Caterpillar have announced the release of the Cat 816K landfill compactor, a modern update of the popular Cat 816 first launched in 1972.
It’s powered by Cat’s own C7.1 ACERT 185kW diesel engine configured to meet US Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IV emissions requirements (a Tier 3/Stage IIIA equivalent engine will be available in some areas).
The engine is driven by a planetary power-shift transmission that has heat-treated gears designed to ensure long-term durability.
The powerful engine is set within a robust, robotically-welded main structure. This design absorbs the heavy shocks and torsional twisting forces often encountered in landfill compaction. The machine’s operating weight comes in at just under 26 tonnes (25,809kg, to be precise).
Three new wheel and tip configurations allow the 816K to be tailored to specific applications.
The ‘paddle tip’ reduces weight and provides high performance with reduced fuel burn. The ‘plus tip’ provides increased side-slope stability, while the ‘combination tip’ provides an effective compromise of performance, fuel economy, and side-slope stability.
Specialised guarding protects key components from damage, debris accumulation, chemicals and premature wear. Specific axle guards prevent waste material from wrapping around the axles.
Due to the dirty nature of landfill compaction, the operator’s cab on the 816K is kept clean via filtered air that also pressurises the cab. The cab is isolation mounted to reduce shock and vibration, and comfort is further enhanced by an adjustable air-suspension seat.
The 816K also has Cat’s Steering and Transmission Integrated Control (STIC), which combines steering and transmission control (directional and gear selection) into one lever. Simple side-to-side movements of the lever allow precise steering manoeuvres through 42 degrees of articulation.
Routine service points are all grouped together and reachable from ground level via large, swing-out doors. Like all modern Cat equipment, the 816K connects to Cat LINK remote management systems and to Cat’s landfill-specific COMPACT technologies which help complete compaction work as quickly and in as few passes as possible, the company says.