| Engine | The Cat® power train delivers top performance, power, and durability. |
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| Cat® C7 Engine | The Cat C7 uses Caterpillar's breakthrough ACERT™ Technology to meet exhaust emission reduction standards. It features efficient air management, fuel delivery and electronic control for high productivity and exceptional service life. | 
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| Engine Design | This four-stroke engine provides efficient fuel combustion. Precise engineering and thorough testing assure durability, reliability and plenty of power. Built-in serviceability and excellent fuel economy lower operating costs. |
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| Pistons | The C7 pistons use an all-steel forged design. The all-steel skirt and crown are welded into a single piece. This advanced design is lightweight and provides high strength and tighter tolerances to support the higher cylinder pressures and compression ratios in the C7. Narrower rings conform to the liner for better oil control, reduced blow by and less liner wear. |
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| ACERT™ Technology | Caterpillar optimizes engine performance while meeting EPA Tier 3 and European Union Stage IIIa regulations. ACERT™ Technology reduces emissions during the combustion process by using advanced technology in the air and fuel systems, in conjunction with integrated electronics. Caterpillar meets emission regulations at the combustion source rather than recycling exhaust gases. |
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| Four Components | |
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| ACERT Technology - Fuel Delivery | Multiple injection technology lowers combustion chamber temperatures. This technique optimizes thorough combustion of the fuel, reducing emissions output while giving customers more work for their fuel expense. |
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| Cylinder Head | |
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| Cylinder Block | |
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| Increased Cylinder Pressure (PCP) | |
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| ACERT Technology - Electronic Control | The ADEM A4 controller is a 32-bit computer that uses sensors throughout the engine to regulate fuel delivery, valve timing and other engine systems. By managing load and performance, it enhances engine responsiveness and fuel economy, allows self-diagnosis, and reduces exhaust emissions. Software offers flexibility in fuel mapping, allowing the engine to respond to specific application needs, weather and altitude conditions. |
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| ACERT Technology – Air Management | A new cross flow design in the cylinder head facilitates air movement, while tighter tolerances between the piston and cylinder liner reduces blow by gases. |
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| ADEM™ A4 Control Module | Controls the fuel injector solenoids to monitor fuel injection. This system provides automatic altitude compensation, air filter restriction indication and it will not allow the engine to fire until it has oil pressure, acting as cold start protection and a form of pre-lube. |
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| Turbocharger | The C7 features a waste gate turbocharger that provides high boost over a wider range, improving engine response and peak torque, as well as providing outstanding low-end performance. |
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| Water Pump | A dual thermostat control improves coolant flow and heat dissipation, resulting in better durability. |
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| Oil Sump | |
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| Splash Lubricated | |
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| Heat Rejection | |
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| Improved HEUI Fuel Injectors | The Cat C7 has proven high-pressure, direct injection fuel system electronically monitors operator demands and sensors optimize engine performance. | 
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| Maintenance | The C7 engine reduces costs and downtime with a 500-hour oil change interval. Extended service intervals can save thousands of dollars over the life of a machine. Machines are equipped with Caterpillar high efficiency oil filters, whose revolutionary design doubles efficiency without increasing the change interval. They provide clean oil to the engine, reducing wear on all lubricated surfaces and the chance of contamination. |
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| Electronic Transfer Pump | The electric fuel transfer pump is self-priming, eliminating the need for a manual priming pump. |
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| Reliability Features | The C7 offers maximum reliability and response thanks to a range of features:
- Improved fuel injectors and pump
- Leak-free design
- Higher cylinder pressures
- Reinforced cylinder block
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| Leak-Free Design | Improved joints throughout the engine reduce the chance of leaks. The oil pan seal, timing cover and block to flywheel housing incorporate a leak-free design proven in thousands of Cat on-highway truck engines in the field. |
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| Front Housing | |
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| Commonality | The Cat C7 engine is used in other Cat products including 950H medium wheel loader and 324D and 325D excavators. This engine commonality ensures the highest level of reliability and durability as well as superior parts availability worldwide. |
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| Power Train | The integrated Cat power train delivers dependable, relentless pulling power. |
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| Five-Speed Transmission | The field proven Cat power shift countershaft transmission easily matches engine power to the load size and ground conditions. Electronic control makes fingertip controls possible, reducing operator fatigue and improving comfort. | 
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| Gear Application | Gear ratios are carefully designed to maximize productivity in specific cycle segments and under specific loads.
