Caterpillar® Product Information Competitive Bulletin 1996 Caterpillar 527 vs. Komatsu D70-LETable of Contents Introduction ...... Specifications . 527 Features and Benefits... . Balance .... Towing 2.2.0... Reliabili Maneuverability cos arene Easy and Comfortable Operation ee 6 Winch Performance . . 6 Selling Against the Komatsu D70-LE ........6+. Undercarriage Design .... StructuralfFrame Design... eee eee Modular Componentry wnewcncnns® Cooling System 2... 9 ‘Transmission 10 Winches... At Guarding Eso S55 12 Operator's Compartment... 6.0... e2ecceveerere veld Performance/Production Comparison .. aecereennnie! Performance Course Results AS Summary ..00.ee0. 2 TEJBSOaT Cat 827 vs. Komaisu D7OLE October 1996Introduction ‘The 527 Skidder has been purposely designed for tropical logging applications that require a tracked cable skidder, The 527's weight- forward design, extended track roller frame, and elevated sprocket undercarriage provide an excellent and well balanced platform for cable skidding. Driven by customer input, the 527 offers advantages in features in the following key areas: * Balance + Towing * Reliability + Maneuverability + Easy and Comfortable Operation * Winch Performance + Undercarriage ‘The Komatsu D70-LE series is Komatsu's cable skidding Track-type Tractor. Despite numerous modifications from the D6SE, the skidding ability of the D70-LE is still limited. Komatsu continues to promote the D70-LE's dozing abilities, it’s 6 cylinder engine, and serviceability. The purpose of this product bulletin is to outline how the Caterpillar 527 will exceed the customer's purchase criteria relative to it’s primary competitor: the Komatsu D70-LE. October 1996 TEJBI081 Cat 827 vs. Komatsu D70-LE 3Specifications Cat 327 Komatsu D70-LE % "Weight 38,962 Ibs (17 710 kg)* | 41,420 Ibs (18 827 ke) Power gross 166 bp (123 kW) | net 150 bp (112 kW) 185 fp (138 KW) [Track on Ground 112 in (2845 mm) 104 in (2642 mm) | Engine Caterpillar 3304 DIT | Komatsu 6D125-1 #of Cyl 4 6 displacement 425 cu, in. (7.0L) 674 cu. in, (11.04 L) | Transmission Powershift -TC Direct Drive speed range Three Forward - Five forward - Three reverse four reverse Hydraulics pump type axial piston gear flow 29 gpm (111 Lim) 66 xpm (250 Lim) Final Drives Single Reduction Double Reduction Elevated, Segmented | Segmented Sprocket Sprocket Streering/Brakes Wet Dise Clurehi/Brake | Wet Dise Clutch’ Drum Brake a Undercarriage Caterpillar Heavy Duty | Komatsu Standard Links and Shoes Fuel Tank Capacity 75 gal O84 1) 84 gal (320) Ground Clearance 28” (712 mm) 16" 400 mn) “ Estimuted operating weight with + 527 winch, and $A blade. 4 TEJB4047 Cat 527 vs. Komatsu D70-LE October 1996‘The 527 utilizes a 2845 mm (112 inch) track roller frame with an extension to the rear of the tractor, This extension places more track under winch loads to increase performance in a variety of ground conditions, This extension, in combination with a front weight bias, results in superior balance, skidding performance and gradcability. The key to the 527°s towing ability is it’s torque converter driveline. The torque converter allows for substantial torque multiplication during engine logging. This torque rise and the 527°s 150 horsepower provide an unparalleled amount of drawbar pull (296.650 N/65.746 Ibs.) for it's size class, The 527 builds upon strong history of reliability and durability set by Caterpillar Track-type Tractors. These characteristics have been further enhanced through the use of DOR sized heavy-duty undercarriage. This undercarriage system will lengthen the component's wear-life and enable the 527 to better handle severe logging environments, The use of two transmission coolers gives the 527 the cooling ability required of logging applications while lengthening the life of key drive train components Caterpillar’s time-tested 3304 engine provides power for the $27. This engine has years of fiekl-proven experience in forestry applications while in service with Caterpillar track and wheel skidders. 527 Features and Benefits Balance Reliability October 1896 TEJBA0aT Cat 827 vs. Komaisu D7OLE527 Features and Benefits Maneuverability Caterpillar’s elevated sprocket design provides outstanding ground clearance. The 527 has a clearance of 712 mm (28 inches) allowing it to readily avoid obstacles and maneuver in poor underfoot conditions. The extended track roller frame increases to-ground contact area and decreases the ground pressure It, the 5277s flotation is increased, providing maximum performance and maneaverability in soft underfoot situations Increased flotation also reduces the environmental impact, enabling the 527 to operate in site-sensitive applications. Easy and Comfortable For easy, quick, and sure gear selection, the 527 uses a Caterpillar Operation planetary powershift transmission, This transmission delivers three speeds in both forward and reverse and allows for rapid gear and direction changes without the need for clutching. Blade control is ‘managed through a single lever that controls the bulldozer height, angle, and (on PAT blades) tilt, The standard suspension seat is angled to the right by ten degrees to provide better