Product Showcase
Cat PL83 and PL87 Pipelayers
Cat pipelayers have long set the standard for performance, safety, reliability, operator comfort and global dealer support. Those standards now have been elevated by the new PL83 and PL87. These new models, while retaining the solid basic design of their predecessors, answer customer needs for increased lift capacity, enhanced slope capability, ease of operation, performance and transportability. The PL83, replacing the 583T, has a rated lifting capacity of 160,000 lbs — a 14 percent increase over the previous model. The PL87, replacing both the 587T and 587R, has a rated lifting capacity of 214,000 lbs for a 6 percent boost in lifting capacity. Both new models use the Cat C15 ACERT engine, with a net horsepower rating of 310 hp in the PL83 and 366 hp in the PL87. These machines retain the field-proven Cat drive train, including a rugged 3F/3R powershift transmission, high-efficiency torque divider, elevated final drives and the exclusive Cat differential steering system. The increased lifting capacity for the PL83 and PL87 results from undercarriage and counterweight changes. The track roller frame on both machines has been lengthened and the rear idler repositioned, yielding higher lift capacity and enhanced stability when the machines work on slopes. In addition, counterweight packages have been reconfigured to improve weight distribution for increased lifting capacity and to provide a reduced profile for even better forward and right-side visibility. Counterweight segments (13 for the PL83 and 15 for the PL87) are splined to counterweight assembly for positive retention and ease of removal. A new low-profile, heavy-duty Pullmaster winch in the hook drawworks simplifies transport and aids visibility. Improved hydraulics offer greater response and more precise control for greater machine productivity. Boom and hook drawworks use independent winches with oil-disc brakes that ensure smooth operation and secure retention of position. Boom choices for the PL83 and PL87 include 24- and 28-ft versions, each fabricated with high-tensile strength steel for durability to handle added payload. A new block-set design enhances sightlines to the pipe, and a new bolt-on block horn on the frame of the tractor’s radiator guard secures the block for transport. The PL83 and PL87 feature well-appointed operator stations with a redesigned joystick that places all boom, hook and counterweight functions in a single right-hand control lever. Two push buttons at the top of the joystick allow adjusting engine speed up or down in small increments for precise control. Both machines are available with either an open-ROPS or enclosed cab.
Midwestern Mfg. Co. Hydraulic Sidebooms
Midwestern designs and builds a complete line of safe, efficient hydraulic winch-operated sideboom attachments mounted on mainline and distribution-sized crawler tractors; articulated loaders and backhoe loaders for Cat, Deere, Komatsu and other model tractor bodies with 10,000 to 230,000 lbs lifting capacity. The company builds hydraulic conversions for mechanical pipelayers, and it builds and markets a wide range of pipeline construction products, including trailer and skid-mounted hydrostatic testing units and tail-end winches. Based in Tulsa, Okla., Midwestern Mfg. Co. is an internationally known pioneer in pipelaying equipment. Midwestern began in the 1950s designing, engineering and manufacturing small sideboom attachments to convert oilfield tractors into side lifting machines known as “baby boomers.” Over the years, Midwestern sidebooms increased in size and diversity of the tractor models and brands that it could convert into pipelayers. Today the company offers more than 140 models of rubber tired and track machines. Lifting capacities range from 10,000 to 230,000 lbs. Its custom-designed sidebooms attach to Caterpillar, Deere, Komatsu and other manufacturers’ models of equipment. From its modern factory facility, Midwestern ships annually half of its products to international customers. Midwestern is known worldwide for its reliable, high quality designed sidebooms and has produced more than 7,125 sidebooms since its inception. Midwestern sidebooms fill a niche in pipeline construction equipment by enabling the conversion of a used tractor into a pipelayer at a substantially lower cost than a new pipelayer, while still achieving the safety of 100 percent hydraulic control. There continues to be a worldwide imbalance in the supply and demand of hydrocarbon raw materials. To meet this market demand, Midwestern has increased its production by more than 500 percent. Most of its sidebooms are attached to used tractors since pipelayers are not subjected to as high operating stress on the jobsite as right-of-way and back fill dozers. For example, a pipeline construction contractor can elect to replace its older right-of-way dozer fleet with new dozers and convert its existing dozer fleet into urgently needed pipelayers by attaching a new hydraulic Midwestern sideboom. This is an important option, as it reduces capital outlay and extends useful life of existing assets.
Superior Mfg. SPX-Series Pipelayers
The Superior SPX-460, SPX-660 and SPX-960 rate among the industry’s top pipelayers in terms of size and lifting capacity. These machines are remarkably easy (and safe) to operate, and the simplicity of the design will ensure a long life. Some of the main features are: a state-of-the-art hydrostatic system, which ensures safety and reliability and is especially efficient when working on steep grades; a new design that makes the counterweight system easy to assemble and disassemble; hydraulic winches proven after more than 15 years of use in Superior’s conversion kits, which have converted many mechanical Cat, Fiat and Komatsu pipelayers to hydraulic; and new ATP-Plus anti-tipping system with in-cab display by which the operator can read from his gauges the degree of boom overhang and the actual weight being lifted. With only two joysticks, the operator can control both winches, increase/decrease the engine’s throttle and control the machine’s travel. There are two extra pilot levers for the transmission, which can assist the operator in making precise maneuvers, such as turning in a steep hill or making pinpoint movements to couple the pipes. The LCD display shows relevant information in a pleasing, easy-to-read graphical interface. Superior Mfg. was founded in the mid-1990s and specializes in the manufacturing of pipeline specialty equipment and accessories. Superior has two main facilities: one in Parma, Italy, where most of its equipment is manufactured, and one in Houston, where much of the assembly and maintenance, as well as manufacturing of certain equipment, takes place. This equipment is marketed through the Worldwide Machinery Pipeline Division, which also offers on-site service and support around the world.
Volvo PL3005D Pipelayer
The patented design of the Volvo PL3005D pipelayer represents a major technological advancement when compared to traditional sideboom dozer based pipelayers. With its excavator-based configuration, the machine offers a 360-degree swing with full lifting performance and smooth, precise and efficient load positioning and functionality at all radius positions — a highly productive solution unattainable with conventional sideboom pipelayers. These pipelayers also feature a mechanical, upper-structure swing lock when working on severe grades. A high-pull planetary winch ensures precise control and smooth lifting. An anti-two-block device automatically prevents the hook and load block from making harsh contact. The Volvo PL3005D is fitted with a modern onboard load management system (LMS) that uses wireless communication to inform the operator what can be safely lifted, the position of the upper frame relative to the slope, and the incline on which the machine is operating. Load charts are updated constantly for 360-degree rotation and infinite machine positions up to a 35-degree grade slope. The operating weight of the Volvo PL3005 is 78,350 lbs. Maximum tipping capacity is 112,000 lbs. Maximum rated capacity is 68,340 lbs. When not being used for pipelaying, the Volvo PL3005D can be converted into a high-production excavator for standard excavation by swapping the boom in a short period of time. The Volvo Care Cab fitted to the new Volvo PL3005D improves visibility around the jobsite, inside the trench and to the load management instrumentation. Side- and rear-mounted video cameras take jobsite visibility to a new level of safe performance and execution. Ergonomically positioned controls are easy to access and can help reduce operator fatigue and improve productivity. The state-of-the-art Volvo CareTrack telematics system is now standard. CareTrack manages a machine’s productivity and maximizes its availability for work by reading a wide range of machine data, such as location, fuel consumption and service reminders.