Caterpillar Introduces the Versatile Cat® FM528 GF/LL Forest Machine

This machine is crafted to meet the diverse demands of forestry professionals, providing them with unparalleled versatility, enhanced operator comfort, and cost-effective performance.

Highlights

  • Equipped with the side-entry Next Generation Certified Forestry cab, which features a reinforced structure, a large 1.25-inch (32-mm) thick polycarbonate windshield, narrow cab pillars, large panoramic windows, and a flat engine hood, helping provide premium work task visibility.
  • Caterpillar’s first Forest Machine that offers a fixed or live heel and blade option. Its multi-configuration capabilities fill in fleet equipment gaps. It can go to work in the woods or the millyard to help boost productivity and profitability.
  • Built with the Cat® C4.4 173 hp (129 kW) engine and electrohydraulic system, the high-torque motor provides high power at low RPMs while helping reduce fuel consumption and minimize downtime and maintenance costs.

 

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IRVING, Texas, February 6, 2025 – Caterpillar Inc. is pleased to debut the Cat® FM528 GF/LL (General Forestry/Log Loader), a forestry excavator designed for adaptability and efficiency. This machine is crafted to meet the diverse demands of forestry professionals, providing them with unparalleled versatility, enhanced operator comfort, and cost-effective performance.

The Cat® FM528 represents our commitment to understanding and responding to the evolving needs of the forestry industry.  We are merging adaptability, operator-oriented design, and cost efficiency, empowering forestry professionals to maximize their productivity while prioritizing safety.

Mike Dickenson

Senior Product Specialist

Caterpillar Forest Machines

Engineered to Maximize Operator Efficiency

Whether it’s land clearing, fire clean-up, chipping, grinder loading, mulching, or processing, the Cat FM528 is equipped to tackle a variety of tasks with ease. The machine is compatible with a wide range of robust Cat forestry grapples, available in sizes from 1322 mm (52") to 1524 mm (60").

The machine is equipped with Triple Grouser track shoes that help provide high maneuverability while minimizing disturbance in soft, wet underfoot conditions. To help keep operators safe, the machine is equipped with a certified side-entry Forestry ROPS cab, which includes a spacious door and an easy-to-use tilt-up armrest. Refined visibility is integrated into the design with a large 1.25-in (32-mm) thick polycarbonate windshield, narrow cab pillars, large panoramic windows, and a flat engine hood, helping operators maximize engagement with their work environment.

 

Versatility at the Core

The Cat FM528 offers a unique fixed or live heel and blade configuration, allowing operators to easily adapt to various applications like navigating steep terrain, managing heavy logs, or performing detailed sorting tasks.

With options for processor, roadbuilder, log loader, and knuckleboom loader controls, this multi-configurable machine helps crews easily transition between forestry and millyard work, increasing productivity and profitability.

 

Efficiency Meets Performance

Powered by the Cat C4.4 173 hp (129 kW) engine and an advanced electrohydraulic system, the FM528 is designed to help lower fuel consumption while delivering superior performance. The high-torque engine operates effectively at low RPMs, minimizing maintenance costs from wear and tear while maintaining precision in various job tasks. Further, the hydraulic system features cooling E-Fans with reversing capabilities to optimize engine efficiency and temperature control.

Sharing common parts and service with the Cat Next Generation excavator line, the FM528 ensures readily available components, significantly reducing downtime. Using Cat long-life fuel and hydraulic oil filters with extended and synchronized service intervals also helps lower maintenance expenses.

 

A Century of Innovation

Over the last century, Caterpillar has grown with our customers to help build a better, more sustainable world. That's why we continue to support forestry customers with five models, including the FM528 GF and FM528 LL machines, plus a range of work tools that deliver dependability, versatility and efficiency to every fleet. When you choose Cat products, services and solutions today, you’re gaining 100 years of experience and expertise.

For more information about FM528, contact a Cat dealer or visit: www.cat.com

 

 

FM528 GF & FM528 LL SPECIFICATIONS

 

Engine

Cat® C4.4e TTA

Engine Power (ISO 14396)

129 kW (173 hp)

Emissions

Meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, and Japan 2014 emission standards.

General Forestry (GF) Processor Operating Weight 27,100 kg (59,700 lb)

High long undercarriage (High LC), Side Entry Cab (SEC) 6.5" riser, reach boom, R3.7 m (12'2") drop nose stick, 700mm (28”) double grouser (DG) shoes, no processor head.

General Forestry (GF) Road Builder Operating Weight 28,200 kg (62,200 lb)

High long undercarriage (High LC), Side Entry Cab SEC 6.5" riser, reach boom, R2.9 (9’7”) thumb-ready stick, 700mm (28”) double grouser (DG) shoes, 1.2 m3 (1.6 yd3) HD bucket.

