Field data and customer input have shown that the Cat C9 ACERT engine delivers more horsepower at lower engine speeds using less fuel than the previous series. The C9 meets U.S. Tier 4 Interim and EU Stage IIIB emission standards. In designing the C9, new technology was incorporated to ensure that changes to meet emissions requirements would not increase operating costs, reduce uptime or shorten service life.

Driven by customer input, Caterpillar's aftertreatment regeneration emissions solution works with no operator intervention needed. In automatic mode, the machine starts the regeneration process once the filtering system reaches a specified level and conditions are optimal. Productivity is not affected by the regeneration process. The system will not interrupt work and can regenerate during machine operation with no impact on machine performance. With a touch of a button inside the cab, the operator can override the automatic mode and switch to manual mode for initiating or disabling the regeneration process. On average, regeneration is needed only every 10 hours and takes 20-25 minutes. The diesel particulate filter only needs to be cleaned every 5,000 hours – approximately every two years.

The C9 ACERT engine is equipped with an electronic-controlled high-pressure fuel system that includes an electric priming pump and three-layer fuel hose to allow the use of biodiesel.

The Cat C9 ACERT engine performs at U.S. Tier 3 and EU Stage IIIA emission levels and provides clean, quiet operation while delivering superior performance and durability. The engine features a flat power curve for outstanding response in the working RPM range, noise reduction technologies, and patented ACERT Technology combined with common rail fuel system, smart waste gate turbocharger and crossflow head design for reduced emissions.

The C9 engine is designed to burn biodiesel fuel (meeting ASTM 6751 or EN 14214) up to B20 (biodiesel 20 percent mixture).

The high capacity cooling system and on-demand reversing fan keep the machine running at the proper operating temperature, optimizing performance, durability and fuel efficiency.

The cooling system is arranged in two panels for easy access to all components. The air conditioning condenser is in a hinged panel that tilts out for easy cleaning and to access the primary panel with the side-by-side mounted primary hydraulic oil cooler, dedicated case drain hydraulic oil cooler, engine radiator and air-to-air aftercooler (ATAAC). In machines equipped with Tier 4 Interim engines, a fuel cooler is integrated into the same panel as the condenser.

The oversized, hydraulically driven fan spins at a slower speed overall and only turns as fast as needed to maintain proper hydraulic and engine temperatures. In colder weather or when the machine is first started, for example, the fan spins more slowly to conserve power and fuel and reduce noise. Air is pulled in from the side – not from the engine or from under the hood – preventing debris build-up around the engine. It automatically reverses every five minutes of run time to keep the cooling system free of debris. A manual override allows the operator to activate reversal between scheduled cycles. A heavy-duty fan shroud provides protection when servicing.

Cat engines, field-proven hydrostatic drive and Cat axles make a solid, responsive power train. A new design to keep the gearbox well lubricated provides even more durability.

The Cat C Series design features a triple pad pump drive. One drive runs the attachment pump; the second the main machine pump; and the third runs the hydrostat and fan pumps.

The two-speed gearbox is mounted horizontally instead of vertically, eliminating the need for splash lubrication and improving durability.

Axles feature a full-length oil sump for excellent heat rejection and long component life. An oscillating rear axle absorbs shock loads caused by stumps and holes and helps isolate the cab from axle movement for a smooth, comfortable ride, while maximizing fore-aft stability.

The inline parking brake is spring applied and hydraulically released. Inboard service brakes provide excellent performance and are protected from water, dust and oil.

During normal operation all four wheels move independently to maximize agility. In extreme conditions like slippery or steep terrain, pressing and holding a trigger button on the joystick will engage the front differential lock to make the front tires turn in sync. The rear differential lock is easily engaged and disengaged by an on/off button on the right hand console.

Robust box section frames provide a solid foundation for a machine designed to keep you working. Every structure was engineered for durability and verified through lab and field tests.

