At a glance
Key specifications
Overall dimensions
Measurement basis: 760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang.
Precision visual reference
Dimensions and working range
Published measurements for the stated configuration. Illustration not to scale.
Overall Size
Measurement basis: 760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang.
Working Range
Measurement basis: 760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang.
Reference details
Visual visual:model-family:caterpillar:pl72:category-launch · revision 1 · generated 2026-09-06
Documented model generation; pictured options may differ from the measured configuration · North American manufacturer reference
Canonical reference: heavyeq.ca/specs/pipelayers/caterpillar/pl72/ · Printed from HeavyEQ.ca. Confirm the actual machine and current manufacturer documentation before transport or operation.
Dimension verification
First-party confirmation exception list
Fully assembled transport length
AEHQ7513-02 dimension table distinguishes tractor, counterweight and boom arrangements, but does not establish one complete assembled shipping envelope.
760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang. · checked 2026-09-07Fully assembled transport height
AEHQ7513-02 dimension table distinguishes tractor, counterweight and boom arrangements, but does not establish one complete assembled shipping envelope.
760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang. · checked 2026-09-07Year, generation & configuration
Model generation and configuration
- Generation / series
- PL72 AEHQ7513-02, C9.3 Tier 4 Final/Stage V literature
- Applicable region
- North American manufacturer reference
- Year handling
- Confirm the serial/PIN and production year when matching an individual machine to this reference.
Model identity
Model family, generation & status
- Model family
- Caterpillar PL72
- Generation / record
- PL72 AEHQ7513-02, C9.3 Tier 4 Final/Stage V literature
- Product status
- Documented generation; production status not confirmed — status checked September 2026
- Regional scope
- North American manufacturer reference
No verified lineage relationship published. HeavyEQ reviewed first-party sources and did not force a predecessor or successor from model numbering.
North American manufacturer reference
Verified specifications
Values retain their cited source, verification status and original publication basis. Imperial is presented first while manufacturer-published dual units and configuration context remain attached to every value.| Specification | Imperial | Metric | Standard / configuration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Weight | 68,945 lb | 31,278 kg | 760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Operating Length | 15 ft 8.2 in | 4.78 m | 760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Width of Tractor (counterweight retracted) | 12 ft 0.5 in | 3.67 m | 760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Height of Machine (cab and ROPS) | 11 ft 3 in | 3.43 m | 760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Boom length — 6.1 m boom | 20 ft | 6.1 m | 760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Boom Height (at SAE 1.22 m (4 ft) overhang) 6.1 m (20 ft) boom | 22 ft 2.9 in | 6.78 m | 760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Shoe Width | 2 ft 6 in | 760 mm | 760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
What the specifications mean
Published tractor length and operating height do not establish the fully assembled transport envelope. Boom and counterweight position must be resolved for the actual shipping arrangement.
Maximum lift capacity and boom dimensions cannot be combined into an assumed lift point. Use the serial- and configuration-specific manufacturer load information for the planned radius and setup.
Configuration intelligence
Configurations & specification differences
These observations are scoped to the cited generation and region. They are not a list of valid option combinations.
| Record | Verified observation | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Reference configuration | 760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang. | PL72 AEHQ7513-02, C9.3 Tier 4 Final/Stage V literatureNorth American manufacturer reference |
A brochure configuration is not an individual marketplace machine. Serial/PIN and build information are required for exact verification.
Used PL72 inspection priorities
- Have the boom, load-handling components, winches and related structures inspected under the applicable manufacturer procedure.
- Inspect track wear, counterweight mechanism and mounting areas, and review documented repairs.
- Verify the machine identity, fitted boom and operating documents before arranging any lift demonstration.
Configuration-aware inspection: these checks are triggered by machine category, installed configuration and technology package. Brochure-listed technology must be physically present, active, licensed and calibrated on the used machine.
Hours, condition and ownership cost
Hours are context, not a condition grade. Duty cycle, idle time, maintenance evidence, wear-system measurements, structural repairs and installed technology should be evaluated together.
Cost drivers to model
- Include specialist inspection, rigging-related service and boom handling in acquisition and mobilization costs.
- Obtain a transport plan for the actual dismantled or assembled arrangement; the current tractor dimensions are insufficient for that decision.
Configuration
Equipment and configuration
Match the installed equipment to the serial-specific build record and the measurement basis shown above.
Configuration details to confirm
- Boom length
- Counterweight
- Track shoes
- Winch and hook blocks
A model specification does not establish compatibility with a particular attachment or option.
Model-reference transport profile
Transport reference
Reference measurements retain their configuration and verification status. Confirm the actual transport setup before booking.
Measurement basis: 760 mm shoes; cab/ROPS; counterweight retracted. Operating length is tractor length, not a fully assembled shipping envelope. Boom dimensions use the 6.1 m boom and stated overhang.
Reference specifications can differ from the actual configured machine. Confirm dimensions and weight before booking transportation.
Confirm or replace before a transport request
- actual weight
- actual travel length, width and height
- attachments and removable work tools
- bucket, blade, carriage or boom position
- loading condition
Source provenance
First-party sources and verification notes
Only manufacturer-authored records are linked publicly. Provisional measurements remain marked until a matching first-party record is confirmed.PL72 manufacturer specifications
North American manufacturer reference · official technical document · accessed September 6, 2026 · status: Manufacturer verified