The D1 Caterpillar mulcher clears 72 inches in a pass using the Cat HM518 mulcher. Applications include right-of-way construction and maintenance, site development, tree management, and firebreak clearing. The D1 mulcher uses a 104-horsepower Cat C3.6 diesel.
With a lower sloping hood line than its predecessor, visibility has been improved to the mulching head, allowing the operator to better assess the job site from the cab. Standard auto reversing fan on the Cat land-clearing mulcher purges debris from the radiator and enclosures, plus the hinged grill requires no tools to access the radiator for cleaning.
Controls for the Caterpillar HM518 mulcher are mounted on the air-suspension seat, isolating machine vibration from the operator. Inside the pressurized, heated and air-conditioned cab, an intuitive operator interface features a 10-inch color touchscreen monitor with standard reversing camera display to help improve all-around visibility. An in-cab drum indicator offers quick glance of drum speed and direction to help the operator manage ground speed and mulching.
The HM518 mulcher frame has cladding material is high-wear areas for increased service life. Bolt-on wear plates deliver long wear life and are quickly replaced. Drum speed ranges from 2,150 to 2,450 rpm, and the drum’s 38 fixed teeth feature a single-bolt carbide tooth retention design for simple replacement.
The closed-loop hydraulic circuit includes load-sensing hydraulics to prevent rotor damage when hitting an obstruction. The HM518 mulcher has a maximum lift height of 31 inches, maximum tilt of 14.5 inches, and 25-degree maximum angle to either side.
Standard sweeps, screens, windows plus rear guard help to protect both the operator and machine when mulching. Conventional (XL) or low-ground-pressure (LGP) undercarriage designs offer 16-inch or 25-inch track shoe widths, respectively.
Caterpillar D1 Mulcher Specs
- Power: 104 hp
- Clearing width: 72 in.
- Drum speed: 2,150 to 2,450 rpm
- Max lift height: 31 in.
- Max tilt: 14.5 in.