- Gear 1 provides highest rimpull capability for heavy load applications.
- Gears 2, 3 for normal loads and higher speed operations.
- Gears 4, 5 provide excellent empty return and roading speeds.
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| Torque Converter | The large, heavy-duty torque converter maximizes the productivity of the entire drive train. The torque converter is matched to the Cat C7 engine for excellent rimpull and skidding performance. This lock-up torque converter has proven its durability over thousands of hours of punishing loads. |
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| Reduced Wheel Slip | Torque converter direct drive capability, combined with the lock-up differential, reduces wheel slip. This minimizes rutting and soil damage in straight-ahead pulls on weaker soil. In turn, it minimizes tire wear, component stress and fuel consumption, reducing total operating costs. |
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| Lock-up Clutch | The integral lock-up clutch allows the machine to operate in converter drive for greater rimpull, or direct drive for high efficiency hauling and faster travel speeds. Direct drive capability allows up to 15% higher travel speeds when the lock-up clutch is engaged. |
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| Auto Lock-up | The lock-up clutch automatically engages according to ground speed and engine speed conditions. This feature is handled electronically and allows for increased travel speeds in the same gear. |
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| Reduced Shifting | Torque multiplication capability of the torque converter reduces the need for the operator to continually shift the transmission to maintain good skidder performance, as is required on competitive skidders. This reduces operator effort and improves machine productivity. |
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| Convenient Controls | |
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| Isolated from Axle | |
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| Drive Shaft | |
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| Final Drives | |
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| Cradled Front Axle | The cradled front axle acts as a working counterweight to offset the weight of the log load and grapple, and provides superior side-to-side balance for excellent performance in slope applications. | 
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| Differential Locks | Normal operation is with the differential locks in both axles disengaged, meaning the all four wheels are free to drive independently. Locking a differential forces both wheel on an axle to turn in sync with each other. Both front and rear differential locks are easily engaged and disengaged with a conveniently located switch on the right hand console. Hydraulically actuated differential locks allows for on-the-go engagement or disengagement. |
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| Pivot Design | The cradle oscillation pivot design provides industry leading ride comfort.
- 15° oscillation absorbs minor shock loads caused by bumps and depressions, and helps isolate the cab from axle movement for a smoother, more comfortable ride.
- Front axle oscillation also provides excellent fore-aft stability for large capacity grapples and dual function arches.
- Heavy-duty trunnion bearings provide durable, reliable operation.
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| Brake Components | Brake components are housed inside the axles, protecting them from dirt, dust and wet ground conditions. Inboard brakes allow for splash lubrication and cooling, are virtually maintenance free, and provide reliable brake performance in the most demanding logging applications. |
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| Wheel Options | The standard 545C axles are capable of single or dual wheels. Duals (using 30.5 x 32 inner and 24.5 outer) or flotation tires increase flotation in wet, sloppy underfoot conditions, and improve stability on grades with large loads. |
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| Tire Options | Expanded tire options allow outstanding performance in a variety of ground conditions. Narrow overall width rim options are also available on all models and improve machine maneuverability by decreasing the width of the machine by about 7 inches. |
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| Dual-Capable | The standard axle on the 545C can use either dual or flotation tires. Dual wheels increase flotation in poor underfoot conditions, and improve stability, especially when hauling large loads on a grade. |
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| Hydraulics | State-of-the-art hydraulic system contributes to system provides dependable power and maximum efficiency. | 
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| Load Sensing Hydraulics | A load sensing variable displacement pump and pressure compensating system continually monitor hydraulic power requirements, then provides power based on demand. |
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| Lower Power Consumption | The variable displacement hydraulic pump draws engine power only when braking, steering, dozer or grapple actuation demands flow or pressure. This conserves engine horsepower and increases fuel efficiency. |
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| Cooling Demands | Since the hydraulic pump runs only when needed, it generates less hydraulic system heat, allowing the cooling system to allocate more capacity to the engine, transmission and torque converter. |
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| Oil Cooler | The oil cooler was relocated above the radiator for better hydraulic oil cooling performance and to make radiator cleanout easier. |
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| Cat ToughGuard™ Hoses | Caterpillar® XT™-3 ToughGuard™ hoses improve hose life in the grapple, arch, boom and across the hitch. ToughGuard hoses have been very successful in reducing early hour hose failures. O-ring face seals assure rock-solid connections that maintain pressure and reduce oil leaks. | 
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| Lower Hitch Plate | |
