Caterpillar: Power, with combined control

The launch of the RM800 road stabiliser signals a shift towards larger equipment for Caterpillar to cater for works on major infrastructure projects, which is set to become the “next big thing” in the market.

For years, Australia’s stabiliser equipment market has predominantly functioned through second-hand acquisitions.

The vast cost, as well as project pipeline for stabilisation work, often discourages the purchasing of brand-new units.

It’s Caterpillar’s belief that the RM800 is about to buck this trend, particularly for large-to-major scale projects.

The latest addition to Caterpillar’s stabilisation offering aims to plug what had been a gap in the company’s range. As Chris Harkness, Sales Manager, Paving Products ANZP and Japan – Caterpillar Australia explains.

“Upwards of that 600 plus horsepower range is a niche that doesn’t have a lot of solutions out there in the market,” he says. “Now we’ve got a machine that can compete head-to-head with the largest offerings currently available.”

Caterpillar’s brand new RM800 stabiliser marks one of the most significant new product releases from the company in recent times.

Designed for full-depth reclamation and soil stabilisation projects, the RM800 is among the most powerful models in Caterpillar’s entire stabilisation range.

As Harkness explains, the RM800 has been designed with the biggest industry players in mind.

“For the high-end, high-productivity contractors, this is the machine to pick. Not only has it got more capability and more technology, but it’s also got greater horsepower and more weight,” he says.

“It’s for people looking for performance and productivity, whose core business lies in large-scale stabilisation projects.”

Inside the RM800

Operating at close to 35,000 kilograms, the C18 Twin Turbo (Stage V)-powered RM800 provides a maximum cutting width of 2.4 metres, as well as a maximum cutting depth of 508 millimetres.

The RM800 is a four post, or four-legged machine, allowing for very precise levelling by providing operators with the ability to put a precise slope in the ground. Adjustable legs can support up to 14 per cent positive or negative slope on either side of the machine, making it far easier to work in uneven and challenging terrain.

The new unit also features the brand new ‘System K rotor’, unique to the RM800. Designed for durability and flexibility, the K rotor is fastener-free, meaning maintenance and rotor changes can be made much quicker and easier. The rotor can withstand tough, high-power applications, and the cutting tools are strategically placed to deliver ideal material sizing and homogeneous mixing results.

With the RM800, contractors can compete for and complete major infrastructure works.

Multiple legacy features have also received changes with this new iteration, namely the computer-controlled water and emulsion distribution system.

“With this new model, we’ve introduced a much more advanced water system that has independent nozzle control from the cab,” Harkness says.

Water flow rates can be fully controlled and regulated from 30 to 1900 litres per minute, with emulsion flow rates able to range from 30-850 litres per minute – all geared towards ensuring that operators can meet and sustain mix design specifications.

Caterpillar also acknowledges how integral sustainability objectives are to satisfying project requirements. It’s for this reason that the company continues to push the envelope when it comes to emission reduction capabilities across its machinery.

Engine idle speed management, automatic load control and more help to maximise fuel efficiency while minimising the unnecessary discharging of emissions. Cat VisionLink, Caterpillar’s online fleet monitoring service, can also provide meaningful insights into idle time, emissions and fuel burn.

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Operator comforts

Internally, the RM800’s cab and operating platform has also received a revamp. It’s been designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a touchscreen display making it easy for operators to learn and use.

Ergonomic and advanced electric – and at times automated – controls give operators full oversight on adjustments such as rotor speeds, modifiable material gradation, rear rotor chamber door pressure and more.

Floor-to-ceiling glass provides excellent visibility of the rotor and work area, with greater line of sight being boosted by multiple cameras at the front, rear, side, and mixing chamber, further enhancing safety.

Caterpillar has been so impressed with a number of these improvements that it’s actioned a number of retrofits to previous models, as Harkness explains.

“A lot of the controls and the visual side of the cabin have been taken off the RM400 and put into the RM800. We’re looking at other features, like the RM800’s advanced water system, to see what else we can fit,” he says.

Luca Mancin, Product and Training Consultant, Paving Products – Caterpillar has been on-site with the unit, seeking input from the industry.

He says that operators are commonly impressed with the intuitive and streamlined cab design, as well the main multi-function joystick.

“The feedback that we’ve had so far is that operators are finding it easy to understand all the control options that we’ve got in the cab and therefore finding it simple to operate. After a few days, they’ve been very confident to operate and do everything themselves,” Mancin says.

The in-cab design and controls have been laid out to be ergonomic and intuitive.

Operators have also been keen to complement the power and output of the unit.

“The productivity every 100 metres or so is incredible, thanks to the large engine,” Mancin says.

“The operators I’ve been around have often had a smile on their faces when they’re getting in or hopping out of the RM800.”

Like its other models, Caterpillar provides a comprehensive after-sales support service for owners, operators and fleet managers. Included in this service is spare parts, maintenance and remote support.

Training is also available for those who lack the confidence or knowledge to optimise operation of the RM800, Harkness says.

“We’ve got a dedicated stabiliser product application specialist, who also helps to inform and train our own dealers, so that customers can be fully supported locally,” he says.