FM538 GF/FM538 LL

Overview

The Cat® 538 is the best choice in its size class for today’s loggers. With its new high-visibility forestry cab and factory logging configurations to meet your specific needs, the 538 can make your work in the woods more productive and profitable.

Drive

Hydraulic System

Swing Mechanism

Weights

Service Refill Capacities

Dimensions

Working Ranges

Air Conditioning System

Features

Latest Features

Cab Monitor Improvements

    
• Continuously improved user interface allows intuitive navigation, minimizing performance interruption with the easy-to-use touchscreen menu.

    
1. Identify apps quickly with a grid list view, abbreviated app names, and categorized menu options.
    
2. A notification center keeps important information visible to the operator and displays messages without shrinking the camera view.
    
3. Color-coded notifications set critical messages apart from the rest.
    
4. Use the in-monitor QR code to learn about machine and technology features through a full suite of “how-to” videos.

    
• Enhance visibility to make service work easier and safer with optional inspection lighting.
    
• Standard integrated vehicle health management system alerts operators with service guidance and parts needed to enhance uptime.       

Take the Guesswork Out of Managing Your Equipment

    
• VisionLink® provides actionable data insights for all assets - regardless of fleet size or equipment manufacturer. * Review equipment data from your desktop or mobile device to maximize uptime and optimize assets. Dashboards provide information such as hours, miles, location, idle time, and fuel utilization. Make informed decisions that lower costs, simplify maintenance, and improve safety and security on your jobsite.
    
• VisionLink Productivity gathers and summarizes machine telematics and jobsite data from all your equipment – regardless of the manufacture. * View actionable information such as idle time, fuel burn, location, payload, load counts, total cycles, and more to improve machine efficiency, productivity, and utilization. Access data anywhere via a mobile, tablet, or desktop device - on or off the jobsite.
    
• Cat® Inspect is a mobile application that allows you to easily perform digital preventative maintenance (PM) checks, inspections, and daily walkarounds. Inspections can easily be integrated with other Cat data systems like VisionLink so you can keep a close eye on your fleet.
    
• Remote Troubleshoot is a mobile application that allows your Cat dealer to perform diagnostic testing on your connected machine remotely to help resolve issues quickly and with less downtime.
    
• Remote Flash is a mobile application that allows you to update onboard software without a technician being present, allowing you to initiate software updates when convenient, increasing your overall operating efficiency.
    
• The Cat PL161 attachment locator allows you to track attachments across all worksites, reduce the number of lost attachments, and plan for attachment maintenance and replacement. The work tool recognition** feature automatically adjusts machine settings based on the selected tool.

Superior Performance

    
• The Cat® C7.1 engine is fuel efficient and can run on biodiesel and other renewable fuels.
    
• Smart mode helps reduce fuel consumption by automatically matching engine and hydraulic power to working conditions.
    
• Pick and place logs with precision and power with the electrohydraulic control system.
    
• Heavy lift mode with up to 10% more swing torque* helps you confidently move big logs.
    
• Get to work faster with up to a 12% increase in travel speed*.
    
• Auxiliary hydraulic options let you use Cat grapples and various other attachments.
    
• Work in extreme environments with a standard high-ambient capability of 52° C (126° F) and cold start capability of -32° C (-25° F).

Unmatched Operator Comfort

    
• Operators can choose the rear or side entry cab with up to 25% more space and a tilt-up console*.
    
• The dual HVAC system keeps operators comfortable in cold and warm weather.
    
• A wider heated and cooled air-suspension seat makes year-round work more pleasant.
    
• All controls are within easy reach to reduce twisting and turning and keep you focused on the work area.
    
• Cab risers — 165 mm (6’1/2”) fixed or 1219 mm (48”) hydraulic tilt — are available to meet your work needs.
    
• Special roof lining and window and door sealing reduce noise, making the interior as quiet as today’s top work trucks.
    
• Stow your gear with in-cab storage beneath, behind the seat, and in the consoles.
    
• Use the standard radio’s USB ports and Bluetooth® technology to connect personal devices and make hands-free calls.

Simple Operation

    
• Cat® continues to improve user interface functionality for operators of all skill levels. The touchscreen monitor is an easy-to-use operating tool that presents the jobsite dashboard with an intuitive format. 
    
• The Cat PL161 attachment locator is a Bluetooth device designed to let users know where their attachments are across all worksites, reduce the number of lost attachments, and plan for attachment maintenance and replacement. The PL161 integrates easily into VisionLink® for full fleet management of machines and attachments from one smartphone or tablet dashboard to view location and tracking details.
    
• Start the engine with a push button or use a Bluetooth key fob or the unique Operator ID function.
    
• Navigate quickly on the standard high-resolution 254 mm (10 in) touchscreen monitor.
    
• Make moving the excavator much easier with the optional Cat® Stick Steer. Push a button and use one hand to travel and turn instead of both hands or feet on levers or pedals.
    
