Iron Profile: Caterpillar 5230 ME and FS

Officially launched in the summer of 1994, the 5230 Front Shovel (FS) was and remains one of largest earth-movers produced during Caterpillar’s considerable history. Nearly twice the size of the 5130, it weighs in at an impressive 347 tons. The bucket capacity is 22.2 cubic yards and is large enough to load the 150-ton-capcity 785 mining truck in 4 to 5 passes, which was the original intent of the 5230 model. These massive machines are powered by a Cat 3516 EUI quad-turbocharged and aftercooled diesel engine.

A year later, the 5230 Mass Excavator (ME) rolled off the production line and brought with it a 20.3 cubic-yard general purpose bucket, but it also had an optional 31.4 cubic-yard bucket specifically designed for coal mining. To date, the 5230 ME has sold just as well in the market place as the shovel version and compares favorably to the large excavators of other manufacturers.

Standard to both editions of the 5230 are the Automatic Engine Speed Control (AESC) and the Vital Information Management System (VIMS). The AESC is a fantastic cost saving feature and it benefits the environment as well, through a reduction in fuel consumption. If the hydraulic controls remain unactuated for even a few seconds the engine speed automatically drops by 400 rpm. The VIMS system keeps the operator in the cab continuously updated on critical data relevant to the machine’s performance.

Due to its size, the early editions of the 5230 had to be shipped in eleven individual modules out of the plant in Decatur, Illinois, and assembled on site by the customer.

For nearly twenty years Caterpillar's 5230 has rightfully earned its mammoth reputation.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Cat 3516 Engine (flywheel power) — 1470 (1095 kW)
Engine displacement — 4210 cu in (69 liters)
Fuel tank —1386 gal (5330 liters)

Front Shovel
Operating weight — 702,000 lb. (318,420 kg)
Bucket capacity — 20.2 to 22.2 yd³ (15.5 to 17.0 m³)
Mass Excavator
Operating weight — 697,980 lb. (316,600 kg)
Bucket capacity — 21.0 to 36.0 yd³ (16.0 to 27.5 m³)