Caterpillar, the renowned manufacturer of heavy equipment, has unveiled two new road recyclers, the RM600 and RM800, designed for full-depth reclamation and soil stabilization. These machines are equipped with all-wheel drive and can dig up to 20 inches (508 millimetres) deep, with a cutting width of 96 inches (2.44 metres).
Improved Stability and Cutting Accuracy with Four-Post, Adjustable-Height Design
The new Cat RM600 and RM800 have a four-post, adjustable-height design that enhances stability and cutting accuracy. This innovative feature ensures uniform mixes and efficient material sizing. Moreover, the equipment can cut flush along one side and over slopes, making it a versatile tool for road construction.
New Alloy K Rotor System
The RM600 and RM800’s front-to-rear weight distribution provides them with the stability needed to tackle challenging cuts effortlessly. The machines’ four height-adjustable legs can slope up to + or – 12.5% (8 degrees) on any side. The reclaimers use a new, abrasion-resistant System K rotor and other rotor system parts from Caterpillar’s cold planer line. The base block components and fastener-free, dual-taper tool holder make the equipment highly efficient. For full-depth recycling projects, the rotor can be fitted with bolt-on paddle protection for the tool holder, or with wedge protection to reduce drag during soil stabilization.
Simpler Rotor Bit Replacements and Enhanced Operation Features
The machine lock-out mode enables the engine to power the regular compressed air system, which can run pneumatic equipment. This feature makes rotor bit replacements simpler, and end ring bits can be changed by employees without entering the rotor chamber. The RM600 and RM800’s belt-driven rotor drives have an adjustable-free hydraulic clutch, and the flexibility to cut in both directions. The departure and return-to-cut features speed up and simplify operation while guaranteeing a constant cutting depth. The front and rear mixing chamber doors, which have standard cameras above them, can be used by the operator to rapidly change the material gradation. The float feature on the rear rotor chamber door allows the user to control the downward pressure.
Powerful Engine and Improved Cab Design
The Cat RM600 and RM800 use one electronic control module (ECM) in their turbocharged Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V Cat C18 engine. The large diesel engine generates 762 HP (568 kW) in the RM800 and 636 HP (474 kW) in the RM600. Compared to the Caterpillar RM500B model, the RM600 is up to 17% more powerful, while the RM800 is up to 42% more powerful. The engine oil service intervals for road reclaimers are 500 hours, the hydraulic oil service intervals are 6,000 hours, and the coolant replacement time is 12,000 hours. The heat exchanger cooling fans automatically reverse periodically to clear the air of dust. The operator of the RM600 or RM800 can hydraulically slide the cab to either side for better vision of the recycler’s front and sides. The machine can be controlled in four different steering modes using a small hand wheel. The Caterpillar models’ wheels are situated at the corners of their chassis, allowing for a narrow 3.1 m (10.1 ft.) inner turning radius.
Convenient and Safe Operation
Large 10-inch colour touchscreen displays with built-in diagnostics are located within the reclaimers’ cabin, and Caterpillar organizes the recycler controls by function for convenience of use. Standard front and back cameras are present on the devices, and side-mount cameras are an option. Spray systems for water and bitumen emulsions are available for the new soil stabilizers. These spray systems allow the operator to modify the spray and regulate the additive flow.