Rermag 5726 C10877911 1
Rermag 5726 C10877911 1
Rermag 5726 C10877911 1
Rermag 5726 C10877911 1
Rermag 5726 C10877911 1

Product of the Week - Caterpillar 815K soil compactor

May 25, 2016
The Cat 815K soil compactor, weighing 49,353 pounds and equipped with a Cat C7.1 ACERT U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IV engine, is designed for heavy-duty compaction and dozing operations.

The Cat 815K soil compactor, weighing 49,353 pounds and equipped with a Cat C7.1 ACERT U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IV engine, is designed for heavy-duty compaction and dozing operations. The Caterpillar-built power train is designed for reliability, while the 815K’s wheel design is geared toward high ground pressures. In addition, the available Cat Compaction Control system and Cat COMPACT technologies offer compaction measurement and mapping capabilities designed to enhance the overall efficiency of the compaction process.

The 815K’s full-box-section rear frame is designed to resist torsional shock, twisting forces, and heavy-duty steering-cylinder mounts that dissipate steering loads into the frame. Axle mounting is designed to provide increased structural integrity.

Four forces (pressure, manipulation, impact and vibration) combine with the 815K’s modified-chevron, tamping-wheel tip design to optimize compaction results, meeting density requirements (typically 95-100 percent Standard Proctor) in fewer passes (whether forward or reverse).

The 815K compacts from the bottom of the lift to the top, and the tampered wheel tips are designed to “walk” out of the lift without fluffing the soil, leaving the top of the lift compacted with a relatively smooth and sealed surface. Haul units can maintain high speeds on the surface when delivering fill, which the 815K can spread without assistance, possibly eliminating extra on-site machines. Each wheel has two cleaner bars with hardened-steel, adjustable tips.

Available for the 815K is the Cat Compaction Control system, which uses Machine Drive Power (MDP) technology to measure rolling resistance and to correlate resistance with soil stiffness. The MDP system works in both cohesive and granular soils. An optional 3D mapping system correlates compaction measurements with the machine’s location, providing a graphic, real-time view of compaction progress and a record of compaction results.

In addition, available Cat COMPACT technologies combine an advanced compaction measurement system with in-cab guidance and reporting capabilities to assist in consistently meeting compaction targets, uniformly, in minimum passes, saving fuel and rework costs.

Also, Cat LINK technologies -- Product Link, for example -- wirelessly deliver pertinent operating data (such as machine location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, and event codes) via the online VisionLink user interface to assist in managing the fleet.

The 815K’s Cat C7.1 ACERT engine, developing 248 net horsepower, features Cat electronics, fuel injection process, air-management system, and emissions controls, including the Cat NOx (nitrogen oxide) reduction system and selective-catalytic-reduction and diesel- particulate-filter (DPF) after-treatment systems. The DPF regenerates (eliminates accumulated soot) without interrupting the work cycle. The high-pressure, common-rail fuel system contributes to fuel efficiency, as does the 815K’s automatic idle-shutdown system.

The 3F/3R Cat planetary power-shift transmission uses integrated electronic controls for smooth shifting. Advanced gear metallurgy and premium clutch-disc material are designed to ensure long service life.

The 815K’s cab is isolation-mounted to reduce vibration and sound, and a Cat Comfort Series III air-suspension seat is designed to ensure operator comfort. Temperature control is automatic, and a cab-pressurization system uses filtered air to keep the cab environment clean. Expansive glass areas ensure all-around visibility, enhanced by a rearview camera.

The 815K uses Cat STIC steering control, which allows single-lever, low-effort steering with simple side-to-side movements, as well as fingertip transmission control. An electro-hydraulic, single-lever implement-control system is designed for precise blade positioning. For further machine control, the left pedal acts as a brake, transmission neutralizer, and engine decelerator. The decelerator allows quickly overriding the engine speed selected by the throttle lock to slow the machine when maneuvering.

Routine maintenance is performed via the 815K’s ground-level or platform access. Service points are grouped, swing-out doors on both sides of the engine compartment provide easy access to daily service checks, and ecology drains help prevent spills. Sight gauges permit quick, visual inspection of fluid levels and minimize fluid contamination. The Cat Vital Information Management System provides notifications that allow potential operational issues to be resolved in a timely manner.