Caterpillar has packed several technology features into its new Cat 815 soil compactor to help compact more area in less time on large earthworks projects.
A new machine design, combined with revised service groupings cut maintenance costs by up to 9 per cent. As well, with all components relocated from the cab roof to lower overall transport height, the redesigned operator’s cab upgrades the steering and climate controls to improve comfort.
The Cat 815 soil compacted is equipped with four 99-cm wide steel drums, which feature a chevron pattern to the tamping tips, delivering high ground pressure and compaction, excellent traction and a smooth ride.
A symmetrical tip pattern provides equal compaction effort in both forward and reverse, and the special tamper design reduces material fluffing. Adjustable cleaner bars eliminate material carryover regardless of rolling direction to maximize compaction efficiency.
GPS mapping
Cat Compact GPS mapping is now offered from the factory to deliver visibility to compacted areas, as well as cut and fill data. The new tech allows companies to meet compaction targets quickly, uniformly and in fewer passes with the 815 compactor, saving on fuel and the costs associated with rework.
Cat Compaction Control with Machine Drive Power (MDP) also ensures operators remain informed of compaction progress. The energy-based measurement system correlates compaction with rolling resistance to indicate soil stiffness, improving compaction efficiency.
Real-time machine performance and operating data captured by the Vital Information Management System (VIMS) is monitored on the in-cab 3G touchscreen display. Furthermore, Cat Link technology captures operating data such as machine location, hours, fuel consumption, idle time, events and diagnostic codes to improve fleet management efficiency.
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Advancing productivity
The compactor’s redesigned cab delivers improved comfort and easier control, which translates to higher operator productivity. Upgrades to the single Cat STIC system allow for shorter, faster cycles to reduce operator fatigue and increase efficiency. The STIC system combines steering, gear selection and other functions into a single lever. Only small side-to-side inputs are required to steer the new 815, and gear changes are fingertip controlled.
The cab sits on isolation mounts and features a new leather seat, forced air heating and cooling, two-way thigh adjustment, power lumbar and back bolster adjustment and dynamic end dampening. A flip-up armrest makes it easier to enter or exit the cab.
The cab is pressurized to keep out debris, and features an automatic climate control system that maintains the operator’s preferred temperature settings. Its sealed design lowers interior sound levels to improve operator comfort. The standard rearview camera is conveniently visible on the in-cab display to improve visibility when compacting in reverse.
New airflow tech
The new 815 soil compactor features improved airflow technology to reduce cleaning and maintenance. A new radial air filter delivers three times the life of the previous design, and operators are alerted to airflow blockages by an electronic air inlet restriction indicator.
The compactor’s electronics bay is located inside the cab to improve servicing in a climate-controlled environment. Sight gauges for the coolant, transmission oil and hydraulic system provide quick inspection with reduced contamination risk. Grouped hydraulic oil, fuel cooler and condenser service points, along with centralized grease points, help to further minimize maintenance time. Access to the emergency shutdown, battery disconnect and jump start are quickly and conveniently accessed from ground level.
Heavy-duty main structures are built to be rebuilt, offering multiple life cycles to lower total cost of ownership for the new 815 compactor. Heat-treated and direct-hardened, the adjustable cleaner bar tips deliver increased wear life with lower operating costs. The durable tamping tips deliver a long life and are replaceable.
Cat C7.1 engine
The 815 soil compactor is powered by the field-proven Cat C7.1 engine designed for maximum fuel economy, reliable performance and increased power density. The machine is available with two engine package options — EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V and Tier 3/Stage IIIA equivalent – for meeting local market emission standard requirements. Automatic engine and electric system shutdown controls reduce unnecessary idling to lower fuel consumption.
Its Advanced Productivity Electronic Control System (APECS) transmission control delivers improved shifting performance, achieves greater momentum on grades and saves fuel by carrying that momentum through shift points.
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