filters for fuel and oil systems reduce changing time, and help assure clean, tight seals.
Pressure Taps
Conveniently located to provide easy access to hydraulic system pressure measurements.
Ecology Drains
Located on the axle and hydraulic tank to make regular maintenance easier, and protect the environment from accidental oil spills.
Electrical System
24-volt electrical system delivers plenty of electrical power for engine cranking, lights, and engine diagnostics. All circuits are color coded, and circuit breakers are numbered and protected.
On-Board Diagnostic Systems
Principally the Caterpillar Monitoring System, which continuously checks all critical machine functions and components, and helps locate faults quickly for faster repair.
Customer Support
Product Support
You will find nearly all parts at our dealer parts counter. Cat dealers use a world-wide computer network to find in-stock parts to minimize machine down time. Save money with Cat Reman parts. You receive the same warranty and reliability as new products at cost savings of 40 to 70 percent.
Machine Selection
Make detailed comparisons of the machines under consideration before purchase. Cat dealers can estimate component life, preventive maintenance cost, and the true cost of lost production.
Purchase
Look past initial price. 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 lower equipment owning and operating costs over the long run.
Customer Support Agreements
Cat dealers offer a variety of product support agreements, and work with customers to develop a plan that best meets specific needs. These plans can cover the entire machine, including attachments, to help protect the customer's investment.
Operation
Improving operating techniques can boost your profits. Your Cat dealer has training videotapes, literature and other ideas to help you increase productivity.
Maintenance Services
Choose from your dealer's range of maintenance services when you purchase your machine. 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 you 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.
Data not available.
Standard Equipment
- Electrical
- alternator, 75 amp/24-volt
- 2) 12-volt maintenance free, 950 CCA batteries
- direct electric starting, 24-volt
- alarm, back-up
- pre-wiring for rear grapple lights
- Guards
- dozer cylinder
- fan
- front brush sweeps
- hinged radiator guard
- integral underguards
- Operator Environment
- air suspension seat
- two pedal operation
- rearview mirrors
- tilt and telescoping steering wheel
- computer diagnostics / monitoring with 3 level warning
- controls and gauge package
- cup holder, dome light, floor mat
- gauges/indicators/lights:
- Power Train
- air cleaner, 2-stage with pre-cleaner
- blower fan
- differential lock axles (front and rear)
- engine enclosures (perforated)
- engine, 3306 DITA diesel
- lock-up torque converter
- five speed forward countershaft transmission
- brakes: service, secondary, parking
- four-wheel enclosed wet disc hydraulic service brakes
- inboard planetary final drives
- high capacity fuel tank
- lubed for life driveline slipjoint and universal joints
- variable flow-modulated 1/4 turn steering
- muffler
- Hydraulics
- closed center-load sensing system
- variable displacement piston pump
- full flow return line filter
- Other Standard Equipment
- ecology drains on axles and hydraulic tank
- vandalism protection: lockable doors on hydraulic tank, oil dipstick oil filter
- cap locks - fuel tank
- indicators:
- lighting system, halogen:
Optional Equipment
- Arch
- dual function
- cable skidding
- Frame
- no fenders
- standard fenders
- heavy duty fenders
- winch arrangement
- Grapples
- 16.5 ft2 (1.53 m2) bunching
- 19 ft2 (1.78 m2) thinning
- Cat Continuous Rotation Grapple
- Lights
- four standard
- eight optional
- Operator Environment
- open ROPS
- enclosed ROPS + AC
- Tires and Tubes, set of four, logger (LS-2):
- 30.5L x 32, 16 PR
- 35.5L x 32, 16 PR
- Hi-capacity 12V converter
- 10A continuous, 15A peak