Caterpillar Work Tools now offers a Tilt-Rotate System (TRS) for Cat Next Gen mini excavators. The new TRS6 and TRS8 models allow attached work tools (including buckets, forks, grapples, brooms, and compactors) to rotate 360 degrees and tilt 40 degrees side-to-side. The benefits of the TRS, says Caterpillar. include enabling the machine to reach more work areas from a single position, while maneuvering tools over, under, and around obstructions when excavating, grading ditches, sorting recycle materials, or placing pipe. The new TRS models are available in various configurations to match the application.
TRS models have two interfaces: a top interface that connects the TRS to the carrier machine; and a bottom interface that connects various work tools to the TRS. Four configurations for the TRS6, says Caterpillar, allow the user to choose between an S-Type hydraulic-coupler or pin-on top interface, and whether the TRS is equipped with an integral grapple (which can be used with a work tool attached). All TRS6 models use an S-Type hydraulic coupler for the bottom interface.
Four configurations for the model TRS8 allow selecting an S-Type coupler for both the top and bottom interfaces, or, a pin-on top interface and pin-grabber coupler bottom interface, and whether the TRS has an integral grapple.
According to Caterpillar, the compact design of the TRS6 and TRS8 models allows the mini excavator to maintain high digging forces, and a reinforced gearbox with a specially designed bearing ring distributes working forces to reduce stress on the TRS and the host machine. A high-torque rotation system allows quick positioning of work tools, says the company, and an integral self-locking mechanism enables digging at any angle required.
Other features for the new TRS models, says Caterpillar, include a double-acting tilt cylinder with integrated load-hold valves that sustain holding pressures and prevent cylinder movement under load. An integrated, dealer-installed field control kit, which includes specially designed joysticks, provides control of the TRS and integral grapple. The TRS monitor informs the operator of the attachment’s position, and an engagement/disengagement sensor advises that work tools are secured via a safety locking mechanism with an indicator.
TRS6 models are designed for the Cat 306 CR mini excavator. TRS8 models using the S-Type coupler for both top and bottom interfaces fit models 307.5, 308, 308.5, 309 and 310. One of the two remaining TRS8 models, using the pin-on/pin-grabber interfaces, is designed for the 307.5, 308, 308.5 and 309; the other is designed for the 310.
