At a glance
Key specifications
Measurement basis: PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang.
Precision visual reference
Dimensions and working range
Published measurements for the stated configuration. Illustration not to scale.
Overall Size
Working Range
Measurement basis: PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang.
Reference details
Visual visual:model-family:caterpillar:pl83:depth · revision 1 · generated 2026-09-08
Documented model generation; decorative reference illustration · Manufacturer North American reference
Canonical reference: heavyeq.ca/specs/pipelayers/caterpillar/pl83/ · Printed from HeavyEQ.ca. Confirm the actual machine and current manufacturer documentation before transport or operation.
Dimension verification
First-party confirmation exception list
Overall transport length
The brochure lists Operating Length for the tractor footprint, but does not establish the complete assembled transport length with the selected boom stowed.
PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang. · checked 2026-09-08Overall transport width
Counterweight widths describe the tractor. The complete boom-stowage and transport accessory envelope is not established.
PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang. · checked 2026-09-08Overall transport height
Cab/ROPS height is published separately from boom height. Complete stowed-boom transport height requires confirmation.
PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang. · checked 2026-09-08Width of Standard Shoes
The detailed PL83 table prints 710 mm / 30 in, while standard equipment lists 760 mm / 30 in. Exact shoe package needs confirmation.
PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang. · checked 2026-09-08Year, generation & configuration
Model generation and configuration
- Generation / series
- PL83 / PL87 technical brochure — C15 Tier 4 Final generation
- Applicable region
- Manufacturer North American 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 PL83
- Generation / record
- PL83 / PL87 technical brochure — C15 Tier 4 Final generation
- Product status
- Production status not confirmed — status checked September 2026
- Regional scope
- Manufacturer North American reference
No verified lineage relationship published. HeavyEQ reviewed first-party sources and did not force a predecessor or successor from model numbering.
Manufacturer North American 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 Length | 17 ft 11 in | 5.45 m | PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Width of Tractor — counterweight retracted | 13 ft 6 in | 4.11 m | PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Width of Tractor — counterweight extended | 19 ft 11 in | 6.07 m | PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Height of Machine — Cab and ROPS | 11 ft 7 in | 3.53 m | PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Track Gauge | 7 ft 8 in | 2.34 m | PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Ground Clearance — per SAE J1234 | 1 ft 7 in | 0.47 m | PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
| Boom Length — selected reference | 20 ft | 6.1 m | PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft 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 4 in | 6.78 m | PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang.Manufacturer verifiedSafety-sensitive value — verify the exact machine. | Caterpillar |
What the specifications mean
Counterweight extension changes the lateral envelope. The lift plan must use the actual counterweight and boom arrangement rather than a retracted-width figure alone.
Boom height at a stated overhang is not a load rating. Match the lift curve, rigging and work position to the exact boom and machine configuration.
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 | PL83 column only; dedicated sideboom pipelayer with enclosed cab/ROPS and retractable counterweight. Working boom-height entry uses the 6.1 m / 20 ft boom at the stated 1.22 m / 4 ft overhang. | PL83 / PL87 technical brochure — C15 Tier 4 Final generationManufacturer North American reference |
A brochure configuration is not an individual marketplace machine. Serial/PIN and build information are required for exact verification.
Used PL83 inspection priorities
- Have the boom, pins, hook blocks, ropes and winch functions examined against the manufacturer procedure and the machine’s inspection history.
- Check counterweight retention, movement and track condition together; record missing plates or altered components before assessing a lifting configuration.
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 lifting-system inspections and rope replacement in ownership planning, alongside the undercarriage. General earthmoving service records are not a complete lifting-history record.
- Price relocation as a planned dismantling and reassembly operation where needed. The published operating length is not a complete assembled transport length.
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.
No transport-prefill values published for this record. Measure and weigh the configured machine.
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.PL83 / PL87 technical brochure — C15 Tier 4 Final generation
Manufacturer North American reference · official technical document · accessed September 8, 2026 · status: Manufacturer verified