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New Equipment

Cat

538/538 LL Forest Machine

Engine Model

Cat C7.1

Net Power - ISO 9249

172 HP

Engine Power - ISO 14396

174 HP

Overview

Move more timber, make more money with superior performance and unmatched operator comfort.

Photos

  • 538 Forest Machine
    538 Forest Machine
  • 538 Forest Machine
    538 Forest Machine
  • 538 Forest Machine
    538 Forest Machine
  • 538 Forest Machine
    538 Forest Machine
  • 538 Forest Machine
    538 Forest Machine

Videos

  • Cat® 538 Next Generation Forestry Machine: Move More Timber, Make More Money
  • Seasoned Logger Loves New Cat® 538
  • New Cat® 538 Makes Wood Work Fast And Easy
  • Cat 538 Forest Machine Is A Game Changer
  • Cat Next Generation 538 Forest Machine Walkaround
  • Stick Steer for Cat® Excavators

360° View

Exterior

Interior

360° Interior View. Double click on the image to zoom in on any of the products.

Showroom

Virtual Product Tour. Double click on the hotspots to see in on any area of the product.

Documents

Features

Latest Features

Latest Features

  • Optional integrated vehicle health management system alerts the operator with service guidance and parts needed to enhance uptime.        
  • Optional auxiliary relay powers on and turns off CB radios and other attachments without you taking your hands off the joysticks.
  • Enhance visibility to make service work easier and safer with optional inspection lighting.
  • Make the jobsite safer with an optional swing alarm.
  • Build Number: 07B

Latest Features

  • Optional integrated vehicle health management system alerts the operator with service guidance and parts needed to enhance uptime.        
  • Optional auxiliary relay powers on and turns off CB radios and other attachments without you taking your hands off the joysticks.
  • Enhance visibility to make service work easier and safer with optional inspection lighting.
  • Make the jobsite safer with an optional swing alarm.
  • Build Number: 07B
Superior Performance

Superior Performance

  • The Cat® C7 engine is fuel efficient and can run on biodiesel and other renewable fuels.
  • Smart mode helps reduce fuel consumption by automatically matching engine and hydraulic power to working conditions.
  • Pick and place logs with precision and power with the all-new electrohydraulic control system.
  • Heavy lift mode and 10 percent more swing torque* help you move big logs with confidence.
  • Get to work faster with a 12 percent increase in travel speed*.
  • Auxiliary hydraulic options let you use Cat grapples and a variety of other attachments.
  • Work in extreme environments with standard high-ambient capability of 48° C (118° F) and cold start capability of -32° C (-25° F).
*All percentages compared to 2020 model year 538.

Superior Performance

  • The Cat® C7 engine is fuel efficient and can run on biodiesel and other renewable fuels.
  • Smart mode helps reduce fuel consumption by automatically matching engine and hydraulic power to working conditions.
  • Pick and place logs with precision and power with the all-new electrohydraulic control system.
  • Heavy lift mode and 10 percent more swing torque* help you move big logs with confidence.
  • Get to work faster with a 12 percent increase in travel speed*.
  • Auxiliary hydraulic options let you use Cat grapples and a variety of other attachments.
  • Work in extreme environments with standard high-ambient capability of 48° C (118° F) and cold start capability of -32° C (-25° F).
*All percentages compared to 2020 model year 538.
Unmatched Operator Comfort

Unmatched Operator Comfort

  • Forestry cab comes in a choice of rear or side entry with tilt-up console plus 25 percent more space*.
  • Enjoy the all-new Certified Forestry cab’s 25 percent larger space.
  • New dual HVAC system keeps operators comfortable in either cold or warm weather.
  • A wider heated and cooled air-suspension seat makes year-round work more pleasant.
  • All controls are in front of you within easy reach to reduce twisting and turning and keep you focused on the work area.
  • Cab risers — 165 mm (6’1/2”) fixed or 1219 mm (48”) hydraulic tilt — are available to meet your work needs.
  • Special roof lining and window and door sealing reduce noise, making the interior as quiet as today’s top work trucks.
  • Stow your gear with in-cab storage beneath and behind the seat and in the consoles.
  • Use the standard radio’s USB ports and Bluetooth® technology to connect personal devices and make hands-free calls.

