Caterpillar announces new Production-Class single drum vibratory soil compactors 
(08/02/2008)
Caterpillar has announced the availability of the new Production-Class single drum vibratory soil compactors. These new models replace the popular E-Series Vibratory Soil Compactors. Operating weights of the new models range from 10.5 to 18.8 metric tons.
This next-generation Production-Class vibratory soil compaction line incorporates new engines that enhance serviceability, offer better reliability and reduced noise. And, select models are more powerful than ever before.
This new Production-Class soil compactor series includes seven smooth drum models—the CS54, CS54 XT, CS56, CS64, CS74, CS76 and CS76 XT, ideally suited for compacting granular and semi-cohesive soils, and five padfoot drum models—and the CP54, CP56, CP64, CP74 and CP76, designed specifically for compact, cohesive soils. These versatile Production-Class machines are ideal for wide variety of compaction projects, from medium to large-sized applications. Typical applications include: motorways, highways, or street construction, rental operations, airports, landfills, and both residential and industrial site development.
Each new machine displays the latest Caterpillar Power Edge™ trade dress and newest nomenclature architecture. Most noticeable will be the strengthened trade dress enhancements that include a rake and tuck front and rear bumper design, updated brand decal designs, and chamfered rear hood—adding up to an unmistakable Caterpillar brand identity. Each model in this series offers advanced features, and a comprehensive host of options and cutting-edge technologies, that will help change the way construction professionals go about the soil compaction process.
New Nomenclature Architecture
Smooth Drum Models
Current Model New Model
CS533E CS54
CS533E XW CS54 XT
CS563E CS56
CS573E CS64
CS583E CS74
CS663E CS76
CS683E CS76 XT
Padfoot Drum Models
Current Model New Model
CP533E CP54
CP563E CP56
CP573E CP64
N/A CP74
CP663E CP76
One of the new features introduced with this compactor line is the availability of an innovative intelligent compaction option, the Caterpillar AccuGrade™ Compaction GPS Mapping & Measurement technology. This technology, coupled with the advanced features of these newest soil compactor models, makes the compaction process, and roadbuilding in general, more consistent and efficient. AccuGrade Technology correlates precise compaction measurements with GPS positioning to create detailed real-time compaction maps of the work area. AccuGrade Technology will enhance the Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) process for contractors, design engineers and project owners alike.
Like its E-Series predecessor, this new Production-Class single drum vibratory soil compactor line features the Caterpillar pod-style vibratory system, which provides exceptional compaction results and clearly differentiates this line from the competition. Its unique drum design incorporates two pod-style housings that enclose the patented eccentric weights. Weights are mounted on a shaft supported by heavy-duty bearings, and are driven by a hydraulic vibratory motor attached to the drum support. As the shaft rotates, the eccentric weights produce an imbalance causing the drum to vibrate.
The pod-style design offers a decreased risk of contamination and offers long change intervals (every 3 years or 3000 hours) for the synthetic oil that lubricates the bearings. Should pod replacement ever become necessary, they can be replaced quickly to minimize downtime. The vibratory system is activated on the propel lever. Drum amplitude selection is switched from the operator’s control console—offering either high or low amplitude to match machine performance to the unique job specifications. In addition, the CS/CP54 now comes equipped with an optional variable frequency vibratory system; the very same time-tested vibratory system provided on heavier machines.
Padfoot drum models are available in the standard round design or in an optional square pad design. The 140 pads are welded to the drum in a chevron arrangement. Each round pad is 127 mm high, and delivers a pad face surface area of 89.4 cm square. With its taller pad height, the round pad is ideal for compacting 25-24 cm thick lifts. Its design allows the pads to “walk” out of the lift, without kicking up (fluffing) the soil around the pads. The square pads are 100 mm high, with a surface area of 140 cm square. Square pads work best for lifts less than 25 cm thick of semi-cohesive soil and will perform comparably to the round pad on cohesive soils. The square pad delivers a sealed surface finish, as its larger surface area provides high ground contact pressure. This helps to prevent moisture from penetrating in the event of rain.
This series offers enhanced operator comfort, visibility and ease of operation. The tilt steering column can be moved to a desired position, or out of the way to accommodate easy entrance and exit from the operator’s seat, and provides ample leg and knee room for the most comfortable working environment. Machine gauges and instrumentation are conveniently located on the adjustable front steering column for easy reference, including displays for fuel level, an optional “vibrations per minute” meter, and a visual/auditory LED fault indication panel. The three-level fault indication panel alerts the operator to abnormal machine conditions, for nine critical machine functions—with an audible alarm should the abnormal condition ever reach the critical third stage.
Other operator comfort and ergonomics enhancements to the line include a padded wrist rest (positional) and a suspension seat with fully adjustable cushion height and suspension stiffness. A rotating seat option delivers comfort, especially when operating the machine in reverse. Flip-up armrests and a 76 mm wide retractable seatbelt come standard on all models. A few of the more popular optional features include a ROPS/FOPS canopy/cab availability and climate control cab configurations.
Redesigns allow for greater visibility over that of the line’s E-Series predecessors. The hood design offers operator visibility to the rear of the machine, and to the outside edge of the rear tires. The CS/CP56, 64, 74 and 76 models feature further improved hood designs with chamfered edges and a reduced width. The tucked in rear bumper allows for improved visibility to the rear of the machine. In fact, cabs for all models allow the operator to see obstacles measuring 1 m high and 1 m to the rear of the machine, and offer unrestricted visibility to the drum for precise operation.
Airflow has been improved in this series to prevent warm air from discharging on the operator’s station or toward the ground. As a result, operator comfort is assured and visibility is further enhanced through the reduction of dust clouds.
The new Production-Class soil compactors feature either a 6-cylinder Cat® C6.6 engine or a 4-cylinder Cat 4.4C engine—both equipped with ACERT™ Technology. ACERT Technology works at the point of combustion to optimise engine performance and fuel economy. These engines deliver enhanced durability and reliability compared to the Cat 3056E and 3054C engines found in the E-Series compactor line.
The C6.6 provides more power for the CS/CP56, 64 and 74 models, and are significantly quieter, enhancing operator comfort. It is equipped with an Electronic Control Module (ECM) to provide improved emissions and optimal performance through electronic timing and fuel delivery. It also allows advanced troubleshooting and diagnostic capabilities using the Caterpillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET), improving serviceability.
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