Safety
Safety is paramount around people, equipment and pipeline job sites. The 16+ tonnes (17.6+ tons) of the 953D Welding Tractor, combined with an oscillating undercarriage, makes it stable on uneven grounds. Stability can be further increased with a low ground pressure undercarriage that will extend the machine ability to work on very soft soils and that will increase the choice of possible cranes.
The operator is protected by a Roll Over Protective Structure built into the cab. Three points of contact can be used to get on and off the machine and all the daily inspection can be performed from ground level to prevent falls.
This machine is also equipped with safety features dedicated to electricity production. Emergency shutdown switches are available inside the cab and outside the machine from ground level. The production of electricity is controlled by the machine Electronic Control Module able to detect an issue with the tension or with the quality of the current. Downstream the alternator, all the electrical equipment is protected by a magneto thermal breaker that can stop the electricity production instantaneously.
Versatility
Because each pipeline project requires specifi c equipment needs and machine configurations, the Cat 953D Welding Tractor is designed so that the front and rear modules can be customized to meet your needs. The 2.6 m3 (3.37 yd3) built-in rear compartment provides enough space to receive and secure automatic welding equipment (computers, inverters, controllers), stick welding inverters, pipe heating systems and gas mixing system. Moreover, this compartment can be removed to free a 2.9 m (114 in) width and 1.26 m (46 in) long platform to fi t a workshop, a standalone genset or any other equipment necessary on the job site to meet current and future needs.
The structure supporting the crane and the platform at front is also designed so that most of the crane and air-compressor brands can be installed. The platform can also receive additional gas bottles and a large toolbox to secure your power tools.