324D FM Forest Machine

The Cat® C7 has exceptional power and fuel efficiency unmatched in the industry for consistently high performance in both forestry and millyard applications.Learn More

Cat C7 ACERT™

The Cat® C7 with ACERT™ Technology gives the 324D FM exceptional power and fuel efficiency unmatched in the industry, and provides high performance in all forestry applications. The C7 meets U.S. EPA emissions requirements.

Performance

The 324D FM is equipped with the C7 ACERT engine, which provides 12% more horsepower as compared to the previous 3126B ATAAC HEUI™ engine.

Automatic Engine Speed Control

The two-stage, one-touch control maximizes fuel efficiency and reduces sound levels.

ADEM™ A4 Engine Controller

The ADEM A4 electronic control module manages fuel delivery to get the best performance per liter of fuel used. The engine management system provides flexible fuel mapping, allowing the engine to respond quickly to varying application needs. It tracks engine and machine conditions while keeping the engine operating at peak efficiency.

Electronic Control Module

The Electronic Control Module (ECM) works as the “brain” of the engine’s control system, responding quickly to operating variables to maximize engine efficiency. Fully integrated with sensors in the engine’s fuel, air, coolant, and exhaust systems, the ECM stores and relays information on conditions such as RPM, fuel consumption, and diagnostic information.

Fuel Delivery

The Cat C7 ACERT features electronic controls that govern the fuel injection system. Multiple injection fuel delivery involves a high degree of precision. Precisely shaping the combustion cycle lowers combustion chamber temperatures, generating fewer emissions and optimizing fuel combustion. This translates into more work output for your fuel cost.

Cooling System

The cooling fan is directly driven from the engine. An optional programmable reversible fan allows for radiator blowout, to increase service intervals and to maintain engine operational temperatures. The optimum fan speed is calculated based on the target engine speed, coolant temperature and hydraulic oil temperature. The Cat C7 ACERT delivered a completely new layout that separates the cooling system from the engine compartment.

Air Cleaner

The radial seal air filter features a double-layered filter core for more efficient filtration and is located in a compartment behind the cab. A warning is displayed on the monitor when dust accumulates above a preset level.

Noise Reduction Technologies

The engine mounts are rubber-isolating mounts matched with the engine package. Further noise reduction has been achieved through design changes to the isolated top cover, oil pan, multiple injection strategy, insulated timing cover, sculpted crankcase and gear train refinements.

Cat® hydraulics provide the power and control needed for a variety of applications.Learn More

Component Layout

The 324D FM hydraulic system and component locations have been designed to provide a high level of system efficiency. The main pumps, control valves and hydraulic tank are located close together to allow for shorter tubes and lines between components that reduce friction loss and pressure drops in the lines. The layout further provides greater operator comfort by placing the radiator on the cab side of the upper structure. This allows incoming air to enter the engine compartment from the operator side and hot air and corresponding engine sound to exit on the opposite side away from the operator. This reduces engine compartment heat and sound being transmitted to the operator.

Pilot System

The pilot pump is independent from the main pumps and controls the front linkage, swing and travel operations.

Hydraulic Cross Sensing System

The hydraulic cross sensing system improves productivity with faster implement speeds and quicker, stronger pivot turns.

Boom and Stick Regeneration Circuit

Boom and stick regeneration circuit saves energy during boom-down and stick-in operation which increases efficiency, reduces cycle times and pressure loss for higher productivity, lower operating costs and increased fuel efficiency.

Fine Swing Control

Standard fine swing control cushions start and stop for better implement control.

Controllability

The hydraulic system offers precise control to the 324D FM reducing operator fatigue, improving operator effectiveness and efficiency, which ultimately translates into enhanced performance.

Auxiliary Hydraulic Valve

The auxiliary valve is standard on the 324D FM. Control Circuits are available as attachments, allowing for operation of high and medium pressure tools such as grapples.

Hydraulic Cylinder Snubbers

Snubbers are located at the rod-end of the boom cylinders and both ends of the stick cylinders to cushion shocks, reduce sound and increase cylinder life, increasing uptime and productivity.

The purpose built forestry cab interior layout maximizes operator space, provides exceptional comfort, provides excellent sightlines and reduces operator fatigue.Learn More

Operator Station

The workstation is spacious, quiet and comfortable, assuring high productivity during a long work day. Controls, joysticks and an ergonomically designed seat reduces operator fatigue.

Pre-Start Check

Prior to starting the machine, the system will check for low fluid levels for the engine oil, hydraulic oil and engine coolant and warn the operator through the monitor in the event display area.

Climate Control

Positive filtered ventilation, a pressurized cab with bi-level air conditioner, heater and defroster keep operator comfortable in all types of weather conditions. Cab also has a forced air fan and a large fresh air window.

Monitor

The monitor is a full color 400 X 234 pixels Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) graphic display. The monitor angle can be adjusted to minimize sun glare and has the capability of displaying information in 27 different languages.

Gauge Display

Three analog gauges, fuel level, hydraulic oil temperature and coolant temperature, are displayed in this area.

