The operator station features an ergonomic layout emphasizing simplicity, ease of use and comfort. Standard air conditioning with enclosed cab, generous legroom and superior visibility allow the operator to focus on the job. With more glass area, the operator station provides a clear view to the surrounding work site. Within the integrated Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS), glass area is maximized for excellent sight lines around the machine and to the trench to aid productivity and enhance job site safety. A skylight window provides a clearer view during inclement weather.

Heavy Duty Undercarriage

Heavy duty undercarriage is well-suited to aggressive applications like side slopes or working in rocky, uneven terrain. Components are designed for extended wear life in abrasive or high impact conditions. The PL61 is available in narrow shipping width or Low Ground Pressure (LGP) configurations. The narrow track option allows the machine to be shipped under 3 m (9.8 ft) without disassembly. LGP is equipped with wide track shoes and a longer track frame for excellent flotation in soft underfoot conditions.

• Fuel efficient engine, and power saving features like constant net horsepower, help save fuel to reduce costs and lower emissions.
• Technologies like Product Link help improve overall efficiency, save fuel and fluids, and reduce equipment wear and tear.
• Longer service intervals help reduce parts and fluids consumption.
• Ecology drains make draining fluids more convenient and help prevent spills.
• Major components are built to be rebuilt, eliminating waste and saving customers money by giving the machine and/or major components a second - and even third - life.

The PL61 one-piece mainframe is engineered to handle the most demanding applications and is built to last throughout the extended service life. The mainframe is built to absorb high impact shock loads and twisting forces, and full box section frame rails are designed to keep components rigidly aligned. Equalizer bars are pinned in their center to the machine mainframe and at the ends to each track roller frame. Oscillation is locked out for greater stability in pipe laying applications. Caterpillar uses robotic welding techniques in the assembly of the case and frames. The deep penetration and consistency of robotic welding insures quality for long life and durability.

Grouped service points and easy maintenance contribute to increased machine uptime for greater productivity and reduced costs.

Easy Diagnostics

The machine monitoring system provides instant feedback on the condition of operating systems, utilizing a three level warning system. The system can easily be upgraded by flashing software.

Cooling Package

Cores and fan are accessible from ground level, for easy cleaning and maintenance. Opening the radiator front grid will allow full access to the engine fan. The fan is mounted on a swing-out door that will provide effortless access to the cores.

Ecology Drains

Ecology drains provide a convenient method for draining fluids that saves time and helps prevent spills. They are included on the radiator (coolant), hydraulic tank and engine oil change.

Service Access

• All regular engine maintenance points are easily reached through the left-hand engine compartment to make service fast and easy.
• Engine doors are equipped with door handles and keyed locks for better protection.
• Enlarged service panel doors provide easier access to all maintenance locations.
• Remote-mounted fuel and hydraulic filters located within easy reach.
• Optional fast fill fuel tank available.
• Fuel tank fill, hydraulic oil sight gauge and fuel tank water and sediment drain are conveniently grouped within easy reach on the back of the machine.
• Pressure taps are grouped to allow for quick monitoring of the hydraulic system, and have ground-level access through the left service access door.

Job site safety is a key concern for pipeline customers, and Cat pipelayers are designed with features to help protect people in and around the machine.

Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS)

Cat pipelayers are available with a Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) that is integrated into the machine structure at the factory. The structure's main purpose is to provide the operator protection in the event of a machine rollover. The ROPS also absorbs energy during a rollover, similar to the energy absorbed by crumple zones in automobiles. ROPS are available on both cab and canopy machines, and are designed to work with the design of the operator station to optimize sight lines around the machine.

Additional Safety Features

• PL61 pipelayers are Load Monitor Indicator (LMI) ready to help operators monitor loads for enhanced job site safety and efficiency.
• Grab handles help personnel maintain three points of contact while servicing.
• Quick drop release conveniently located on the right hand control.
• Additional mirrors provide even greater visibility around the machine.
• Cab and canopy machines include a roof window for visibility to the boom tip.

Cat dealers excel at providing parts availability and equipment service to even the most remote areas. With more than 10,000 service technicians employed in over 3,000 Cat dealer locations around the world, Cat parts and service resources and capabilities are beyond compare. - Manage costs with preventive maintenance programs like Custom Track Service, S•O•SSM analysis, and guaranteed maintenance contracts. - Stay productive with best-in-class parts availability. Cat dealers can even help you with operator training to help you boost your profits. And when it's time for machine replacement, your Cat dealer can help you save even more with Genuine Cat Reman parts. Receive the same warranty and reliability as new products at cost savings of 40 to 70 percent for power train and hydraulic components.

Winches

The heavy-duty winch design works with machine hydraulics for greater productivity. Boom and hook draw works are driven by independent hydraulic winches. Oil-disc brakes provide smooth operation and positive retention of boom and hook positions. A modular, bolt-on design allows for fast replacement and easy field service. Interchangeable parts between hook and boom winch assemblies help reduce cost of downtime.

