3D Mapping Technology Helps Reduce Landfill Voids : New 816K Landfill Compactor from Caterpillar
Caterpillar has launched the latest landfill compactor in its K Series model line, the
Cat® 816K, which has been built to support multiple life cycles through remanufacturing.
The manufacturer said that the new model features a fuel-efficient Cat C7.1 ACERT™ engine, single-lever steering, pressurized cab, and wheel/tip options that provide extended service life.
The company added that its COMPACT Technologies, such as Compaction Control, are also available to further enhance compaction performance and consistency by providing accurate compaction values and 3D mapping.
The 816 line of landfill compactors first appeared back in 1972 and according to Cat the latest K Series iteration is designed with heavy-duty main structures that support multiple life cycles, Structures/guarding/wheels/tips.
Cat explained that the foundation of the 816K’s purpose-built design is its massive, robotically welded main structures, featuring a full box-section rear frame that resists torsional shock and twisting forces, heavy-duty steering cylinder mounts to efficiently transmit steering loads into the frame, and an axle-mounting design that is optimised for increased structural integrity.
Top Tips
Three new wheel and tip configurations are said to allow matching the 816K to the application. 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.
On Guard
The manufacturer explained that specialised guarding protects components from damage, debris accumulation, chemicals, and premature wear, including axle guarding that prevents material from wrapping and binding around the axles.
The transmission oil tube is also guarded, and the fuel tank is positioned away from debris in the front frame. A screened air inlet for the radiator is placed high at the rear of the machine to prevent debris from blocking airflow, and the grille’s design allows trash to fall away.
Striker bars meanwhile are said to have been designed to keep wheels free of debris, and optional cleaner fingers are available for use in cohesive soils and in material that packs between tips.
Power train
Powering the new compactor is Cat’s C7.1 ACERT engine while meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage IV emissions standards with advanced technologies that which the company said do not interrupt the machine's work cycle. A Tier 3/Stage IIIA equivalent configuration is available in certain areas.
The Cat Next Generation high-pressure/common-rail fuel system delivers fuel in a series of micro-bursts during each cycle. This is said to provide efficient combustion, while control systems lower the engine’s average working speed for reduced heat loads and added fuel efficiency. An engine-idle-shutdown system saves fuel by eliminating excess idling.
The 816K's Caterpillar built planetary power-shift transmission is said to feature special metallurgy and gear heat-treating to ensure long-term durability.
The company explained that the transmission's Advanced Productivity Electronic Control System (APECS) is designed to improve transmission shifting performance, provide a higher level of operator comfort, and increase production.
Heavy-duty planetary axles complete the power train, the front is fixed and the rear oscillates ± 6 degrees.
Operator’s Environment
The 816K’s Cat STIC™ Steering and Transmission Integrated Control combines steering and transmission control (directional and gear selection) into a single lever. Cat explained that small side-to-side movements of the low-effort lever provide precise steering maneuvers through 42 degrees of articulation right and left.
The company added that electro-hydraulic implement controls use soft detents, and cylinders use electronically controlled stops for smooth operation. The left pedal serves as a brake, transmission neutraliser, and decelerator that overrides the engine-speed setting.
The operator’s environment is kept clean via filtered air that pressurises the cab, and temperature is maintained with an automatic climate-control system.
The cab is also isolation-mounted to reduce vibration, and manufacturer said that operator comfort is enhanced with an air-suspension seat or the available Cat Comfort Series III seat. Back-lighted membrane switches have LED indicators and ISO identification, and a standard rearview camera system enhances operator awareness.
Maintenance
Cat said that routine service points for the 816K, including grease fittings, are grouped for convenience and reached from ground level via swing-out doors or from non-slip platforms.
A ground-level service panel includes a master disconnect switch with integrated lock-out/tag-out, DEF purge lamp for Tier 4 Final/Stage IV machines, circuit breakers, fuel-shutoff switch, and jump-start receptacle. Ecology drains help prevent spills, and side doors facilitate cleaning of the cooling system.
Second Life
According to the manufacturer the 816K is designed for multiple machine lives and component rebuilds utilising Caterpillar sustainable options such as the Reman and Certified Rebuild programs.
Cat said that these options could save a customer up to 70% of purchasing a new comparable machine by reusing components or replacing with manufactured components.
Cat Connect Technology
The Cat Vital Information Management system (VIMS™) notifies operators and technicians about potential problems, which the company said allows issues to be resolved quickly, preventing unscheduled downtime.
In addition, Cat LINK technologies are said to wirelessly provide equipment managers with critical information, via the VisionLink® interface, including machine location, hours, fuel usage, idle time and event codes.
Cat COMPACT technologies meanwhile are said to combine advanced compaction measurement, in-cab guidance, and reporting capabilities to help consistently meet compaction targets, uniformly, in fewer passes, saving rework time and fuel.
The factory-installed Cat Compaction Control system measures compaction values and provides 3D pass-mapping guidance that indicates when layers have reached optimum density. Mapping is said to help eliminate voids, optimise cell space, and document results.
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