Event Display

Machine information is displayed in this area with the icon and language.

Multi-Information Display

This area is reserved for displaying various information which is convenient for the operator. The “Cat” logo is displayed when no information is available to be displayed.

Seat

Air ride seat provides a variety of adjustments to suit the operator’s size and weight including fore/aft, height and weight. Wide adjustable armrests and a retractable seat belt are also included.

Joystick Control

Joystick controls have low lever effort and are designed to match the operator’s natural wrist and arm position. The operator can operate joystick controls with an arm on the armrest and the horizontal and vertical strokes have been designed to reduce operator fatigue. Exclusive proportional control and push buttons are programmable to operator personal preferences, allowing maximum productivity.

Hydraulic Activation Control Lever

For added safety, this lever must be in the operate position to activate the machine control functions.

Console

Consoles feature a simple, functional design to reduce operator fatigue, ease of switch operation and excellent visibility.

Skylight

An enlarged skylight with sunshade provides excellent upwards visibility.

Viewing

Cab design optimizes post structures, and scratch-resistant polycarbonate window placement to provide excellent operator visibility to front, sides and rear. Forestry cab is designed with heavy-duty guarding, meeting all ROPS/FOPS/OPS/FOGS/TOPS and CB requirements. Windshield wipers are standard equipment on the FM cab.

Purpose-built forest applications with reinforced carbody, rugged swing bearing, heavy doors and extra guarding.Learn More

Rugged main frame design maximizes durability

• Outer frame utilizes curved side rails, which are di-formed for excellent uniformity and strength.
• Box-section channels improve upper frame rigidity under the cab.
• Inverted U-channels span the width of the main frame and are formed, rather than fabricated, for superior strength and reduced weight.
• Boom tower and main rails are constructed of solid, high-tensile strength, steel plates.
• Boom foot and engine mount areas are reinforced for additional strength.
• Sheet metal supporting structure is improved by integrating the mounting into the upper frame structure.

Carbody Design

Advanced, reinforced, purpose-built carbody design stands up in the toughest forest applications.

Carbody Structure

Wide, tall, and thick carbody structure provides operating stability and durability while improving operation’s effectiveness.

• Upper structure weight and stresses are distributed evenly across the full length of the track roller frame.
• Smooth transitions and long welds help reduce stresses at the carbody-to-roller frame junctions for excellent durability.
• Robot welding helps ensure consistent, high-quality welds throughout the manufacturing process.

Cat guarding protects your forestry machine investment.Learn More

Shoe Support Guards

Standard full length track shoe support guards help protect rollers and provide increased rigidity to track links in rough underfoot conditions.

Stick Cylinder Guard

Optional HD stick cylinder guard provides protection from trees and debris for hydraulic lines, fittings and cylinder components.

Factory Forestry Cab

Caterpillar forestry designed and built ROPS/FOPS cab meets local guarding and regulation requirements. The right side and rear windows are made from impact resistant polycarbonate.

Right Front Corner Guard

New improved right front corner guard has added tree deflector arm providing increased protection to machine from debris and falling trees or limbs. Arm is rotatable to allow transport position.

Heavy-Duty Access Doors

Heavy-duty access doors are standard on the 324D FM and are made from 6 mm (0.24 in), high-strength, low alloy steel. Positive locking latch stays closed in forestry applications. Hinges have larger diameter pins over standard doors. The smooth door profile enhances machine appearance.

Durable undercarriage absorbs stresses and provides excellent stability.Learn More

Heavy-Duty Top Rollers

Track rollers with dual supports replace standard single post mounted carrier rollers to assure superior endurance.

Heavy-Duty Track Rollers

Heavy-duty track rollers stand up to the toughest forest applications. Features include greater sealability, higher resistance to deformation and greater load carrying capacity.

Heavy-Duty Grease Lubricated Track

The 325 HD Track Link with 203 mm (8 inch) pitch and 9 bottom rollers are standard on the 324D FM.

1) Grease Lubricated Track

• Extends internal bushing wear life
• Reduces noise
• Provides more usable horsepower because of decreased internal friction
• Reduces chance for frozen track joints

2) 10% Larger Bushing Diameter

• Extends external bushing wear life

3) Greased Pin and Larger Bushing Combined

• Extends system life
• Reduces sprocket wear because the system stays matched longer
• Improves balance in component wear life

4) 15% Increase in Link Height

• Increases link wear life

5) 36% Wider Bushing Strap

• Improves bushing-to-link retention

6) Unique Pin Retention System

• Locks the pin to the link

A wide selection of Forest Machine configurations meet diverse forestry applications and improve your productivity.Learn More

The Cat Log Loader is Purpose Built

Purpose built cab, upper frame, covers and doors, car body, boom, stick and heel are designed to work in a variety of forestry applications. These include loading, millyard, shovel logging and large tree fell and shovel applications.

The Cat Heel-Type Loader Arrangements

The Cat heel-type loader arrangements fit a wide variety of log handling and loading applications in the woods and millyards. Heel booms are especially well-suited for use with large diameter saw logs and tree length loads.