• Not sure how a function works or how to maintain the machine? Always have the operator’s manual at your fingertips in the touchscreen monitor.
    
• Optional auxiliary relay powers on and turns off CB radios and other attachments without you taking your hands off the joysticks.

Versatile Configurations

General Forestry

    
1. The General Forestry model is ideal for road work, grappling, processing, and delimbing.
    
2. With a reach boom and quick coupler, you can equip the FM538 with a processor, bucket, thumb, mulcher, and other attachments to get work done quickly and efficiently.
    
3. A frontless option allows you to customize the machine to fit your applications.

    
1. The log loader configuration is ideal for truck loading, Butt-n-Top loading, power clam applications, and millyard work.
    
2. An under-mounted heel cylinder provides maximum force for shovel logging with a Cat grapple. A variable displacement pump delivers high-flow rotating capability for heel and log grapples and Power Clam and Butt-n-Top grapples.
    
3. An overmounted heel cylinder provides maximum clearance to load trucks and increases lift height for millyard applications.

    
• Rugged, reliable, simple-to-service Cat forestry grapples range in size from 1322 mm (52") to 1524 mm (60").
    
• Special Tri Link shoes are available for lower ground pressure and extra flotation in soft, wet, underfoot conditions.

Easy Maintenance

    
• Boost productivity with proactive service reminders. The Integrated Vehicle Health Management system alerts the operator with step-by-step service guidance and the parts needed so you don't experience unnecessary downtime.
    
• Expect up to 15% less maintenance cost than the previous model. (Savings calculated over 12,000 machine hours.)
    
• The engine’s regeneration system functions automatically with no operator input or interruption to work.
    
• Using Cat® genuine oil and filters and doing typical S∙O∙S monitoring will double the current service interval to 1,000 hours, giving you greater uptime to do more work.
    
• S·O·S ports simplify maintenance and allow for quick, easy extraction of fluid samples for analysis.
    
• The diesel particulate filter requires no maintenance.
    
• Replace fuel filters at 1,000 hours – twice the interval from the previous filters.
    
• The latest hydraulic oil filter provides improved filtration performance, anti-drain valves to keep oil clean when the filter is replaced, and longer life with a 3000-hour replacement interval – 50% longer than previous filter designs.
    
• The high-efficiency cooling fan runs only when needed; program intervals so the fan automatically reverses to keep cores clean without interrupting your work.

Enhanced Safety

    
• The cab meets applicable industry standards for ROPS/FOPS/OPG and protects the operator inside the cab.
    
• Access most routine maintenance points at ground level.
    
• The right-hand service platform design provides easy, safe, and quick access to the upper service platform; the service platform steps use an anti-skid punch plate to prevent slipping. Handrails are provided for easy access.
    
• Larger 32 mm (11/4”) polycarbonate front window, smaller cab pillars, and a flat engine hood improve visibility by up to 50%.
    
• Standard rearview camera enhances jobsite visibility; right-hand-sideview cameras are optional.
    
• The monitor’s slope and grade indicator tell you the machine's position to help optimize its performance.
    
• A signaling/warning horn and travel alarm enhance jobsite safety.
    
• Make service work easier and safer with optional inspection lighting. With the flip of a switch, lights will illuminate the engine, pump, battery, and radiator compartments to enhance visibility.

Sustainability

    
• The Cat® 7.1 engine meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emission standards.
    
• Cat diesel engines are required to use ULSD (ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel with 15 ppm of sulfur or less) or ULSD blended with the following lower-carbon intensity fuels** up to: 20% biodiesel FAME (fatty acid methyl ester)* or 100% renewable diesel, HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil) and GTL (gas-to-liquid) fuels. Refer to guidelines for successful application. Please consult your Cat dealer or “Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations” (SEBU6250) for details.
    
• Auto Engine Speed Control reduces unnecessary fuel burn and greenhouse gas emissions by allowing the engine to automatically go into idle mode when the machine is not working.
    
• Extended maintenance intervals reduce downtime and decrease the amount of fluid and filters that are replaced over the machine's life.
    
• Cat® VisionLink displays the CO2 emissions for monitored assets, calculated by fuel type for the Runtime Fuel Burned each day in a selected date range.
    
• Remote Flash minimizes downtime and maintenance time while keeping your asset running at maximum efficiency. Alerts for machine updates are sent virtually from your Cat® dealer, and updates can be deployed without a dealer technician needing to be onsite.
    
• Remote Troubleshoot decreases maintenance time and keeps your machine running with maximum efficiency by allowing your Cat® dealer to virtually test the machine while working. Once a problem is identified, a technician can fix it the first time, saving time and money.

CAB

CAT TECHNOLOGIES

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

SAFETY AND SECURITY

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

UNDERCARRIAGE AND STRUCTURES

BOOMS AND STICKS

Attachments

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