FAE has redeveloped its top-of-the-line tracked carrier to create the PT550, a machine that is ideal to tackle big challenges, like jobs in large, wooded areas and along oil and gas pipelines.
The new PT550 replaces the PT475 in FAE’s equipment lineup.
The new tracked carrier is capable of working on large areas of soft, uneven or swampy ground. As well, the machine is able to handle longitudinal slopes up to 45 degree and transverse slopes up to 32 degrees, while maintaining a low ground pressure of 0.41 kg per square centimetre.
Compared to its predecessor, the new PT550 has many updated features, from design changes to technological upgrades, starting with the completely redesigned cab for added operator comfort and safety.
In the cab
The PT550’s Category 2 ROPS/FOPS/OPS approved cab has a new configuration and an integrated pressurization system. Other improvements for added operator comfort and productivity include large Lexan glass windows, ergonomic joysticks, a pneumatic seat, a large 25 cm touchscreen display to control all operating functions, a 360-degree camera system and a heated and refrigerated compartment with cup holder.
Cat powered
The FAE PT550 is powered by the Caterpillar C13B six-cylinder engine to guarantee strength, reliability and global support.
Equipped with a turbocharger with after cooler, the Tier 4 Final engine delivers 536 hp. The combined diesel particulate filter (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) guarantee compliance with Tier 4 Final and Stage V emissions regulations.
The PT550 is also available with a Tier 3 engine for markets with lower emissions regulations, rated at 475 hp.
The large 12.5-litre displacement and the electronically controlled proportional and reversible fan cooling system, designed specifically for the FAE PT550, guarantee superior performance for heavy jobs and in tropical climates.
The tracked carrier’s heavy-duty undercarriage is designed to perform while maintaining reliability, even in the most demanding conditions. The lubricated track chains last longer than conventional chains and provide a smoother ride. When combined with the reliable dozer-type rollers and oscillating undercarriage technology, the PT550 offers superior grip and comfort.
There are two roller guard options to adapt to different environments. The conventional geometry means a low centre of gravity and optimal contact between the chain and the drive wheel, two fundamental elements that provide the best performance, even on slopes. The FAE PT550 wheelbase also extends the load distribution area, which means lower specific pressure against the ground.
The undercarriage frames are designed to withstand major stresses and make maintenance easier.
Tool options
The PT550 can be equipped with a forestry mulcher or a multitask head to crush stone and till soil.
Each machine can benefit from Active Power Management technology, which combines the floating system function with the load control function, ensuring the head always precisely follows along the ground and power is managed effectively during operation.
Combined with the 300/U/Sonic or 500/U/Sonic forestry mulchers, FAE’s exclusive Sonic technology enables the head to always work at maximum capacity. Sonic technology adjusts the torque in real time according to the force required, delivering up to 30 per cent higher productivity.
New forestry mulchers
FAE has also expanded its line of forestry mulchers with Bite Limiter technology for two new models, the BL1/EX-75 and the BL2/S/EX.
The Bite Limiter technology on the heads is ideal for high productivity vegetation management, with reliably efficient shredding. The rotor with Bite Limiter technology comes with special wear-resistant steel profiles that limit the reach — or bite — of the teeth. This cuts down on power demand and promotes a consistent working speed, for excellent performance when mulching any kind of wood. Bite Limiter technology also minimizes rotor stalling and optimizes fuel consumption.
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The BL1/EX-75 is designed for 4.5-ton to 7.5-ton excavators, and features a newly conceived gear motor, with easier and more cost-effective installation.
The BL1/EX-75 can mulch light vegetation, shrubs and trees up to 12 cm in diameter.
It can be used to control vegetation along roadsides, railroad tracks and the banks of canals, rivers and lakes, to manage and protect wildlife habitats, and to maintain commercial parks and sports grounds.
The mulcher can be equipped with BL/MINI blades or C/3/MINI teeth. For 11-ton to 16-ton excavators, FAE created the BL2/S/EX. The BL2/S/EX can mulch vegetation, shrubs and trees up to 15 cm in diameter.
It is designed for forestry management, roadside and railway maintenance, maintaining the banks of canals, rivers and lakes and managing and protecting wildlife areas.
The toothed belt transmission provides optimal power transfer and long-term reliability. Interchangeable bolt-on Spike Pro counter blades and skids and a hydraulically adjustable hood are also major design features.
The BL2/S/EX is available with FAE’s exclusive Sonic system, which keeps the operating carrier and the FAE mulcher completely aligned by automatically calibrating and constantly regulating the mulcher’s hydraulic parameters for a significant boost in productivity. The FAE app is also available for technical support and makes it possible to quickly and easily calibrate the Sonic system.
The new BL2/S/EX can be equipped with BL blades or C/3 teeth.