The field-proven center hitch design features large dual tapered roller bearings and 76.2 mm (3 in) diameter pins providing maximum durability. With up to 90º articulation, maneuverability in tight applications is an advantage of the Cat site prep tractor.

The precision manufactured lift arms are rugged and designed to support severe loading from the attachment.

Lift arm and tilt link pins are 63.5 mm (2.5 in) diameter and chrome-plated to prevent corrosion. Micro‑cracks in the chrome plating help retain grease on the pin surface to increase durability.

The steering cylinders are mounted to large, thick plates that are integrated into the frame and extend from the steering cylinders in the center hitch to the axle housings in the front and rear of the machine. These plates carry the steering cylinder force straight to the axles, rather than sending the load through the machine's frame, increasing structural life.

The heart of the 586C hydraulic system is the new PowerDirect Plus system, which goes beyond load-sensing to efficiently distribute power to increase the capability of each system and maximize productivity.

The new 586C features an electrohydraulic control system. The pedals and joysticks communicate through the machine controller to the pumps and motors using electrical signals, rather than hydraulic, to produce more precise and smoother control.

PowerDirect Plus is a new system that optimizes the machine's performance by monitoring operator and attachment demand and delivering power where and when it is needed.

PowerDirect Plus does not require the operator to reduce demand or do anything differently – just focus on the work. Critical machine systems in the 586C are oversized, which increases overall machine capacity. This gives each machine hydraulic system – attachment, hydrostat, main and fan – more capability than ever before.

PowerDirect Plus dedicates the horsepower needed to run power-hungry attachments, such as mulchers and brushcutters, without slowing other functions. The oversized attachment pump pushes more flow to the attachment for faster recovery and minimal stalling.

Multi-functioning, an advantage for Cat site prep tractors, is the result of a high performance control valve. In addition to field - testing, we put the control valve and hydraulic pumps through extensive lab “torture” tests that simulated the most brutal conditions and environment.

Rigorous testing similar to the control valve and pumps and side-by-side testing against competitive cylinders was conducted on the new cylinder seal packages to ensure durability.

Spin-on hydraulic oil filters and tank suction line strainers keep hydraulic oil clean, which is critical for machine health. The electric fill pump uses a quick coupler hose stored on the machine to pump oil through the filtration system before it enters the tank, safeguarding the hydraulic system.

When you first start up the 586C, the hydraulic oil can be too cold to flow freely, which is important for machine performance and to protect components. A built-in safeguard won't allow you to operate the machine until a special recirculation circuit warms the oil to the proper operating temperature protecting the machine's powerful hydraulic system.

Cat ToughGuard™ hoses and O-ring face seals throughout the machine improve machine life and reliability, particularly along the lift arms and through the center hitch due to the increased strength and flexibility. The ToughGuard cover consists of a layer of UHMW polyethylene bonded to the rubber cover, providing exceptional abrasion resistance.

Comfort and visibility, of course, but you'll find cab features that go beyond the basics to give you control options that can be customized and new operating functions.

The cab is centered between the axles for the most comfortable ride possible. No bucking. The standard air suspension seat with neck and back support adds to a smooth ride, keeping the operator comfortable and focused.

The durable, high capacity HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system provides dependable cooling or heating no matter how hot or cold it gets. Vents in front and on both sides can be directed toward the operator or the windows. This also contributes to increased operator productivity and can help reduce mental and physical fatigue at the end of the day.

A clean three-piece front windshield, standard rear view camera and skylight give the operator a 360° view. The operator can see the work zone easily without having to strain or reposition the machine.

