Peoria, Ill. Caterpillar Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of the PM-200 Cold Planer. The new PM-200 replaces the current Bitelli SF 200RS. The PM-200 includes many features similar to the recently released PM-201. One of these features is the electronically controlled Cat® C18 engine with ACERT® Technology. This engine is emission compliant to U.S. EPA Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIa standards. Other features are dual operator station’s, front folding conveyor with hydraulic control, load control, improved traction, two propel speeds with three electronic speed selection, rotor with quick release conical tool-holders, four mode steering and optional automatic grade and slope control.
The PM-200 is a high production, highly maneuverable half-lane milling machine that performs controlled full-depth removal of asphalt and concrete pavements in a single pass.
Like the PM-201 the PM-200 is powered by a Cat® C18 engine with ACERT® Technology. The C18 engine is a turbocharged, 6-cylinder diesel engine that provides 429 kW (575 hp) of gross power (SAE J1995). The C18 engine curve has been specifically optimized for milling applications providing adequate power while keeping the engine operating at peak efficiency. ACERT® Technology incorporates an electronic controller to precisely deliver multiple injections of fuel. These multiple injections are combined with a refined air management system in order to generate fewer emissions and optimize fuel combustion while meeting U.S. EPA Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIa emission regulations for off-road applications.
The turbocharged air-to-air aftercooling system provides high horsepower with increased response time while keeping exhaust temperatures low, which generates significant improvements in airflow in order to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
The cooling system provides cool intake air in order to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions. An on-demand variable speed fan draws ambient air from the top of the engine hood and through the cooling package. The exhaust air exits from the rear of the machine providing a cool engine compartment and directed away from the operator’s station.
Operating weight for the PM-200 is approximately 30 900 kg (68,135 lbs).
The PM-200 is fully hydrostatically driven by a variable displacement propel pump supplying oil to dual displacement motors on each track. The motors are piston-type and have two speed positions allowing operation at either maximum torque for work or greater speed for moving around the job site. Gear selection is controlled electrically by a two-position switch on the operator’s console. With the machine at work and load control engaged it is possible to limit electronically maximum working speed via a three-speed selector switch. Propel lever infinitely varies the working speed within the three ranges.
A positive traction control valve provides equal traction to all four motors to increase tractive effort in tough cutting applications. The traction control valve is operator-actuated and controlled electrically by an ON/OFF switch on the operator’s console.
Drive tracks are 1640 mm (64.5″) long, 300 mm (12″) wide and feature replaceable polyurethane track pads for long service life.
The operator’s station on the PM-200 features dual operating controls including steering wheels, propel levers, upper conveyor controls and rear track steering controls.
The operator’s station can include on request two seats for added operator comfort and a hydraulically operated canopy cover. The canopy cover also includes front and rear windshields and two side wings that protect the entire width of the operator station. The computerized monitoring system constantly monitors system pressures and engine condition with multiple modes of operation. The control features easy-to-read gauges, function indicators and warning indicators to keep the operator informed of machine operation and vital systems.
The large LED display panel displays desired selections by the operator such as engine rpm, propel speed and direction selection and various other machine functions. The system will alert the operator if a problem does occur with three levels of warning.
Clear control and instrumentation layout has been designed for ease of use. All gauges and displays are easily visible in direct sunlight. Function switches are positioned within easy reach for the operator. Low sound levels help the operator and ground crew communicate effectively.
The on-board microprocessor receives input signals from sensors in the engine, propel and steering systems, which monitor current operating conditions. Self-diagnostics provides information for troubleshooting and alerts the operator of potential system problems. If a machine fault occurs, a code is displayed on the LED display panel to alert the operator and assist in troubleshooting. In addition there are three warning levels depending upon the severity of the fault. A level one warning alerts the operator who can continue to operate, however the system will require attention soon. Level two warns that the operator should change machine operation or perform the required maintenance to the system as soon as possible. Level three warning represents the most severe and the machine should be shut down immediately in a safe manner. In all three levels alert indicators light up and the error message or messages are displayed on the display panel.
Automatic rotor load control is another standard feature to enhance machine productivity. The on-board controller constantly evaluates engine RPM and propel speed as required to maintain peak performance for maximum output. The controller matches propel speed of the machine to the load on the engine and adjusts propel speed so that engine speed does not drop below 1750 RPM.
On the PM-200, four-mode steering is standard. The microprocessor processes inputs from the sensors on the front and rear tracks along with input from the steering selector switch. It provides precise simultaneous track movement in the crab and coordinated steering modes and automatically realigns the rear tracks to center when the front tracks only steering mode is selected. In the coordinated mode the inside turning radius is a tight 2.00 m (6′ 5″) providing exceptional maneuverability in confined spaces. A second selector switch limits the steering angle of the rear tracks when the machine is in the milling trench. This feature protects the rear tracks from hitting the sides of the milling trench and damaging the tracks.
The PM-200 can be equipped with the optional automatic grade and slope control. The grade and slope control automatically controls rotor depth and cross slope to a preset cutting depth. The system can be configured with contacting or non-contacting sonic grade sensors. The machine can be set-up to control grade on both sides using any combination of grade sensors. Or the machine can be set-up to control grade on one side of the machine and slope on the other. The control boxes can be remote mounted to allow manual or automatic operation from either the operator’s station or at ground level.
