US
Metric

Overview

The Cat® 538 is the best choice in its size class for today’s loggers. With its new high-visibility forestry cab and factory logging configurations to meet your specific needs, the 538 can make your work in the woods more productive and profitable.

Engine

Engine Model
Cat C7.1
Net Power - ISO 9249
172.00 HP
128.00 kW
Engine Power - ISO 14396
174.00 HP
129.00 kW
Bore
4.10 in
105.00 mm
Stroke
5.30 in
135.00 mm
Displacement
428.00 r/min
7.00 r/min

Drive

Maximum Travel Speed
3.00 mile/h
4.90 km/h
Maximum Drawbar Pull
55303.00 lbf
246.00 kN

Hydraulic System

Main System - Maximum Flow
124.00 gal/min
468.00 l/min
Maximum Pressure - Equipment
5076.00 psi
35000.00 kPa
Maximum Pressure - Equipment - Lift Mode
5511.00 psi
38000.00 kPa
Maximum Pressure - Travel
5076.00 psi
35000.00 kPa
Maximum Pressure - Swing
4351.00 psi
30000.00 kPa

Swing Mechanism

Swing Speed
11.00 r/min
11.00 r/min
Maximum Swing Torque
98.00 kN·m
72281.00 lb/ft

Weights

Operating Weight: Processor
66140.00 lb
30000.00 kg
Operating Weight: Log Loader - Over/Under
70280.00 lb
31880.00 kg

Service Refill Capacities

Fuel Tank
262.00 gal (US)
990.00 l
Cooling System
5.00 gal (US)
17.50 l
Engine Oil
7.00 gal (US)
25.00 l
Swing Drive
3.00 gal (US)
11.50 l
Final Drive - Each
1.00 gal (US)
4.50 l
Hydraulic System - Including Tank
69.00 gal (US)
262.00 l
Hydraulic Tank
38.00 gal (US)
143.00 l
DEF Tank
11.00 gal (US)
41.00 l

Working Ranges

Max Reach at Stick Nose at Ground Level - General Forestry Processor
346.00 in
8800.00 mm
Max Reach at Stick Nose at Ground Level - General Forestry Road Builder
387.00 in
9820.00 mm
Max Reach at Grapple Mount on Heel at Ground Level - Log Loader Under/Under
425.00 in
10790.00 mm
Max Reach at Grapple Mount on Heel at Ground Level - Log Loader Over/Under
454.00 in
11540.00 mm
Max Reach at Grapple Mount on Heel at Ground Level - Log Loader Power Clam
381.00 in
9680.00 mm

Dimensions

Shipping Height - Fixed Riser
144.00 in
3670.00 mm
Shipping Height - Tilted Cab
130.00 in
3310.00 mm
Handrail Height
129.00 in
3265.00 mm
Length: General Forestry - Boom Stretched Out
389.00 in
9870.00 mm
Length: Log Loader - Boom Stretched Out
579.00 in
14710.00 mm
Tail Swing Radius
123.00 in
3135.00 mm
Counterweight Clearance
51.00 in
1300.00 mm
Ground Clearance
30.00 in
758.00 mm
Track Length
185.00 in
4695.00 mm
Track Length to Center of Rollers
149.00 in
3795.00 mm
Track Gauge
110.00 in
2790.00 mm
Transport Width
137.00 in
3490.00 mm
Features

FM538 - Latest Features

FM538 - Superior Performance

FM538 - Unmatched Operator Comfort

FM538 - Simple Operation

FM538 - Versatile Configuration

FM538 - Easy Maintenance

FM538 - Enhanced Safety

FM538 - Sustainability

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