Counterweight

Counterweights are contoured to provide a low center of gravity and enhanced visibility to the front and side to aid productivity and job site safety. The counterweight is extended hydraulically for improved load balance and clearance. The PL61 has a rated lift capacity of 18 145 kg (40,000 lb).

Boom

The light weight, durable boom features high tensile strength steel construction for narrow structures and maximum visibility to the work area. Replaceable boom-mount bearings aid serviceability and long life.

Blocks and Hook

Updated block set profile enhances visibility to the pipe and helps take advantage of the full length of the boom. The heavy-lifting components include hook and boom blocks with sealed roller bearings, a forged hook with latch and serviceable handle, and ductile iron sheaves.

Drawbar

A robust drawbar tows a wide range of attachments for maximum versatility.

Caterpillar designs operator stations for maximum productivity. Operator comfort features and excellent visibility all around the machine help operators work more efficiently and contribute to job site safety. Customers may choose an Open Cab (OROPS) or an Enclosed Cab.

• The PL61 is equipped with an integrated Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) which provides greater operator protection with an open or enclosed cab.
• Additional mirrors further enhance the operator's visibility all around the machine.
• A fully adjustable air suspension seat, available in cloth or vinyl, features seat-mounted controls for operator comfort and ease of operation. A standard lumbar adjustment provides excellent lower back support. For more comfortable operation in cold weather, a heated cloth seat is available.
• Two 12-volt outlets are included to power devices like cell phones and laptop computers.

Cat Product Link™*

Remote monitoring with Product Link improves overall fleet management effectiveness. Product Link is deeply integrated into machine systems. Events and diagnostic codes, as well as hours, fuel, idle time and other detailed information are transmitted to a secure web based application, VisionLink™. VisionLink includes powerful tools to convey information to users and dealers, including mapping, working and idle time, fuel level and more. *Product Link licensing not available in all areas.

Load Monitor Ready

The PL61 is Load Monitor Indicator (LMI) ready from the factory and can accept regional LMI systems. New circuitry, integrated mounting hardware and the ready-mount power supply makes system installation simple. The LMI ready hydraulic system enables installation without opening the hydraulic system thus preventing contamination.

Electro-hydraulic Seat-mounted Controls

Electro-hydraulic controls provide quick steering response, precise hook and boom control and comfortable, low-effort operation. Seat-mounted controls isolate vibrations from the operator, and provide independent seat and controls adjustment. Individual wrist pads and armrests can be adjusted independently for optimum comfort.

Pipelayer Control

Right joystick places all of the boom, hook and counterweight function control in one hand. Low-effort, ergonomically designed control handle allows simultaneous precise positioning of the load line and boom. 1) Quick drop control. 2) Two-speed hook button. 3) Thumb rocker controls the counterweight functions. 4) Joystick forward lowers the hook and joystick back raises the hook. Joystick left lowers the boom and joystick right raises the boom

Quick Drop Control

The quick drop control, when pushed, will allow the load on the hook to free fall to the ground. This control is to be used only in emergency situations where the load must be released immediately.

Brake and Decel Pedal

The PL61 features a single, combined hystat brake and decel pedal. Two braking configurations are available for the operator's preference. One configuration brakes the transmission only when the pedal is depressed; no engine decel will occur. The other option will slow the machine by simultaneously braking the transmission and reducing the engine speed.

Speed and Direction Control

The operator controls the speed of the machine and the direction of travel with a single joystick control located on the left console. One handed steering enhances operator comfort.

Engine

The Cat C6.6 engine with ACERT Technology provides a compact design with big, heavy-duty engine features for outstanding durability, reliability and performance. The C6.6 utilizes Caterpillar engineered innovations that provide advanced electronic control, precision fuel delivery and refined air management, resulting in outstanding performance, lower emissions and years of dependable service.

Torque Rise

The direct injection electronic fuel system provides a controlled fuel deliver increase as the engine lugs back from rated speed. This results in increased horsepower below rated power. A combination of increased torque rise and maximum horsepower improves response and provides greater drawbar pull.

Hydrostatic Drive

The electronically controlled hydrostatic drive system automatically maintains engine speed to match the power requirements of the application for peak performance. The hydrostatic drive train also offers independent power and control of each track, for fast acceleration, infinitely variable speed control and on-the-go, direction changes for each track. The operator can command smooth “power turns” or even counter-rotation of the tracks for precise steering control in tight areas. The Cat hydrostatic drive system manages itself, freeing the operator to concentrate on using the Cat pipelayer's superb agility, speed and maneuverability to do more productive work.

Indefinitely Variable Speed Control

Hydrostatic drive provides infinite speed control from 0 to 10 km/h (0 to 6.2 mph) in forward and reverse. This lets the operator select the optimum speed for ground and job conditions. It also eliminates power interruption during shifting.

Ground Speed Balancing

Hydrostatic drive provides a completely “step-less” transmission of power and automatically matches travel speed and implement loads for increased efficiency and easier operation.