Unmatched Operator Comfort

  • Forestry cab comes in a choice of rear or side entry with tilt-up console plus 25 percent more space*.
  • Enjoy the all-new Certified Forestry cab’s 25 percent larger space.
  • New dual HVAC system keeps operators comfortable in either cold or warm weather.
  • A wider heated and cooled air-suspension seat makes year-round work more pleasant.
  • All controls are in front of you within easy reach to reduce twisting and turning and keep you focused on the work area.
  • Cab risers — 165 mm (6’1/2”) fixed or 1219 mm (48”) hydraulic tilt — are available to meet your work needs.
  • Special roof lining and window and door sealing reduce noise, making the interior as quiet as today’s top work trucks.
  • Stow your gear with in-cab storage beneath and behind the seat and in the consoles.
  • Use the standard radio’s USB ports and Bluetooth® technology to connect personal devices and make hands-free calls.
Simple Operation

Simple Operation

  • Start the engine with a push button or use a Bluetooth key fob or the unique Operator ID function.
  • The engine’s regeneration system functions automatically with no operator input or interruption to work.
  • Navigate easily on the high-resolution touchscreen monitor.
  • The available Cat PL161 Attachment Locator helps you find tools you need up to a range of 60 m(200') — even if it’s hidden beneath overgrowth or debris.
  • Make moving the excavator much easier with Cat Stick Steer. Simply push a button and use one hand to travel and turn instead of both hands or feet on levers or pedals.
  • Make operating easier with the touch of a joystick button. An auxiliary relay allows you to power on or turn off a CB radio or other attachments without taking your hands off the joysticks.
  • Not sure how a function works or how to maintain the machine? Always have the operator’s manual at your fingertips in the touchscreen monitor.

Simple Operation

  • Start the engine with a push button or use a Bluetooth key fob or the unique Operator ID function.
  • The engine’s regeneration system functions automatically with no operator input or interruption to work.
  • Navigate easily on the high-resolution touchscreen monitor.
  • The available Cat PL161 Attachment Locator helps you find tools you need up to a range of 60 m(200') — even if it’s hidden beneath overgrowth or debris.
  • Make moving the excavator much easier with Cat Stick Steer. Simply push a button and use one hand to travel and turn instead of both hands or feet on levers or pedals.
  • Make operating easier with the touch of a joystick button. An auxiliary relay allows you to power on or turn off a CB radio or other attachments without taking your hands off the joysticks.
  • Not sure how a function works or how to maintain the machine? Always have the operator’s manual at your fingertips in the touchscreen monitor.
Versatile Configurations

Versatile Configurations

  • General Forestry configuration is available with boom, stick, and hydraulic options so you can equip it for road building, grapple work, or processing.
  • Log Loader configuration is ideal for shovel logging, Butt-n-Top loading, power clam applications, and millyard work.
  • Rugged, reliable, simple-to-service Cat forestry grapples range in size from 1322 mm (52”)to 1524 mm (60”).
  • Special Tri Link shoes are available for lower ground pressure and extra flotation in soft, wet underfoot conditions.

Versatile Configurations

  • General Forestry configuration is available with boom, stick, and hydraulic options so you can equip it for road building, grapple work, or processing.
  • Log Loader configuration is ideal for shovel logging, Butt-n-Top loading, power clam applications, and millyard work.
  • Rugged, reliable, simple-to-service Cat forestry grapples range in size from 1322 mm (52”)to 1524 mm (60”).
  • Special Tri Link shoes are available for lower ground pressure and extra flotation in soft, wet underfoot conditions.
Easy Maintenance

Easy Maintenance

  • Boost productivity with proactive service reminders. Our new integrated vehicle health management system alerts the operator with step-by-step service guidance along with parts needed so you don't experience any unnecessary downtime.
  • Expect up to 15 percent less maintenance cost than previous model. (Savings calculated over 12,000 machine hours.)
  • The diesel particulate filter requires no maintenance.
  • Replace fuel filters at 1,000 hours – twice the interval from the previous filters.
  • Get improved filtration and longer 3,000 service life with the new hydraulic oil return filter – 50 percent longer service than previous filter designs.
  • The high-efficiency cooling fan runs only when needed; program intervals so the fan automatically reverses to keep cores clean without interrupting your work.
  • S·O·SSM ports simplify maintenance and allow for quick, easy extraction of fluid samples for analysis.

