RAK Machineries has started an important program of pipe-layers conversion since 2005. To date about 50 Caterpillar crawler tractors (D7G, D8K and D9H) have been converted into fully hydraulic drive pipe-layers using Midwestern kits.

Such program has been developed in association with Equipment Investco (Associated Members of IPLOCA) and met a great success with all our clients worldwide.

Converted pipe-layers provide equivalent lifting capacities to the same classes of Caterpillar factory made units. Machines are prepared (bare tractor rebuilt works & hydraulic kit installation) in RAK Machineries LLC workshop in the UAE and tested by a third party institute to verify compliance with the requirements of ANSI/ASME B30.14-2005 applicable standards for side-boom tractors.

The models available with us are:

• M572 with 40 tons lifting capacity (90,000 lb)
• M583 with 63 tons lifting capacity (140,000 lb)
• M594 with 90 tons lifting capacity (200,000 lb)

Converted machines offer the best cost effective compromise to pipeline contractors giving the old low-drive tractors advantages combined with hydraulic technology, enhanced safety devices and simplified manoeuvrability for the operators.