Log Loader (LL), Under/Under (U/U) 28,700 kg (63,300 lb)

High long undercarriage (High LC), Side Entry Cab (SEC) 48" riser, straight boom, 3.5m (11'6") under/under stick with live heel, 700mm (28”) double grouser (DG) shoes, no grapple.

Log Loader (LL), Over/Under (O/U) 29,000 kg (63,900 lb)

High long undercarriage (High LC), Side Entry Cab (SEC) 48" riser, straight boom, 3.8 m (12'6") over/under stick with live heel, 700mm (28”) double grouser (DG) shoes, no grapple.

 

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The Cat® FM528 General Forestry (GF)/FM528 Log Loader (LL) Forest Machine is a versatile forestry excavator engineered for the lumberjack of all trades. From land clearing to fire clean-up, chipper + grinder loading, mulching, processing, and more, this adaptable forest machine is ready to go to work for your fleet. Built for the operator, it is equipped with the Next Gen side-entry forestry cab for premium visibility and optimum protection.

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Loren Wirkkla, second-generation owner of Southwest Concrete, shares his thoughts on the new Cat(R) FM528 Forest Machine. With decades of experience in the industry, Loren highlights how the FM528 delivers where it matters most. He appreciates its narrow transport width, making it ideal for navigating tight roads, along with its impressive fuel efficiency and agility. Loren explains why the FM528 is a great fit for their operation and how it’s setting new standards in productivity and versatility.

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Jake Wirkkla, an experienced third-generation operator at Southwest Concrete in Cathlamet, Washington, gives his thoughts on the new Cat FM528 Forest Machine after putting it to the test. Jake praises the FM528 for its impressive travel power, strong swing torque, and exceptional operator comfort and visibility. In this video, Jake explains how these features make a real difference in day-to-day operations, offering operators a smoother and more efficient experience in demanding forestry and material handling tasks.

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Meet Grady Embry, an experienced operator at Eddie, Inc. in Forest, Mississippi, who’s logged over 450 hours on the new Cat(R) FM528 Forest Machine. In this video, Grady shares his firsthand experience using the FM528 for log processing and loading. Grady highlights the machine’s stout build, impressive speed, and outstanding maneuverability, making it a reliable and efficient option for demanding forestry operations. Hear why the FM528 stands out in the field and how it performs under real-world conditions.

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The Cat® FM528 General Forestry (GF)/FM528 Log Loader (LL) Forest Machine is a versatile forestry excavator engineered for the lumberjack of all trades. From land clearing to fire clean-up, chipper + grinder loading, mulching, processing, and more, this adaptable forest machine is ready to go to work for your fleet. Built for the operator, it is equipped with the Next Gen side-entry forestry cab for premium visibility and optimum protection.

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Join Sean Doyle, Forestry Sales Manager at Puckett Machinery in Mississippi, as he highlights the impressive design of the new FM528 Forest Machine. In this video, Sean discusses how the Cat Field Follow Program ensures real-world feedback to fine-tune equipment for peak performance, reliability, and efficiency. He also dives into the FM528’s versatile design, which adapts seamlessly to the challenging demands of forestry operations, making it a standout choice for industry professionals.

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Alden Rogers, an experienced operator at Irish Family Logging in Rumford, Maine, shares his thoughts on the new Cat® FM528 Forest Machine. With its nimble design, Alden praises the FM528 for easily processing both hard and soft woods and handling impressive loads. One of his favorite features? How quickly the FM528 reaches operating temperature—this machine is ready to go when you are. Hear why Alden believes the FM528 is a game-changer for demanding forestry operations.

 

 

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About Caterpillar:
With 2024 sales and revenues of $64.8 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html.

Note to Editors: Caterpillar rolls out products and services in each of its regions at different time intervals. Although every effort is made to ensure that product information is released only after Caterpillar has received confirmation from its independent dealer network, plants, and marketing subsidiaries that products and services are available in the relevant region, editors are kindly requested to verify with a Cat dealer for product availability and specifications.

CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow,” the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

VisionLink is a trademark of Caterpillar Inc., registered in the United States and in other countries.

 

 

 

Press Inquiries:

Johanna Kelly
Caterpillar Trade Press Media Representative
Kelly_Johanna_L@cat.com
 
For Release: North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand
Release Number: 16PR25 — February 2025

Forest Machines

Rugged, powerful forest machines ready for your attachments. Full warranty, parts support and fast, easy maintenance underscore the Cat commitment to the forestry industry. Purpose-built logging options provide reliable, durable operation.

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Forest Machines

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