206 Caterpillar Excavator Specs & Dimensions - (1984 - 2021)

engine

The 206 and 212 are equipped with a Perkins 4.236 diesel engine. The engine is designed for fuel efficiency, long life, and long term reliability. Caterpillar warrants the Perkins engine, so customers can expect superior parts availability and service support. An inframe overhaul is possible with the engine, unlike many competitors.

undercarriage

The wheeled undercarriage is stable and rugged. The machines' unique steering axle design permits a sharper turn angle—and shorter turning radius—than most competitors. The axle allows 35° steering in the same wheel space as machines that turn only 30°. The 206 and 212 front axles oscillate plus or minus 8.5° and plus or minus 9.5° respectively. This provides stability and traction on rough terrain. The axle can be locked hydraulically for stability during excavating or traveling with a load. Ground clearance exceeds other similarly-sized excavators, because the gear box is mounted near the rear axle. The swing brake is closed by spring pressure and held open by hydraulic pressure. It automatically locks in the absence of hydraulic pressure. Two mechanical swing lock pin positions (180° opposite each other) can be engaged from the cab to lock the undercarriage to the upper frame for travel or transporting loads.

high capacity brakes

The 206 and 212 are equipped with fully enclosed, maintenance-free and self-adjusting oil disc brakes. On long, downhill travel in the forward direction, a hydraulic retarding valve controls overspeed to protect the transmission and minimize use of the service brakes. A drum-type driveline parking brake near the center of the machine is spring activated and pneumatically released. It is controlled by a lever on the operator's console and can be modulated. Both the service brakes and the driveline parking brake can be locked for excavating.

safety

The 206 and 212 incorporate many safety features. Line-rupture lowering check valves for axle lockup and outrigger cylinders are included in the design. They prevent collapse of cylinders if a leak should occur while they are in a fixed position for excavating work. The hinged left armrest, when tilted up, cuts off all implement hydraulic functions not in use (steering is still live). Parking and swing brakes automatically lock with loss of hydraulic pressure. The parking brake may be released for towing. The upperstructure can be mechanically locked by a drop pin for transport.

hydraulic system

Each model features a pure summing hydraulic system, similar to the 215 and 225. The system monitors pressure to regulate pump flow. Two variable flow bent axis piston pumps power the implement and travel circuits. Both pumps provide identical flow rates to the system or a single circuit. Pumps turn the same rpm as the engine. These pumps differ from those used in the 215-245, because flow is regulated by adjusting the pump angle instead of the swash plate angle. The pumps are contained in an inner casing which is enclosed in a single outer casing. Oil is drawn from the outer case and discharged into the pressure line. Each pump has its own pressure connection, allowing two separate circuits with different pressures. Piston stroke determines pump output. If the pump angle within the casing is large, the piston stroke is long and pump output is high. If the pump pivot angle is small, the piston stroke is small and pump output is minimal.

operator comfort

The 206 and 212 are very quiet machines. Six point engine mounting, plus resilient mounting of the operator's platform isolate power plant vibrations. The fuel tank is mounted behind the cab to reduce engine and hydraulic noise. The operator's seat is suspended and adjusts six ways. Side visibility over the boom is good. The sunroof tilts forward and rearward or opens vertically to provide air circulation. The front window opens with the help of a compressed gas piston.

swing system

The machines feature an open center swing system. This provides smooth, precise swing control and helps control the pendulum motion of clamshells, grapples, and other work tools. With this system, rotation is slowed, but not completely stopped by hydraulics. The rotation can be stopped by applying an operator-activated drum-type brake or reversing the swing.