Caterpillar introduces a new family of diesel-fueled generator sets in the 2-4MW power range 
(05/03/2007)
Caterpillar has announced the release of the new RM-500 Rotary Mixer. The RM-500 replaces the RM-350B Rotary Mixer and offers enhanced production capabilities, optimized performance, simplified serviceability and enhanced operator comfort.
The RM-500 offers productivity enhancements that include three-redesigned interchangeable rotor options (all 2438 mm cutting width), increasing cutting depth capacity and providing better gradation and versatility. One machine now delivers both full-depth reclamation and/or soil stabilization. Its universal rotor has a maximum cutting depth of 406 mm; the soil and combination rotors have a maximum cutting depth of 508 mm each.
The machine’s enhanced design also incorporates improved visibility, increased operator comfort, and productivity features. These include a sliding operator’s station with dual side access for increased visibility, pressurized cab and a sound-absorbing floor mat for reduced sound levels, air conditioning, improved weight distribution, and optional full-time all wheel drive. And, this new machine features a significantly tighter turning radius for increased maneuverability for narrow city streets and tight jobsite environments.
The RM-500 delivers a 403 kW (548 hp) of gross power (SAE J1995), an 8% increase over its predecessor, the RM-350B. Operating weight for the RM-500 with ROPS, cab and universal rotor is 27 630 kg.
This newest-generation Cat Rotary Mixer employs a turbocharged Cat® C15 6-cylinder diesel engine with ACERT Technology for reducing exhaust emissions. ACERT Technology precisely delivers multiple fuel injections (“microbursts”) through an electronic controller that, when combined with an advanced air management system, results in fewer emissions and optimizes fuel combustion. Its air-to-air aftercooling system provides high horsepower with increased response time, while keeping exhaust temperatures low. This generates significant improvements in airflow, increases efficiency and reduces emissions. The Cat C15 engine meets all U.S. EPA Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIa emissions regulations for off-road vehicles.
The larger rear tires of the new RM-500 utilize a more aggressive tread than previous models and create a bigger footprint than ever before. Full-time rear wheel drive comes standard on the RM-500. Rear wheels are driven by a separate hydraulic pump to provide significantly higher tractive effort than previous models and include a separate variable displacement propel pump, a drive motor on each rear wheel, and a flow divider.
Rear wheel drive motors are piston-type and have two swashplate positions; one allowing maximum torque for work and another providing even greater speed for moving quickly around the jobsite. A two-position switch on the operator’s console controls gear selection electronically.
Its standard full-time all wheel drive allows the RM-500 to provide increased tractive effort for even the most demanding soft soils or full-depth reclamation applications. Dual propel pumps provide a separate, balanced flow independently to the machine’s front and rear drive wheels.
The RM-500’s hydraulically-controlled sliding operator’s station takes just 20 seconds to move from side to side. This allows for faster cycle times and increased production. Dual positioning allows for enhanced visibility to the front of the machine and provides greater site lines to the front tire edges and mixing chamber side plates.
The steering column is infinitely adjustable within its tilt range and has a telescoping feature that eases seat access and operator comfort. Its comfortable seat is adjustable fore/aft and by cushion height, and features flip-up arm rests. The cloth seat and side control console rotate to seven positions, further enhancing operator comfort.
The control console’s functional switches are positioned within easy reach. The console includes: a padded arm rest, LED display panel displays, four mode steering switch, speed control dial, propel lever, rotor elevation switches, front and rear rotor hood door switch, sliding operator’s station switch and rear steering switch. A fully-pressurized cab option keeps noise, dust and elements out, and comfort in.
Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) keep an eye on current operating conditions, and alert the operator to the severity of a potential problem using a three-level warning system. To ensure maximum output, when selected, the RM-500’s ECM will automatically match the propel speed of the machine to engine load, adjusting propel speed so that the engine always works at peak efficiency (1800 rpm).
Automatic depth control comes standard on the RM-500. The ECM receives input from the rotor switch, rotor raise/lower switch and the rotor lift lock sensor. Automatic rotor depth is controlled through the raise/lower switch and a three-position rotor mode switch: Travel mode, Manual Mode and Automatic Mode.
Four-mode steering, also standard on the RM-500, offers precise simultaneous wheel movement that is ECM controlled from the cab. Rotary position sensors on the front and rear wheels, along with input from the four-mode steering selector switch automatically realigns the wheels to center when the Front Wheels Only steering mode is selected.
There are three important areas of the RM-500 that provide enhanced serviceability: excellent service access, simple service procedures and grouped maintenance points. The one-piece fiberglass hood tilts forward for exceptional access to the engine and cooling system. Hinged service doors on the top deck open wide for access to power train and rotor drive components.
Benefits of the Serviceability are:
* One-piece fiberglass engine hood tilts forward for complete engine/cooling system access.
* Rotor hood tilts forward for complete access to rotor.
* Side access doors on rotor hood enables quick and simple replacement to cutting tools on rotor ends.
* Grouped test ports, S•O•SSM valves and remote grease points.
* All daily service points are grouped for quick and easy access.
* Visual indicators allow easy check of radiator coolant, hydraulic oil level and air cleaner restriction.
* Secure hydraulic hose routing with polyurethane routing blocks.
* Maintenance-free Caterpillar batteries, machine wiring is numbered and colour-coded.
* Change intervals for engine oil is every 250 hours.
* Caterpillar offers factory Reman components.
* Machine is wire-ready to accept the Caterpillar Product Link System.
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