Introduced in 1974, the Caterpillar 583K Pipelayer offered various improvements over the previous Caterpillar 583H, including a combined steering and braking function adopted from the Caterpillar D8K Track-Type Tractor.

Powered by a Caterpillar D342 turbocharged diesel engine providing up to 300 HP at the flywheel. Equipped with a planetary power-shift transmission, this machine has 3 forward and 3 reverse gears with a top forward speed of 6.8 MPH and is capable of up to 8.4 MPH in reverse.

With a side-boom capacity of 140,000 lbs., the hydraulically actuated counterweights are high mounted to provide excellent side and bottom clearance, while the over-center design prevents creep out while retracted. An automatic boom kickout device comes standard on the Caterpillar 583K Pipelayer, preventing boom bending by disengaging the boom raise circuit as the boom reaches vertical. The three-piece pipelayer frame is mounted directly to the track roller frame and main frame and can be removed to reduce the overall width for transport.

A wide-gauge track frame and extra wide track shoes provides stability and load carrying capacity while increasing floatation and extend the Caterpillar 583K's ability to work on soft terrain. Bolt-on sprockets allow for change in the field without breaking the track or removing the roller frame, reducing downtime for maintenance.

Specification highlights:

• Engine: Caterpillar D342 Diesel Engine
• Net Power – 300hp
• Pipelayer side-boom capacity: 140,000 lbs
• Maximum Travel Speed: forward: 6.8mph - reverse: 8.4mph
• Atachements: Caterpillar 58 Winch