visibility to winch operations to the rear. Further increasing visib ty is the notched fuel tank that provides a line of sight to the winch, Winch Performance Delivering an impressive 31 389 kx (69,200 Ibs.) of line pull, the 527 winch isa durable and productive too} that is well matched to the 527 powertrain for maximum skidding performanes 6 TEJBAO8T Cat 527 vs. Komatsu D70-LE October 1996Selling Against the Komatsu D70-LE © sa Undercarriage Design + Elevated sprocket design raises finial drives and associated a powertrain components above the work area, isolating them, from ground-induced impact loads, + Weur life of sprocket teeth, boshings, and final drive seals are also improved. ‘+ Drivetrain components are located forward relative to rear idler, further enhancing weight forward bias + Elevated sprocket provides 711 mim (28") of ground clearance. + Caterpillar Heavy duty links, pins, and bushings provides for a stronger link assembly and more wear material. Track sealability and system life is improved. lowering overall undercarriage ‘operating costs. 527 Undercarriage Komatsu D70-LE * Final drives are located on the ground and exposed to direct impact loading and work environment. * Loading and stresses are translated directly to the drivetrain, reducing component life = Wear-life reduced as a result of exposure to abrasive soils and forest floor, + Aft placement of componentry impedes tractor balance + Lower placement of driveline componentry allows for only 406 mm (16") of ground clearance October 1986, TEIBIOT Cat 27 vs. Komatsu D70-LE 7Selling Against the Komatsu D70-LE Structural/Frame Design Modular Componentry S27 ‘+ Strong and durable box-seetion design + Access to components is enhanced by frame design ‘+ Skidding and dozing louds are transferred to frame rather than final drive components Komatsu 070-LE + Open-section design reduces frame rigidity + Access to powertrain components is limited by design: components must be removed fiom above or below allows for easy and quick removal of transmission, final drives, clutches, and/or brakes Komatsu D70-LE * Procedure for drivetrain removal is complicated and time consuming + Removal processes require approximately twice ax many steps required on 527 a TEJB4047 Cat 627 vs. Komaisu D70-LE October 1996Selling Against the Komatsu D70-LE sa + Uses modular’ 6 core radiator - cores ean be removed individvally for servicing or replacement + The 6 cores improve heat rejection versus single core + Muffler mounted outside engine compartment for improved heat dissipation, + Large, perforated engine access panels allow for efficient airflow, + Dual transmission oil eoolees improve drivetrain cooling and, prolong component life Komatsu D70-LE * Single core radiator susceptible to damage and clogging by debris + Entire unit must be removed for servicing * Muffler mounted inside engine compartment-radiant heat trapped inside engine compartment + Small engine access doors have minimal perforations reducing airflow across engine Cooling System October 1996 TEJB404T Cat 527 vs. Komatsu D70-LESelling A. ist the Komatsu D70-LE 2 Transmission S27 + Three speed powershift with torque converter is easy to use and requires no clutching + Torque converter reduces the amount of gear shifting required by providing a beiter match of engine speed to traction and load requirements ‘+ Fluid coupling of the converter absorbs load and ground induced shocks, this helps to protect drivetrain components Komatsu D70-LE * 5 forward/4 reverse constant-mesh, direct-drive transmis requires continual clutching * Operator must continually chan; for ground and load conditions * Alll shocks and stresses are relayed throughout the direct-drive Uriveline, reducing component life ion gears 10 optimize performance + Improper gear selection often results in track stippawe ad ground disturbance. 10 TEJBA08T Cat 527 vs. Komatsu D70-1E October 1995Selling Against the Komatsu D70-LE e Winches 527 * Caterpillar 527 winch is specifically matched to 527 powertrain for maximum winching performance *+ Equal speed gearing in both forward in reverse * Freespool with brake modulation allows for better load control + Standard 4 roller fairland + Two. low-efort, fevers contol all winch functions + Notch in fuel tank gives a better line of sight to the winch drum Komatsu D70-LE * Variety of AEM winches available — none specifically designed for D70-LE. This results in inconsistent linepall and speed + Optional fairlesd assembly P+ Large, cumbersome operator controls October 1995, TEJBAOAT Cat 527 vs. Komatsu D70-LE wSelling Against the Komatsu D70-LE Guarding 527 + Shipped from the factory with purpose-built, forestry guarding * Logging sweeps, heavy-duty radiator guard, and front screens provide forward protection + Rear track guards (Tog bumpers”) prevent damaging track. * Side and rear sereens provide all-around operator protection * Reinforced rei * Punched hole radistor guard and engine enclosures protect vital éooling and engine systems from fuel tank + Heavy duty fenders protect hydraulic tank and battery compartment + Standard 4-roller fairlead protects winch Komatsu D70-LE + Majority of guarding