561N^Non-Current

Cat 3126B HEUI Engine

The Cat 3126B diesel engine is a six cylinder, four-cycle design that provides long, effective power strokes for high torque and more complete fuel combustion. The 3126B engine is equipped with an electronic air inlet heater. The heater warms the air in the air inlet manifold for easier starting and reduced white smoke on cold starts.

Turbocharger and Aftercooler

A well-matched turbocharger and air-to-air aftercooler results in increased power. The exhaust driven turbocharger packs more air into the cylinders, while the air-to-air aftercooler cools the pressurized air from the turbocharger, making the engine intake air denser. The increased air in the cylinder results in more power, improved combustion, and reduced exhaust emissions.

Torque Rise

The direct injected electronic fuel system provides a controlled fuel delivery increase as the engine lugs back from rated speed. This results in increased horsepower above rated power. A combination of increased torque rise and maximum horsepower improves response and provides greater drawbar pull.
• Rated flywheel power 92 kW (123 hp)
• Maximum flywheel power 98 kW (132 hp)

3126B Engine Features

Major features include:
• Increased power to 92 kW (123 hp) for increased performance.
• Large displacement electronic engine with lower exhaust emissions and good cold start capability.
• Power train to engine link with controlled throttle shifting.
• Poly-Vee serpentine engine fan belt with auto tension feature eliminates the traditional three to four belt system.
• Extended oil and engine filter change intervals up to 500 hours after break-in.
• ATAAC cooling system.
• Improved Multiple Row Modular (IMRM) radiator is less subject to plugging due to a unique radiator fin design, which provides excellent heat transfer capability.

Fuel System

The hydraulic-actuated Electronic Unit Injection is a unique and proven high-pressure, direct injection fuel system for diesel engines. High injection pressures and short injection duration provide fast response, clean burning and added fuel savings.

ADEM™ 3

The Advanced Diesel Engine Management - Electronic Control Module continuously monitors important engine conditions and functions. It precisely controls each time the HEUI injects fuel into a cylinder and signals the machine Electronic Monitoring System (EMS III) if a problem occurs with the engine.

Extended Life Design

The engine features an extended life design including seven main bearings that provide a large bearing surface area to distribute force loads in the engine. Durable single piece aluminum alloy pistons are standard for long life.

Torque Converter

The 561N single stage torque converter efficiently responds to changing load conditions by providing torque multiplication, therefore increasing drawbar power. It also provides protection to the drive train components by preventing shock loads. The torque converter is efficiently matched to the power train components and provides the superior performance you need.

Auto-Shift/Auto-Kickdown

Auto-shift allows the operator to pre-select a forward and reverse gear for easy, efficient directional changes.Auto-shift settings include:
• First forward to second reverse.
• Second forward to second reverse.
• Second forward to first reverse.
Auto-kickdown allows the transmission to automatically downshift when significant load increases are detected.

Steering Clutch and Brakes

Oil cooled, hydraulically actuated, large diameter plates and clutch discs provide higher torque capacity and increased service life.

Transmission

The proven planetary power shift transmission features three speeds forward and three speeds reverse and utilizes large diameter, high capacity, oil cooled clutches. To maximize the life of the transmission, the planetary design distributes loads and stresses over multiple gears.
• Controlled throttle shifting regulates engine speed during high-energy directional shifts for smoother operation and longer component life.
• The transmission and bevel gear set are modular by design, and easily slide into the machine's rear case.
• Forced oil flow lubricates and cools clutch packs to provide maximum clutch life.
• Load compensating shifting provides smooth engagement of the clutches under loaded conditions.

Elevated Final Drive

Final drives are isolated from ground and work tool induced impact loads for extended power train life.

Electronic Steering and Transmission Controls

The 561N provides Finger Tip Control for steering. Soft touch buttons located on the steering controls shift the electronically controlled transmission.

Electronic Clutch Pressure Control

The 561N has an additional transmission-shifting feature for added performance and operator comfort — the Electronic Clutch Pressure Control (ECPC). This unique feature provides smoother shifting by regulating and modulating the individual clutches based on current operating conditions.

Three-Speed Forward/Reverse Gear Selection

Three-speed forward/reverse gear selection is achieved simply by pressing the yellow speed selection buttons. These buttons are integrated into the Finger Tip Control group.• Automatic shifting features and reduced lever efforts provide easier upshift and downshift, increased operator comfort, reduced fatigue, and shortened cycle times.

