Caterpillar has unveiled a new forest machine designed to meet the diverse needs of forestry professionals, with a focus on versatility, operator comfort, and cost-effectiveness. The FM528, a triple grouser tracked unit, is engineered for a variety of demanding tasks, including land clearing, fire clean-up, chipping, grinder loading, mulching, and processing. It can be fitted with Caterpillar forestry grapples ranging in size from 1,322mm to 1,524mm, providing operators with options to tailor the machine for different applications.

“This machine is crafted to meet the diverse demands of forestry professionals, providing them with unparalleled versatility, enhanced operator comfort, and cost-effective performance,” the company said in its announcement.

One of the standout features of the FM528 is its ability to offer both a fixed and live heel and blade configuration— a first for Caterpillar’s line of forest machines. This innovative design allows operators to easily adapt the machine to a wide variety of tasks, from navigating steep terrain to managing heavy logs, all while performing precise sorting tasks. The multi-configurable machine also includes options for processor, roadbuilder, log loader, and knuckleboom loader controls, making it ideal for both forestry work and mill-yard operations.

“With options for processor, roadbuilder, log loader, and knuckleboom loader controls, this multi-configurable machine helps crews easily transition between forestry and mill-yard work,” Caterpillar emphasized.

The FM528 is powered by a 129kW (173hp) Cat C4.4e TTA diesel engine, coupled with an electrohydraulic system that meets the stringent EPA Tier 4/EU Stage V/Japan 2014 emission standards. According to Caterpillar, the high-torque engine is designed to operate effectively at low RPMs, minimizing wear and tear, which helps reduce maintenance costs while still delivering precision and power for various tasks.

“The high-torque engine operates effectively at low RPMs, minimising maintenance costs from wear and tear while maintaining precision in various job tasks,” said Caterpillar. The hydraulic system also features cooling E-Fans with reversing capabilities, which helps optimize engine efficiency and temperature control.

In addition to its powerful performance and innovative features, the FM528 shares common parts and service requirements with Caterpillar’s Next Generation excavators. Caterpillar noted that this strategy ensures ready availability of components for the new forest machine, helping streamline maintenance and reduce downtime. “Using Cat long-life fuel and hydraulic oil filters with extended and synchronised service intervals also helps lower maintenance expenses,” the company added.

This new forest machine demonstrates Caterpillar’s commitment to innovation in forestry equipment, delivering a powerful, versatile, and cost-efficient solution for forestry and mill-yard professionals alike.