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| Auto-Grab Feature | Auto-Grab, engineered by Caterpillar, constantly monitors tong pressure and adjusts as needed to securely hold grapple loads while skidding. It is easily activated on demand by a switch located on the right-hand control lever. | 
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| Steering | Fully hydraulic control. Meets the following standards: SAE J1511 OCT90, ISO 5010-1992. |
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| Structures | The 545C mainframe, hitch and decking blade are designed and built to surpass the expectations of the logging industry. |
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| Box-Section Construction | Caterpillar designed and manufactured box section structures set the industry standard for reliable, durable main frames. Extensive computer analysis and field-testing resulted in the design of the 545C skidder. | 
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| Absorbs Twistng and Shock Loads | Frames can absorb twisting and impact forces to provide a sound foundation and well-balanced system for the entire structure. |
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| Front Frame | The 545C front frame has revised hitch plate geometry and steering bracket geometry to reduce stresses. |
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| 545C Rear Frame | |
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| Superior Balance | Low center of mass and weight forward design create excellent skidder balance. |
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| Maneuverability | The 545C skidder provides the tightest turning radius for superior maneuverability while still maintaining the excellent balance required for high capacity skidding. |
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| Caterpillar Manufacturing | The front and rear frames are robotically welded and manufactured by Caterpillar to ensure the highest level of quality and durability. |
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| Frame Commonality | The 545C and 535C share the same front frame design and components. This commonality helps with product support and parts availability. |
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| Hitch | A larger and improved center section features oversized plates and bosses to disperse forces. A large double-tapered roller bearing is used on the lower hitch for reduced flexing stress and maintaining tight joints. | 
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| Hitch Pins | The wide hitch pin spread significantly reduces horizontal loading on hinge pins and hinge pin bearings for greater durability and extended pin and bearing life. The extra room also increases hydraulic hose clearance and makes hose routing easier. |
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| Fenders | Rear frame fender options are available for both grapple and cable arrangements. |
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| Arches and Booms | All Caterpillar arches use box-section construction, and are thoroughly tested to exceed durability requirements. |
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| Sound Insulation | With the optional enclosed cab, ample sound insulation keeps interior sound levels low. Reduced sound levels meet operator environment regulations and significantly boost operator comfort, especially on long shifts. |
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| Cab Mounting | The modular ROPS/FOPS cab is resiliently mounted to the skidder frame, reducing vibration for greater comfort and a quieter ride. |
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| Dual-Function Arch | The 545C is available with a multiple position, dual-function arch. It accommodates large capacity grapples, well suited for large bundles of small stems, and difficult-to-reach pre-bunched stems. The dual-function arch offers variable reach, which minimizes machine maneuvering to pinpoint a load with the grapple. In addition, it offers the ability to push the skidder forward if necessary. |
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| Cable Arch | Allows outstanding line skidding performance with a two-position adjustable height fairlead to match site conditions. |
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| Operator Station | Easy to operate, fingertip controls, less fatigue | 
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| Comfortable Work Station | The work station incorporates years of cab design innovations to maximize operator comfort and productivity. |
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| Air Suspension Seat | Standard air suspension seat swivels 30° to the right for maximum comfort, while allowing the operator to observe skidder and grapple operations to the rear. |
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| Sealed Cab | The pressurized cab is sealed from exterior air (with windows closed) for efficient heating and cooling. Tight door and window casings also keep out dust, fumes and insects. |
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| Air Conditioning | Standard with the enclosed, pressurized cab, air conditioning helps the operator concentrate on work rather than environmental distractions. A dedicated cab filter assures clean air, while tight door and window casings keep out dust, fumes and insects. |
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| Windows | Tough polycarbonate windows protect the operator, and are large enough for an excellent side and rear view, increasing operator confidence and productivity. Sliding glass windows protected by metal screens in both doors provide fresh air and communication outside the machine. |
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| Machine Controls | The comfortable operator environment uses ergonomically designed and placed machine controls to reduce fatigue and increase productivity. | 
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| Steering Column | Tilts and telescopes to fit any size operator. Transmission direction and range selection controls are built into the steering wheel for convenience and productivity. |