Electronic Clutch and Brake Steering System

The electronic clutch and brake steering system incorporates low effort finger tip levers allowing the operator to work more precisely in close areas, around structures, obstacles and grade stakes. Pulling the left or right finger paddle causes the machine to turn according to the amount of paddle displacement.• Another feature aimed at operator comfort is electric vertical adjustment of the FTC control group. This positions the operator's arm for efficient ergonomics.

Machine Direction

Moving the machine's transmission forward/neutral/reverse direction lever controls machine direction. The middle position puts the machine transmission in neutral.

Auto-shift and Auto-kickdown

Auto-shift and Auto-kickdown include the following features:
• Auto-shift allows the operator to preselect a forward and reverse gear for frequent directional changes. The settings include first forward to second reverse, second forward to second reverse and second forward to first reverse.
• Auto-kickdown automatically downshifts from any gear when the machine detects a significant increase in load.

Seat

Ergonomically designed and fully adjustable for maximum comfort. The seat cushion reduces the pressure on the lower back and thighs while allowing unrestricted arm and leg movement.

Electronic Monitoring System (EMS III)

EMS III provides the operator instant feedback on machine conditions and records performance data to help diagnose problems. Flashable memory allows system upgrades, as new technology and software become available. This system is compatible with Cat ET and CMS service tools. EMS III includes the following gauges and readouts:
• Fuel level gauge
• Hydraulic oil temperature gauge
• Engine coolant temperature gauge
• Power train oil temperature gauge
• Engine oil pressure indicator
• Engine speed digital readout
• Transmission gear indicator
• Hour Meter
• Odometer

Controls

Finger Tip Control (FTC) combines steering, machine direction and gear selection into a single control system, which can be operated with one hand for enhanced operator comfort and increased productivity.

Ergonomic Work Tool Controls

Pipelayer controls are low effort and allow simultaneous, precise positioning of the load line and boom.

Load Line Speed Range

Allows the operator to select High or Low.

Counterweight Control

Adjusts the position of the counterweight for added machine stability.

Power Supply

The voltage converter provides two 12-volt power supplies.

Access Ladder

Direct access to the operator's station utilizing ladder on left side of the machine.

Winches and Boom

• Independent hydraulic winches drive boom and hook drawworks.
• Oil-disc brakes provide smooth operation, positive retention of boom and hook positions.
• Modular design allows fast replacement, easy field service, and testing.
• Single lever, infinitely variable speed controls for both boom and hook allow precise control.
• Emergency free-fall function on load line control allows the operator to drop the load quickly.
• Tubular, cast-steel boom is rugged, delivers better fatigue life.
• Replaceable boom-mount bearings.
• Symmetrical boom simplifies installation.

Counterweight and Frame

• Counterweight design optimizes viewing area while traveling.
• Mainframe consists of box-section frame welded to cast bevel gear case.
• Counterweight is extended hydraulically for load balance, visibility, and clearance.
• Service latch mechanically locks counterweight in extended position.

Drawbar

• Large jaw opening and pin diameter.
• Able to tow wide range of attachments.

Styling

Rounded machine shape offers excellent visibility, accessibility, and serviceability.
• Durable, heavy steel door panel covers.
• Pre-cleaner is below the hood for good visibility.
• Controls are ergonomic for easier operation and better efficiency.

Accessibility and Serviceability

• Hinged engine door to increase engine and service access.
• Remote-mounted filters located within easy reach during PM service.
• Air pre-cleaner filter condition monitor located in the operator station for high visibility.
• Redesigned fuel tank for easier internal cleaning.
• Fast fill fuel tank provision added (attachment).
• Larger service panel doors.
• Diagnostic test ports added for quick troubleshooting.

Quality and Reliability

• Doubled 4 mm (0.16 in) sheet metal on the side service access panels and rear guard.
• Stamped, rounded sheet metal corners add strength.
• Rubber isolation mounted fuel tank reduces tank vibration and reduces potential stress fractures.
• Heavy-duty reinforced radiator guard is now standard.
• Heavy-duty rear guard.

Frame and Castings

The 561N case and frames are built to absorb high impact shock loads and torsional forces. Castings are strategically located within the frame to add additional strength. Caterpillar uses robotic welding techniques in the assembly of the case and frames. This insures quality and reliability throughout the structure. The one-piece all welded chassis provides superior strength over bolted designs, and provides stiffness and durability over the life of the machine.
• High strength steel mainframe resists impact shock loads.
• Computer-aided finite element analysis is used to evaluate and ensure high durability of the chassis by computer modeling it and identifying high stress area.
• Full scale structural testing to test integrity of the structures.
• Robotic welding provides deep penetration and consistency for long life, and reduces the chance for errors that may be made during manual welding.
• Precision top level machining for perfect alignment of bores and surfaces minimizes out of tolerance wear patterns and improves durability.
• Non-oscillating roller frames for greater stability in pipelaying applications.
• The recoil system is sealed and lubricated.
• Improved pipelayer structure mounting.