The display allows the operator to continuously monitor the machine's systems. Early indications give the operator the opportunity to react before potential problems become actual problems. A clean and clear monitor provides detailed machine data to maximize machine uptime and productivity. Finding information is intuitive:

• The home screen displays the condition of primary systems, such as fuel level, engine and hydraulic temperatures, and engine speed and attachment performance information. Press the corresponding button along the bottom of the screen to get more detail on any item. As an example, under the hydraulic system selection, the two-speed gearbox oil level indicator is displayed.
• If an engine or hydraulic problem occurs, the monitor will display an easy-to-understand text explanation, along with any applicable fault codes.
• If a machine condition requires immediate action, a warning buzzer will sound to draw the operator's attention to the monitor. The operator must acknowledge the warning to turn off the alarm. Depending on how serious the warning, the alarm will continue to sound until the condition is remedied.
• Everything the system does is recorded in the system log, a useful feature for monitoring machine health and operator activity.

All key operator functions – steering, lift and tilt – are fully adjustable through the machine monitor. Overall speed and response to operator input can be adjusted, maximizing operator comfort and performance.

New electrohydraulic joysticks mold to the operator's hands for all day comfort and increased functionality. Electrohydraulic control also means there are no hydraulic pilot lines running to the joysticks, eliminating a potential source of heat in the cab.

The button pad on the right hand console features on/off buttons clearly labeled with large icons for many features, including the parking brake, hydraulic arming and reversing fan.

Unique operating modes, combined with complete electrohydraulic controls, provide the operator with a smoother machine with increased productivity. These modes include Creep Mode to easily adjust machine speed to improve mulching, Terrain Selection Mode to optimize performance on hills or flat ground, and Road Steer Mode for high-speed transport of the machine.

Pushing through thick vegetation or mulching and back dragging can be hard on the operator if speed is controlled strictly with the foot pedal. Creep Mode is a great feature that gives the operator the ability to adjust speed up or down on the fly with joystick buttons, instead of with a foot pedal. Productivity is increased and operator fatigue reduced.

Quickly and easily optimize machine performance based on application requirements. Select Hill Mode to boost drivetrain power for working in rough conditions like hills or wet ground. Select Flat Mode to maximize speed and optimize fuel efficiency when ground conditions are good.

Fast steering is required when working, but slower steering is preferable when driving down a road to a new job site. Road Steer Mode slows the joystick's response so the operator can steer the machine safely to the next site. The machine will automatically shift into Road Steer Mode when the two-speed transmission is shifted into high gear.

A touch of a button engages the optional Float Control so the attachment can follow the contours of the ground for a uniform, consistent mulch on uneven ground. This feature also reduces operator fatigue by reducing the continual adjustments needed when mulching on rough ground. Two buttons allow the operator to adjust the float pressure on the fly to maximize productivity and efficiency.

In a typical land management or right-of-way project, the air is dry and dusty with a lot of vegetation debris kicked up during mowing or mulching. In designing the 586C, special attention was focused on keeping the machine cool and free of debris. The machine is segmented into separate compartments that are pressurized to prevent debris from entering. Less debris build-up means less time required for cleaning it out and better performance. The pressurized airflow keeps electronics, sensors and other key components cool during long workdays.

The engine and hydraulics are located in a separate compartment at the rear of the machine. An electric reversing fan draws cool ambient air into the compartment. This forces hot air out of the engine compartment while pressurizing it, preventing debris from entering and keeping engine electronics and sensors cool.

Removable rubber baffling separates the cooling system from the engine/hydraulic compartment. This prevents the cooling system from pulling hot air from the engine compartment through the cooler, maximizing the cooler's efficiency.

The aftertreatment compartment (only in machines equipped with Tier 4 engines), which contains the Cat Clean Emissions Module, is pressurized by airflow from the cooling package. As the air is pulled through the cooling package, the side screens provide resistance and some of the airflow enters the aftertreatment compartment and forces hot air out while preventing debris from entering the compartment.

Daily service points are in easy reach on the 586C. Add hydraulic oil with the electric pump and refuel with your boots on solid ground. The tilting cab and hinged panels give you access to even more.

Large hinged doors at the rear of the machine, along with hinged doors on both sides and the bottom of the compartment, provide access to key engine components, filters, hydraulic pumps, hydraulic test ports and other key components.