A cross communication function allows the operator to view and change settings of control boxes located on the opposite side of the machine. This allows operators a means to control both sides of a job from a single location. Constant read-out for rotor depth and cross-slope are is displayed on each control box and is easily visible in direct sunlight.
Sonic grade control sensors can be positioned on each side are easy to position and provides a consistent accuracy to ± 3 mm (1/8″).
Wire rope contacting grade sensor measures side plate movement that enables the entire length of the side plate to become a mini averaging ski for optimum grade matching.
Sonic Averaging System features three non-contacting grade sensors or a combination of one contacting and two non-contacting sensors that mount on the side of the machine. Enables the entire length of the machine to become an averaging device. Eliminates the need for a contact type ski for greater machine maneuverability.
The rotor drive system features a hydraulically actuated, Caterpillar wet clutch driving a planetary gear reducer. The wet clutch is the most efficient and reliable system of applying rotor power to the pavement. The heavy-duty wet clutch mounts directly to the engine and is hydraulically actuated by an ON/OFF switch on the operator’s console. The rotor clutch system has a separate oil sump, pump, filter, clutch control valve and oil cooler to provide continuous cooling and lubrication. The upper and lower pulleys are interchangeable providing two cutting speeds to match the best cutting speed and torque with the hardness of the surface being cut.
Two six-rib high tensile strength drive belt drive the rotor through a drum drive gear reducer. The hydraulically powered automatic drive belt tensioner prevents slipping and reduces maintenance.
The PM-200 is equipped with a 2010 mm (79″) wide conical tool holder rotor and has a maximum cutting depth of 320 mm (12.5″).
The conical tool holder rotor is equipped with 178 carbide-tipped tools that are mounted in durable three-piece, quick release tool holders and arranged in a chevron pattern for maximum breakout force. Quick release conical tool holder features a tapered fit maintaining tightness in the holder base. The mandrel features large replaceable carbide-faced loading paddles to effectively move milled material onto the collecting conveyor resulting in higher production and less wear on the inside of the rotor chamber and cutting tools. Triple-tree tool placement on rotor end cutters provides optimum tool spacing to clean up loose material and reduces wear on drum when maneuvering in the cut.
The PM-200 can be fitted with a special moldboard for windrowing applications.
The hydraulically operated anti-slab device prevents slabbing of the road surface. It also protects the collecting conveyor and ensures an optimum discharge opening to the rotor chamber.
The collecting conveyor is driven by two high torque hydraulic motors to ensure even belt tracking and provides maximum efficiency. Large discharge opening clears out the cutter box fast for increased production. The seamless belt features 32 mm (1.25″) high cleats and is 800 mm (31.5″) wide to clear out the cutter box effectively and provides better control of fine particles.
Standard water spray lubricates and controls dust on collecting belt. Centrifugal pump supplies water to spray nozzles. Water spray nozzles focuses the water spray in a flat fan pattern to the rotor for better cooling of cutting tools. Nozzles are easily removed for inspection and replacement without the need for tools. The system features an automatic function that operates only when the rotor is engaged and machine is moving forward to conserve water. System includes gauges to monitor water pressure, a low water level indicator and water control valves to conserve water usage.
The 3400 Liter (900 gal) water tank can be filled from the top of the machine or at ground level. On request an additional water spray system can be fitted for further lubrication and cooling for dust reduction during heavy-duty applications. This system includes an additional water pump, a second spray ramp located in the rotor chamber housing and extra spray nozzles on the collecting and loading conveyors.
The front loading conveyor is hydraulically controlled featuring height adjustment for raise and lower and two cylinders for a 48 degree swing to the left and right that can be controlled from the operator’s station or at two ground level control stations. The front loading conveyor can also be hydraulically folded upwards reducing machine dimensions during transportation. The front loading conveyor is equipped with upper aluminum covers for added protection against material spillage and blowing of fine materials
The seamless belt features 32 mm (1.25″) high cleats and is 800 mm (31.5″) wide offers long service life and provides better control of fine particles. Variable belt speed controls collecting and loading belts loading to match milled material type and amount.
Other options include; various grade and slope controls, an auxiliary rotor drive, a high-pressure wash down system, water tank high capacity refilling pump and an electric refueling pump.
The power-assist engine hood on the PM-200 opens wide to provide walk-in access to the engine, air filter, hydraulic components and daily service points. The hydraulic rotor service door opens wide for convenient access to rotor for inspection and tool maintenance. The engine mounted air compressor and cutting bit removal tools makes changing cutting tools quick and easy.
Other features that make servicing simple include leak-resistant O-ring face seal hydraulic fittings, grouped quick-connect hydraulic test ports, S•O•S ports, visual site gauges and remote grease points.
Hydraulic hoses are held neatly in place with polyurethane routing blocks. The blocks separate hoses helping ensure that they do not rub on one another to provide long life and high reliability.
Wiring for the electrical system is protected by nylon-braided wrap. All-weather connectors ensure electrical system integrity. Electrical wiring is color-coded, numbered and labeled with component identifiers to simplify troubleshooting.
Two maintenance-free Caterpillar batteries that are specifically designed for maximum cranking power and protection against vibration provide the 24-volt electrical system. The batteries are located at the rear of the machine and are easily accessible at ground level.
For more information on the new PM-200 Cold Planer, contact your Caterpillar dealer.