Optional Roll Over Protective Structure

Provides for increased operator comfort and protection.

Elevated Final Drive

• Isolates final drives from ground and work tool induced impact loads for extended power train life.
• Keeps sprocket teeth, bushings, and final drives away from abrasive materials and moisture.
• Caterpillar uses single reduction planetary final drives in the 561N providing long-lasting performance and durability.

Undercarriage Arrangements

Standard Arrangement: Overall shipping width under 3 m (118 in).Optional Low Ground Pressure (LGP) arrangement:
• Specially designed to work in soft and spongy conditions.
• Wide track shoes increase track contact area and reduce ground pressure for excellent flotation.

Heavy Duty Sealed and Lubricated Track

Permanently coats the track pin with a sealed-in lubricant, minimizing metal-to-metal contact.
• Virtually eliminates internal pin and bushing wear.
• Lubricant is held in a reservoir in the track pin.

Optional Rotating Bushing Track

Rotating Bushing Track is designed to extend system life and lower costs in highly abrasive low to moderate impact applications. RBT features bushings that rotate when in contact with the sprocket. Since the bushing rotates when in contact with the sprocket, relative motion between the bushing and the sprocket is virtually eliminated, greatly reducing bushing and sprocket wear. The minimal bushing wear that occurs is evenly distributed over the bushing's surface. This design eliminates bushing turn maintenance expense.

Complete Guarding

Caterpillar undercarriages are designed with full length guarding on top of the track roller frame. This prevents abrasive materials from falling down on moving parts.

Roller Frames

Roller frames are tubular, to resist bending and twisting. The recoil system is sealed and lubricated.

Optional High Flange Improved Track Rollers

Combined with center or full length roller guard attachments greatly improve track guiding for demanding side slope conditions.

Track Shoes

Select from 560 mm (22 in) to 760 mm (30 in) single grouser shoes made from heat-treated, rolled steel for added strength. This allows for narrow machine transportability on low ground pressure arrangements.

Product Link

This option allows the customer or dealer to obtain machine diagnostics and location from their offices. Product Link provides updates on service meter hours, machine condition, machine location, as well as integrated mapping/route planning.

Electronic Monitoring System

The 561N features a more flexible monitoring system that is easily upgraded by flashing software rather than replacing the module, reducing parts cost. As technology changes and new electronics and software become available, this upgraded monitoring system will allow the machine to be easily updated.

Built-in Serviceability

Less service time means more working time. Major components are designed as modules and most can be removed without disturbing or removing other components.

Diagnostics

Cat 561N diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities are among the best. The machine dashboard allows for quick identification of a problem and its cause, utilizing a three level warning system. Diagnostic connector allows Caterpillar dealers to quickly troubleshoot the 561N or access stored data with the use of Electronic Technician (Cat ET) or ECAP.

Ecology Drains

Ecology drains provide an environmentally safer method to drain fluids. They are included on the radiator, hydraulic tank, and major power train components.

Modular Cooling System

Individual radiator core modules are easily serviced without major component removal.

Easy Engine Maintenance

Many parts can be rebuilt and are available as remanufactured components.
• Parent-metal block can be rebored twice and dry-sleeved.
• Connecting rods can be removed through cylinder tops.
• Camshaft followers and push rods can be replaced without removing camshaft.
• Extended oil and engine filter change intervals up to 500 hours.

Product Support

Your Cat Dealer offers a wide range of services that can be set up under a Customer Support Agreement (CSA) when you purchase your equipment. The dealer will help you choose a plan that can cover everything from the machine and attachment selection to replacement. This will help you get the best return on your investment.

Remanufactured Components

Save money with remanufactured parts. You receive the same warranty and reliability as new products at a cost savings of 40 to 70 percent.

Service Capability

Whether in the dealer's fully equipped shop or in the field, you will get trained service technicians using the latest technology and tools.

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.

Replacement

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

Maintenance

More and more equipment buyers are planning for effective maintenance before buying equipment. Choose from your dealer's wide range of maintenance services at the time of your purchase. Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Diagnostic programs such as Scheduled Oil Sampling and Technical Analysis help avoid unscheduled repairs.