Easy Maintenance

  • Boost productivity with proactive service reminders. Our new integrated vehicle health management system alerts the operator with step-by-step service guidance along with parts needed so you don't experience any unnecessary downtime.
  • Expect up to 15 percent less maintenance cost than previous model. (Savings calculated over 12,000 machine hours.)
  • The diesel particulate filter requires no maintenance.
  • Replace fuel filters at 1,000 hours – twice the interval from the previous filters.
  • Get improved filtration and longer 3,000 service life with the new hydraulic oil return filter – 50 percent longer service than previous filter designs.
  • The high-efficiency cooling fan runs only when needed; program intervals so the fan automatically reverses to keep cores clean without interrupting your work.
  • S·O·SSM ports simplify maintenance and allow for quick, easy extraction of fluid samples for analysis.
Enhanced Safety

Enhanced Safety

  • The cab meets the following standards: ROPS/FOPS/OPS/TOPS, ISO 8082-2:2011, ISO 8083:2006 11,600J,ISO 10262:1998 Level II, ISO 8084:2003,SAE J1356 2022, WCB G603 2021, and OR-OSHA 437-007-775(14).
  • Access most routine maintenance points at ground level.
  • New right-hand steps provide easy, safe, and quick access to upper service platform; the steps and service platform use anti-skid punch plate to prevent slipping.
  • Larger 32 mm (11/4” ) polycarbonate front window, smaller cab pillars, and a flat engine hood improve visibility by 50 percent.
  • Standard rearview camera enhances jobsite visibility; sideview cameras are optional.
  • The monitor’s slope and grade indicator tells you the machine's position to help optimize its performance.
  • Enhance jobsite safety. Add a swing alarm to alert people when you're rotating from trench to stockpile and back again.

Enhanced Safety

  • The cab meets the following standards: ROPS/FOPS/OPS/TOPS, ISO 8082-2:2011, ISO 8083:2006 11,600J,ISO 10262:1998 Level II, ISO 8084:2003,SAE J1356 2022, WCB G603 2021, and OR-OSHA 437-007-775(14).
  • Access most routine maintenance points at ground level.
  • New right-hand steps provide easy, safe, and quick access to upper service platform; the steps and service platform use anti-skid punch plate to prevent slipping.
  • Larger 32 mm (11/4” ) polycarbonate front window, smaller cab pillars, and a flat engine hood improve visibility by 50 percent.
  • Standard rearview camera enhances jobsite visibility; sideview cameras are optional.
  • The monitor’s slope and grade indicator tells you the machine's position to help optimize its performance.
  • Enhance jobsite safety. Add a swing alarm to alert people when you're rotating from trench to stockpile and back again.

Specifications

  • Engine
    Spec Value
    Engine Model Cat C7.1
    Net Power - ISO 9249 172 HP
    Engine Power - ISO 14396 174 HP
    Bore 4.1 in
    Stroke 5.3 in
    Displacement 428 r/min
  • Drive
    Spec Value
    Maximum Travel Speed 3 mile/h
    Maximum Drawbar Pull 55303 lbf
  • Hydraulic System
    Spec Value
    Main System - Maximum Flow 124 gal/min
    Maximum Pressure - Equipment 5076 psi
    Maximum Pressure - Equipment - Lift Mode 5511 psi
    Maximum Pressure - Travel 5076 psi
    Maximum Pressure - Swing 4351 psi
  • Swing Mechanism
    Spec Value
    Swing Speed 11 r/min
    Maximum Swing Torque 98 kN·m
  • Weights
    Spec Value
    Operating Weight: Processor 66140 lb
    Operating Weight: Log Loader - Over/Under 70280 lb
  • Service Refill Capacities
    Spec Value
    Fuel Tank 262 gal (US)
    Cooling System 5 gal (US)
    Engine Oil 7 gal (US)
    Swing Drive 3 gal (US)
    Final Drive - Each 1 gal (US)
    Hydraulic System - Including Tank 69 gal (US)
    Hydraulic Tank 38 gal (US)
    DEF Tank 11 gal (US)
  • Working Ranges
    Spec Value
    Max Reach at Stick Nose at Ground Level - General Forestry Processor 346 in
    Max Reach at Stick Nose at Ground Level - General Forestry Road Builder 387 in
    Max Reach at Grapple Mount on Heel at Ground Level - Log Loader Under/Under 425 in
    Max Reach at Grapple Mount on Heel at Ground Level - Log Loader Over/Under 454 in
    Max Reach at Grapple Mount on Heel at Ground Level - Log Loader Power Clam 381 in
  • Dimensions
    Spec Value
    Shipping Height - Fixed Riser 144 in
    Shipping Height - Tilted Cab 130 in
    Handrail Height 129 in
    Length: General Forestry - Boom Stretched Out 389 in
    Length: Log Loader - Boom Stretched Out 579 in
    Tail Swing Radius 123 in
    Counterweight Clearance 51 in
    Ground Clearance 30 in
    Track Length 185 in
    Track Length to Center of Rollers 149 in
    Track Gauge 110 in
    Transport Width 137 in

