Caterpillar has announced the availability of its new rotary mixer – the RM400 – which replaces the older RM300 model and introduces new features and enhancements, such as more power and better manoeuvrability.
A statement from the machinery giant said the new RM400, which will be delivered from the second quarter of 2020, offers 19% more power and an enhanced operating environment as well as easier manoeuvrability, which are features that help contractors achieve demanding job specifications in both full-depth reclamation and soil stabilisation applications.
Weighing 23.5t, the machine delivers a 2.4m cutting width and 417hp of power from the Cat C9.3 engine. Standard all-wheel drive utilises four independent drive pumps for maximum torque while providing high traction and greater speed for moving around the job site. An operating length of 9.56m is 44cm shorter than the RM300, a feature that improves manoeuvrability on the job-site while also enhancing visibility, says Cat.
A full left-to-right sliding cab enhances side-to-side viewing to the tyre edges and rotor cut lines for improved operator efficiency and increased production. Standard front and rear facing cameras viewed through a display in the cab provide good visibility, while optional side mounted cameras provide good sight lines along the machine for enhanced safety.
Additionally, optional cameras can be mounted in front and behind the rotor chamber. The front camera assists the operator when cutting close to obstacles such as manholes and curbs, while the rear camera provides a good view of the discharge material. Viewing these cameras from the operator’s station requires an additional touch screen display.
Hand-wheel steering offers simple control and good forward viewing, while a joystick controls the rear wheels when utilizing select modes for more precise control. A tablet sized LCD display keeps the operator informed of machine functions, including the front and rear door opening of the rotor chamber.
Three different rotor speeds help deliver the desired material gradation. An electronic controller keeps the rotor at the proper depth and the machine at a consistent speed to ensure optimal blending performance. The RM400 can be equipped with a water spray system in conjunction with an emulsion system to provide excellent versatility and time savings when additives are needed.
Four rotor options are available for a variety of applications. A universal rotor can be used for either full depth reclamation or soil stabilization and is equipped with 200 point-attack carbide-tipped tools. A soil rotor is used for a variety of mixing and stabilization applications and blends additives with semi-cohesive or granular materials and is equipped with 238 point-attack, carbide-tipped tools. The combination rotor is designed primarily for use in soil stabilization applications in cohesive materials, but also works well for light asphalt reclamation. The combination rotor is equipped with 114 point-attack, carbide-tipped tools. A spade rotor is also available. The highly productive spade rotor is utilized solely for mixing soils and is fitted with 58 bolt-on spade tools.
Daily service points are grouped and easily accessible. The engine hood easily tilts forward with the flip of a switch for easy access to the cooling system and engine. The cooling system utilizes a variable speed fan that can be set to periodically reverse direction for short intervals during operation. This unique design helps the system shed accumulated dust and keep the system cleaner for maximum efficiency and extended service intervals.
An optional onboard air compressor combined with the tilting rotor hood and large, rear discharge door makes changing rotor bits quick and easy.