attachments are optional and/or must be installed by the de * Heavy duty canopy/sweeps lable + Rear track guards not available + Some undercarriage guarding available + Fairlead is not standard + Lack of guarding Jeaves vital componentry susceptible to damage and increased wear ler * Side screens notava 2 TEIBAON Cat 527 vs, Komatsu O70:LE Oetober 1996Selling Against the Komatsu D70-LE 527 Operator's Compartment + All conirols are exgonomically placed for easy and efficient operation * Left-hand console houses transmission and steering controls, levers aire close to each other and operator, both can be esily operated by left hand + Right hand controls doth ihe blade and winch. Each impiement’s contso! is located in the right-hand console + Powershift transmission requires no clutching + Standard suspension seat is angled to the right by 10 degrees + Sanalog Fuel ‘Transmission oil temp. Coolant Temperature + Caterpillar EMS electronically monitor erit functions and helps to redu + Screens are mounted on outside of ROPS structure 19 provide a large, and spacious operators compartment * Notch in fuel tank provides a better li winch drum + Retractable 3 inch seat belt Iges monitor; machine machine downtime Komatsu 070-LE =P loc: mary and secondary controls are located ina variety of * Control layout requires a large degree of operator movement resulting in operator fatigue + Direct drive transmission tequites continual gear shifting and clurching * Seat is fixed straight with no suspension components + One analog gauge: ~ Coolant temperature + No monitoring system available * Control placement, fuel tank, hydraulic tank, and battery box design all infringe on operator's compartment + Rear sereen and fuel tank hinder view to winch October 1996 TEJBIOGT Cat 527 vs. Komatsu 070-LE 8Performance/Production Comparison ‘To better assess the performance characteristics of the 527 andl the Komatsu 70-LE, a controlled performance study wits conclucted. The study consisted of establishing a measured performance course, obtaining the weights and dimensions of louds to be skidded, and recording the times for each tractor 10 traverse the course with a pre-determined Joud. Performance Course Statistics, Location: Malaysia Date: July, 1996 Machines: Caterpillar 527 Skidder Komatsu D70-LE Course Dimensions: See Figure | Course Conditions: Soft and Slippery Underfoot, poor traction conditions Load Sizes: Load A Load Mass: 5.3 Metric Tons Mass: 3.7 Metric Tons Diameter: 1.27 m Diameter: 0.67 m Length: 7.77 1m Length; 12.1: ‘Volume: 9.63 m’ Volume: 6.65 m’ During the study, tractors were run in both directions round the course. When running from section A through section H, the tractors encountered steeper downgrades and gentler upgrades. When running from section H through section A, these conditions were reversed. H a B Stat —_ E+F+G+H=219m_ A+B+C+D=150m Ave. Upgrade = 22% Ave. Downgrade = 40% Total Course Length = 369m ees Figure 1: Parformance Course w TEJBAN4T Cat 527 vs. Komatsu D70-LE Ostaber 1996‘Tuble 1 illustrates the average course completion times for both Performance Course Results tractors. Note how the 527 advantage becomes more prominent when running on steep upgrades. Cat 527 | DIO-LE 527 Course Direction Advantage From Ato 1031 min | (3.63 min 32.0% (Steeper Downgrades) From Ho A. 817 min | 1531 min 87.0% (Stecper Upgrades) Table 1: Average Course Completion Times — 5.3 metric ton load ‘To better demonstrate the advantage the 527 has in severe slope applications with poor underfoot conditions, Table 2 provides the times required for the tractors to complete Seetion B of the performance course, Section B was the the steepest section with an average slope of 60%, | cus27 | DILE 327 Advantage [335 min | 933 min 17% Table 2: Average Section 8 Completion Times — 5.3 metric ton joad ‘Whet enables the 527 to perform with a 32-179% advantage over the D70-LE is.a combination of the 527's superior balance, tlotation, drawbar pull, winching performance, and maneuverability, October 1996 TEIBA04T Cat 527 vs. Komatsu D70-LE 6Summary CATERPILLAR The following are the key points to consider to the Komatsa D70-LE en comparing the * The 527 is a purpose-built skidder. designed specifically for tropical Ie D70-LE isa modified tractor ing in response to customer requirements. Th er suited for bulldozing + The 527's extended trac roller frame allows for exceptional nor soft underfoot conditions. + Elevated sprocket design proto ponents and proves the weight for + Cuterpiliar Heavy Duty Undercarriage ngthen the wear life of ponents will help + Modular design of powertrain allows for quick. easy qualit * Six core radiator and twin transmission coolers improve machine cooling + Powershift Transmission and Torque Converter reduce the mount of gear changing required. * Cat 527 Winch is specifically designed for and matched t 527 powertrain for maximum performance + The 527 is equipped with a variety of standard guarding \o prolong component life and offer operator protection * The 527 features an ergonomically d cd operators compartment with casy to use controls and improved comfort and visibility alr eee) © 1996 Catorpiliar ena