Standard Equipment

CAB

  • ROPS Forestry cab with polycarbonate windows
  • 4-point harness seat belt
  • Heated and cooled seat with air-adjustable suspension
  • Integrated joysticks
  • Tilt-up left-side console (side-entry cab only)
  • High-resolution touchscreen monitor
  • Bluetooth integrated radio (including USB, aux port and microphone)
  • 12V DC outlets
  • Keyless push-to-start engine control
  • Automatic bi-level air conditioner
  • LED dome and floor lights
  • Windshield wiper and washer
  • Behind seat storage
  • Retractable sunshade

CAT TECHNOLOGIES

  • Cat Product Link
  • Remote Services capability

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  • Maintenance-free 1000 CCA batteries (x4)
  • Centralized electrical disconnect switch
  • LED chassis, boom, and cab lights

ENGINE

  • Electric fuel priming pump
  • Three selectable modes: Power, Smart, Eco
  • Automatic engine speed control
  • Automatic engine idle shutdown
  • Up to 4600m (15,092 ft) altitude capability
  • 48° C (118° F) high-ambient cooling capacity
  • -32° C (-25° F) cold start capability
  • Hydraulic reverse fan
  • Two-stage fuel filter system
  • Double element air filter with integrated pre-cleaner

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

  • Boom and stick regeneration circuits
  • Boom and stick drift reduction valve
  • Electronic main control valve
  • Automatic hydraulic oil warm up
  • Automatic swing parking brake
  • High performance hydraulic return filter
  • Automatic two speed travel
  • Bio hydraulic oil capability
  • High torque swing drive
  • Swing cushion valve
  • Tool control software

SAFETY AND SECURITY

  • Caterpillar One Key security system
  • Lockable service doors
  • Lockable external tool/storage box
  • Lockable fuel cap and hydraulic tank
  • Service platforms with anti-skid plate
  • RH handrail and handhold
  • Signaling/warning horn
  • Travel alarm
  • Ground-level secondary engine shutoff switch
  • Rearview camera

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

  • Side-entry service platform
  • Grouped location for engine oil and fuel filters
  • Ground level dipstick for engine oil
  • S·O·S sampling ports

UNDERCARRIAGE AND STRUCTURES

  • High Wide undercarriage
  • Grease lubricated track with positive pin retention
  • Catwalks
  • Tie down points
  • Counterweight fuel tank
  • Heavy-duty track rollers and frames
  • Heavy-duty travel motor guards
  • Heavy-duty bottom guards
  • Track guiding guards
  • High drawbar final drives
  • Heavy-duty recoil springs
  • Heavy-duty hydraulic swivel
  • Heavy-duty hydraulic swivel guard

Optional Equipment

BOOMS AND STICKS

  • 5.7 m (18'8") Reach boom - General Forestry
  • 5.9 m (19'6") Straight boom - Log Loader
  • 2.9 m (9'6") Reach thumb-ready stick
  • 3.5 m (11'6") under/under stick
  • 3.8 m (12'6") over/under stick
  • 3.8 m (12'6") power clam stick

CAB

  • Rear entry
  • Side entry
  • 165 mm (6.5") fixed riser
  • 1219 mm (48") tilting riser
  • Cat Stick Steer
  • Auxiliary relay

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  • Premium lighting - General Forestry - 6 additional LED lights
  • Premium lighting - Log Loader - 10 additional LED lights

ENGINE

  • Cold start package with block heaters and ether assist

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

  • Medium pressure circuit

SAFETY AND SECURITY

  • Right-hand sideview camera
  • Easy lock cab tilting system
  • Cab riser light
  • Inspection lighting
  • Swing alarm

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

  • Integrated vehicle health management system

UNDERCARRIAGE AND STRUCTURES

  • 900 mm (36") triple grouser Tri Link shoes
  • 800 mm (31") triple grouser shoes
  • 700 mm (28") double grouser shoes
  • 600 mm (24") double and single grouser shoes