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| Steering Articulation | Full 90° steering articulation, stop-to-stop, with about one-quarter wheel rotation, provides excellent maneuverability and productivity. |
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| Transmission Controls | Transmission controls for forward, reverse and gear range are located on the steering wheel for easy fingertip control. The operator can control machine functions with minimal effort, allowing greater concentration on loading operations. The result is higher productivity and reduced operator fatigue. |
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| Governor Pedal | The governor pedal has been moved to the right for more clearance between the brake pedal, and for improved operator comfort. |
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| Single-lever Grapple Control | A single four-function joystick control has top mounted switches for grapple open and close, tong rotate, and Auto-Grab System activation. The control is simple, convenient and easy to use. |
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| Decking Blade Control | Relocating the dozer control to the right console reduces operator effort and improves comfort. Excellent modulation provides precise control for various decking and clearing functions while reducing operator fatigue. |
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| Auto-Grab Switch | The Auto-Grab system monitors and adjusts tong pressure as needed to maintain a secure grip on grapple loads. |
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| Lock-up Torque Converter Drive | Lock-up torque converter drive selection switch helps match transmission speed range to skidding requirements. An indicator light informs the operator when the torque converter is in the locked mode. |
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| Differential Lock Switch | Ergonomically located rocker switch allows quick engagement of differential locks when needed. |
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| Monitoring Controls | Conveniently located and easy-to-see gauges and displays make monitoring machine systems as simple as possible. |
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| Gauges | Four gauges indicate engine coolant temperature, hydraulic oil temperature, torque converter oil temperature, engine rpm and fuel level. |
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| Caterpillar Monitoring System | Monitors fuel, temperatures, vital electrical systems, gear speed and direction. A three-level warning system alerts the operator of potential problems. |
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| Additional | The right hand console has a standard 12V outlet for powering auxiliary equipment. The cab is pre-wired and fitted for an entertainment radio, and a CB type 2-way radio. |
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| ROPS / FOPS | FOPS (Falling Object Protection) and ROPS (Roll-Over Protection) guards offer protection to the operator and the machine. | 
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| Work Tools | Move more wood with powerful, flexible Cat grapples and winches. |
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| Redesigned Grapples | Caterpillar designed and manufactured grapples use box section construction for ultimate durability. The new tong curvature reduces the time it takes to bundle the load, and higher clamp forces deliver excellent load retention for secure hauls to the landing. | 
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| Bunching Grapples | Bunching grapples are designed for harvesting mid-to-large diameter trees, usually felled by a mechanical feller buncher. Its large tong opening is designed to gather a large number of these stems per cycle for maximum loading. It is heavier than the sorting grapple, but its large capacity holds more stems for improved production in smaller trees and large loads. |
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| Oversized Thinning Grapples | Thinning grapples are designed for harvesting small diameter trees, usually felled by a mechanical feller buncher. Its large tong opening is designed to gather a large number of these small stems per cycle for maximum loading. Cat grapples offer large capacity for maximum performance and productivity. |
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| Grapple Snubbers | Grapple snubber life was improved, reducing grapple swing, hydraulic hose stresses and increasing component life. |
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| Flow Divider | An improved grapple flow divider delivers a higher flow capacity and maintains consistent tong sequencing. |
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| Grapple Winch | The new high capacity winch has four function controls: reel-in, reel-out, brake-on, and free-spool. This winch is driven and controlled by the main implement hydraulic system. | 
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| Cable Winch | An electro-hydraulic lever controls the winch hydraulic control valve, located on the winch case. The integrated software electronically protects free-spool clutches. |
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| Hydraulic Winch | The 545C features a new electronically controlled hydraulic winch for grapple applications, replacing the mechanical winch. The hydraulic winch improves application flexibility by allowing the tractive effort to be used while winching, and eliminating the continuously rotating driveshaft. |
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| Mechanical Winch | The C-500 mechanical winch is still available on cable skidders where higher line speeds and max drum pull are important. Winch sump oil is used for hydraulic control and lubrication. |
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| Decking Blade | The decking blade efficiently clears landings and roads, and maintains log decks. It features box section steel arms for superior strength and durability. Decking blade pusharms are mounted directly to the mainframe for excellent strength, and set lower and forward for efficient clearing of slash and debris as well as log deck maintenance. The new electro-hydraulic control improves operator comfort and control of the decking blade.
