PL87 Pipelayer

Purpose-Built Providing Top Performance and Reliability

The PL87 is part of a full line of purpose-built Cat pipelayers designed for performance, safety and serviceability. Easy transport width, combined with the experienced support of the Cat dealer network, means this key pipe line equipment is available when and where you need it.

Cat Pipelayers have been the standard of the pipeline industry for decades. A worldwide network of Cat dealers, in tune with the special high production needs of pipeliners, supports these durable and dependable machines. Cat Pipelayers are purpose-built to meet the unique demands of pipeline customers. And like every Cat machine, Pipelayers are designed for long life, serviceability and rebuild capability to help keep owning and operating costs low. The PL87 answers customer needs for increased lift capacity, enhanced slope capability, ease of operation, performance and transportability.

Equipment Highlights

Built to Perform
  • Integrated power train with differential steering and updated hydraulic system work together to provide power and improved machine maneuverability for any pipelayer application.
  • Electro-hydraulics offer greater response and precise control to variable speed motors of the heavy duty winch for greater machine productivity.
  • Counterweight profile improves lift capacity.
  • Differential steering maintains full power to both tracks for best-in class turning even with a loaded boom, increasing maneuverability in tight locations.
  • Improved machine center of gravity and lengthened track-roller frame with repositioned rear idler places more track on the ground, enhancing slope capability.
Because Uptime Counts
  • Equipped with Product Link™ which enables remote monitoring, improving overall fleet management effectiveness.
  • Full left-side engine serviceability, including fill tube, dipstick, air cleaner, fuel filters, oil filter and coolant level check allows for quick and efficient routine service.
  • High speed oil change is standard and makes servicing even faster.
  • Hydraulic and power train filters and fuel tank drain are located at rear of machine and are conveniently serviceable from ground level.
  • Pressure taps are placed within hydraulic system to allow for quick monitoring.
  • Major components like the engine, transmission, and final drives are modular for quicker removal during service, saving cost and downtime.
Designed for Operators
  • Implement joystick places all pipelayer implement controls and functionality in one hand.
  • Low-effort, ergonomically designed and positioned control handle allows simultaneous, precise positioning of load line, boom, and extendible counterweight.
  • Dual brake pedal controls provide enhanced maneuverability and steering control.
  • Planetary differential steering contributes to superior maneuverability in tight areas of operation as well as enhanced slope capability.
Work in Comfort
  • Quieter, pressurized cab with heated/ventilated seat option improves operator comfort and productivity.
  • Ergonomically designed seat is positioned for greater visibility to work area and convenient access to machine control lever, switches and pedals.
Built-In Safety Features
  • Load Moment Indicator (LMI) is standard.
  • Convenient steps, handles and guardrail provide safe access/egress.
  • Enlarged roof top window with retractable shade, additional mirrors, and angled door improves visibility to the trench, boom and blocks.
  • Standard operator presence detection system allows machine to idle when operator is not seated, but locks out power train to avoid unintentional movement.
  • Rear vision camera is standard, and two additional cameras can be added as an option to further enhance visibility around the machine.

In-Stock at Hawthorne Cat

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Features + Specs

Equipment Features
Optional Equipment
Specs
  • Engine Model: Cat C15
  • Flywheel Power: 319 hp
  • Tier 4 Final/Stage V: Net Power (Rated Speed**) - ISO 9249/SAE J1349: 319 hp
  • Tier 4 Final/Stage V: Net Power (Rated Speed**) - ISO 9249/SAE J1349 (DIN): 323 mhp
  • Tier 3/Stage IIIA Equivalent: Net Power (Rated Speed****) - ISO 9249/SAE J1349 (DIN): 333 mhp
  • Tier 3/Stage IIIA Equivalent: Net Power (Rated Speed****) - ISO 9249/SAE J1349: 329 hp
  • Emissions: U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V/Korea Tier 4 Final or UN ECE R96 Stage IIIA equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA
  • Fuel Tank: 109.6 gal (US)
  • DEF Tank(1): 4.5 gal (US)
  • Note (2): **Rated speed 1,900 rpm. Net power advertised is the power available at the flywheel when the engine is equipped with fan, air cleaner, muffler, and alternator. Net power is tested per ISO 9249:2007 and SAE J1349:2011.
  • Note (4): ****Rated speed 1,850 rpm. Net power advertised is the power available at the flywheel when the engine is equipped with fan, air cleaner, muffler, and alternator. Net power is tested per ISO 9249:2007 and SAE J1349:2011.
  • Operating Weight: 121795 lb
  • Shipping Weight: 90600 lb
  • Removable Counterweight (14 plates) Single Plate: 1708 lb
  • Total Removable Counterweight*: 23908 lb
  • Width - Tractor - Standard Shoes: 12.7 ft
  • Track Gauge: 8.3 ft
  • Length - Track on Ground: 12.2 ft
  • Ground Contact Area: 9920.1 in²
  • Width - Standard Shoes: 34 in
  • Lift Capacity: 216000 lb
  • Air Conditioning: The air conditioning system on this machine contains the fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerant R134a (Global Warming Potential = 1430). The system contains 2.5 kg of refrigerant which has a CO2 equivalent of 3.575 metric tonnes.
  • Width - Tractor - Counterweight Extended: 20.8 ft
  • Width - Tractor - Counterweight Retracted: 14.2 ft
  • Width - Tractor - Counterweight/Boom Removed: 13.3 ft
  • Machine Height - Top of Counterweight: 11.2 ft
  • Height - Machine - Cab and ROPS: 11.6 ft
  • Boom Height (at SAE 1.22 m [4 ft] Overhang) 6.1 m (20 ft) Boom: 22.3 ft
  • Boom Height (at SAE 1.22 m [4 ft] Overhang) 7.3 m (24 ft) Boom: 26.3 ft
  • Boom Height (at SAE 1.22 m [4 ft] Overhang) 8.5 m (28 ft) Boom: 30.4 ft

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