Cat Roadbuilders

A General Forestry model can be configured as a Cat Roadbuilder and can be equipped with bucket, thumb, clamshell or clearing grapple to fit a wide range of forest road jobs.

Applications Include

Moving right-of-way logs, stumping, pioneering, stripping organic material, excavating shot rock, truck loading, back sloping, ditching, finish grading and slash piling.

The Cat 324D FM Delimber Carrier

The 324D FM General Forestry can also be configured as a delimber carrier and fit with a variety of AEM delimbers.

Cat Forest Machines combined with Cat Log Loading Grapples mean optimal performance, reliability and on-the-job productivity.Learn More

Cat 360 Degree Continuous Rotating Log Loader Grapples

Cat 360 Degree Continuous Rotating Log Loading Grapples for Forestry Machines are high capacity tools, built for endurance in high-volume logging applications. GLL grapple legs are made of high-strength alloy steel with unique leg profiles for maximum performance in picking/sorting, bunching/loading or shoveling applications. Large bunches of stems or single large logs are easily handled by the wide grapple opening 1524 mm (60 inch) GLL60B, while interlocking legs close down to 127 mm (5 inch) for picking and sorting. Cat grapples have bolt-on access panels allowing for easy serviceability and are backed by the world-class Cat dealer network.

360-Degree Continuous Rotation

High torque hydraulic motor positions the grapple precisely for rapid sorting and loading.

Hydraulic Cylinders

Heavy-duty wall construction delivers durability and maximum closing power move the maximum amount of wood per pass.

Legs

Built with high-strength alloy steel for maximum durability. Optimized profile performs equally well whether sorting, bunching or shoveling.

Pin

Induction-hardened alloy pins float, decreasing wear.

Serviceability

Bolt-on access panels protect the grapples internal components, while providing easy access. Long service intervals and infield servicing result in more uptime and lower operating costs.

Cat Forest Machines provide the best value for your forestry and millyard applications.Learn More

ACERT™ Technology Fuel Economy

Based on Caterpillar testing, the fuel economy of Cat engines with ACERT technology is 3 to 5 percent better than current competing technologies. This fuel economy is directly related to the complete combustion of fuel due to the integration between the electronic control that monitors conditions, the air management system that controls air volume and the fuel injection system that delivers just the right amount of fuel as needed.

Radiator Compartment

The radial air filter has a double layered filter core for more efficient filtration and is located in a compartment behind the cab. Easy access doors allows for easy, faster cleanout minimizing down time. Heavy-duty screens assembled on the door keep debris away from the radiator compartment, extending service intervals.

Simplified service and maintenance features save you time and money.Learn More

Ground Level Service

The design and layout of the 324D FM was made with the service technician in mind. Many service locations are easily accessible at ground level allowing critical maintenance to get done quickly and efficiently.

Air Filter Compartment

The air filter features a double-element construction for superior cleaning efficiency. When the air cleaner plugs, a warning is displayed on the monitor screen inside the cab.

Pump Compartment

A service door on the right side of the upper structure allows ground-level access to the pump and pilot filter.

Radiator Compartment

The left rear service door allows easy access to the engine radiator, oil cooler and air-to-air aftercooler. A reserve tank and drain cock are attached to the radiator for simplified maintenance.

Grease Lubricated Track

Grease lubricated seals protect the track link and deliver long track pin and bushing inner wear life.

Capsule Filter

The hydraulic return filter, a capsule filter, is situated outside the hydraulic tank. This filter prevents contaminants from entering the system when hydraulic oil is changed and keeps the operation clean.

Fan Guard

Engine radiator fan is completely enclosed by fine wire mesh, reducing the risk of an accident.

Anti-Skid Plate

Anti-skid plate covers top of storage box and upper structure to prevent slipping during maintenance.

Diagnostics and Monitoring

The 324D FM is equipped with S•O•SSM sampling ports and hydraulic test ports for the hydraulic system, engine oil, and for coolant. A test connection for the Cat Electronic Technician (Cat ET) service tool is located in the cab.

Extended Service Interval

324D FM service and maintenance intervals have been extended to reduce machine service time and increase machine availability.

Cat dealer services help you operate longer with lower costs.Learn More

Product Support

You will find nearly all parts at our dealer parts counter. Cat dealers utilize a worldwide computer network to find in-stock parts to minimize machine down time. Save money with remanufactured components.

Machine Selection

Make detailed comparisons of the machines you are considering before you buy. What are the job requirements, machine attachments and operating hours? What production is needed? Your Cat dealer can provide recommendations.

Customer Support Agreements

Cat dealers offer a variety of product support agreements, and work with customers to develop a plan the best meets specific needs. These plans can cover the entire machine, including attachments, to help protect the customer’s investment.

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 investment.

Maintenance Services

Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Diagnostic programs such as Scheduled Oil Sampling, Coolant Sampling and Technical Analysis help you avoid unscheduled repairs. Replacement. Repair, rebuild, or replace? Your Cat dealer can help you evaluate the cost involved so you can make the right choice.