- Heat-treated bolt-on edge and maintenance-free pivot jo
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| Serviceability | Ease of service increases productivity. |
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| New Engine Enclosures | Large, hinged engine enclosure doors make regular maintenance as easy and fast as possible. Easy access to daily service points increases the likelihood that maintenance will be done, and increases machine service life. In addition, less maintenance time means more working time and greater productivity. | 
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| Ground Level Access | Most filters and lube points are accessible from the ground without special tools. Remote lubrication points make daily attention to hard-to-reach joints easy. |
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| Rear Frame Access | Steps and grab irons have been added to the rear frame and cab for easier access to the rear frame, arch and boom. |
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| Bolt-on Guards | Bolt-on guards offer protection to critical components, and are easily removable for servicing. Removable floor plates and side plate allow access to components under the cab. |
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| Radial Seal Air Filters | Hand access makes them easy to change, reducing air filter maintenance times. |
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| Extended Oil Service Intervals | A 500-hour oil change interval reduces downtime for service and lowers maintenance costs. |
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| Remote Engine Oil Drain | Remote oil drain lines speed up regular maintenance and avoid accidental oil spills while servicing. |
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| S•O•SSM Fluid Sampling Valves | Provides a fast, convenient way to gather uncontaminated fluid samples, which improves analysis reliability. |
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| Pressure Taps | Conveniently located for easy access to hydraulic system pressure measurements. |
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| Spin-on Oil Filters | Spin-on fuel and engine oil filters shorten downtime. |
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| Electronic Transfer Pump | Eliminates the need to manually prime the fuel system. | 
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| Ecology Drains | The transmission compartment now includes a new ecology drain. All major fluid compartments (hydraulic tank, engine oil pan, radiator, axles and transmission) now incorporate ecology drains to make regular maintenance easier, and protect the environment from accidental oil spills. |
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| Hitch Hoses | The grapple pilot hoses, pressure line and load sense lines have all been routed above the hitch, and been bulk-headed for easy hose replacement and fastest service. The hitch hoses use the Cat ToughGuard™ technology and have excellent wear characteristics. |
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| Electrical System | The 24V electrical system delivers dependable electrical power for engine cranking, additional lighting, and engine diagnostics. Wiring circuits are color coded, numbered and protected by circuit breakers. | 
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| On-Board Diagnostic Systems | The Caterpillar Monitoring System continuously checks all critical machine functions and components, and helps locate faults quickly for faster repair. Extremes are recorded, including fluid temperatures, engine speed and electrical system events. |
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| Radiator | Cleanout access doors located on both sides of the radiator help make radiator cleanout faster. The radiator features an all aluminum construction with 8 fins per inch for easy cleanout. |
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| Matched Set Hitch Bearings | Matched set bearings come pre-assembled with the correct pre-load from the supplier to streamline the assembly process and ensure a quality hitch joint every time. No rolling torque measurement is required, so the assembly process is simplified. Matched set bearings also reduce service time in the field. |
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| Customer Support | Cat dealer services help you operate longer with lower costs. | 
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| Product Support | You will find nearly all parts at our dealer parts counter. Cat dealers use a worldwide computer network to find in-stock parts to minimize machine down time. Save money with genuine Cat Reman parts. You receive the same warranty and reliability as new products at substantial cost savings. |
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| Machine Selection | Make detailed comparisons of the machines under consideration before purchase. Cat dealers can estimate component life, preventive maintenance cost, and the true cost of lost production. |
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| Purchase | Look past initial price. Consider the financing options available as well as day-to-day operating costs. Look at dealer services that can be included in the cost of the machine to yield lower equipment owning and operating costs over the long run. |
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| Customer Support Agreements | Cat dealers offer a variety of product support agreements, and work with customers to develop a plan that best meets specific needs. These plans can cover the entire machine, including attachments, to help protect the customer’s investment. |
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| Operation | Improving operating techniques can boost your profits. Your Cat dealer has videotapes, literature and other ideas to help you increase productivity, and Caterpillar offers certified operator training classes to help maximize the return on your machine investment. |
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| Maintenance Services | Talk to your dealer about the range of available maintenance services. Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Diagnostic programs such as S•O•SSM Analysis and Coolant Sampling and Technical Analysis help avoid unscheduled repairs. |
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| Replacement | Repair, rebuild or replace? Your Cat dealer can help you evaluate the cost involved so you can make the right choice. |
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