I've never been around logging operations, but have always loved the equipment. The thought of crawling around in the woods instead of digging holes in the city has always been attractive.
Lately the roadbuilders have caught my attention since bunchers will only do some much for me these days
Don't know much about them besides the fact they flip-flop between being log loaders/shovels or can be set up as an excavator/ roadbuilder - or strictly have one application.
Point being...besides the obvious physical differences in appearances and armor plating/ guards, what is the real difference between a roadbuilder and a traditional excavator? Or are they essentially the same machine, just kitted up differently? I do speak mechanic to a degree, so technical information doesn't scare me
For example: a new CAT 568 roadbuilder weighs in around 95,000 - 106,000 pounds and has 296 horsepower, whereas, a CAT 345D weighs 100,000 pounds and has 380 horsepower.
Obviously the 345D has 80 more horsepower, so it'll be able to move more dirt, but both machines weigh about the same; so what is the advantage to a roadbuilder? Better swing torque? Different frame ~ better stability? Magical powers?
If someone could enlighten me, I would greatly appreciate it might have to see what it would take for the CAT dealer to get one on their lot...
Lately the roadbuilders have caught my attention since bunchers will only do some much for me these days
Don't know much about them besides the fact they flip-flop between being log loaders/shovels or can be set up as an excavator/ roadbuilder - or strictly have one application.
Point being...besides the obvious physical differences in appearances and armor plating/ guards, what is the real difference between a roadbuilder and a traditional excavator? Or are they essentially the same machine, just kitted up differently? I do speak mechanic to a degree, so technical information doesn't scare me
For example: a new CAT 568 roadbuilder weighs in around 95,000 - 106,000 pounds and has 296 horsepower, whereas, a CAT 345D weighs 100,000 pounds and has 380 horsepower.
Obviously the 345D has 80 more horsepower, so it'll be able to move more dirt, but both machines weigh about the same; so what is the advantage to a roadbuilder? Better swing torque? Different frame ~ better stability? Magical powers?
If someone could enlighten me, I would greatly appreciate it might have to see what it would take for the CAT dealer to get one on their lot...