CYPRESS, TX February 9, 2012 – PipeLine Machinery International (PLM-Cat) Executive Vice President and General Manager Tony Fernandez presented the newest pipelayer offering from PLM-Cat – the 72H. The unveiling was timed to coincide with the grand opening of PLM-Cat’s new World Headquarters in Cypress, Texas (suburb of Houston) on February 9, 2012.

“The 72H resulted from listening to the needs of our customers for a mid-range pipelayer and working with Caterpillar to find a solution,” said Fernandez. “What we came up with is a purpose-built pipelayer that combines the proven capabilities of the Cat D6T base tractor with the Vanguard engineering expertise in pipelayer design.”

This 90,000 lb (40 823 kg) lift capacity machine bridges the gap between the lifting capacity of the PL61 (40,000 lb/18 145 kg) and the heavy lifting PL83 (160,000 lb/72 575 kg) and PL87 (214,000 lb/97 079 kg). The 72H base tractor adaptations and pipelayer design once again utilizes the Vanguard Equipment engineering expertise (designers of the Cat 572R and 571M).

“We are pleased to offer this Tier 4 Interim/EU Stage IIIB-class machine which meets the most exacting emissions requirements in the world,” said Fernandez. The 72H requires ultra low-sulphur diesel fuel readily available throughout North America and selected European countries. Future models in this weight class will also be available with earlier version engines for operation in countries without access to the required fuel grade.

PLM-Cat was established in 2005 and is the first Caterpillar dealership to focus on a particular industry on a global basis. The company provides purpose-built and traditional construction equipment to the mainline pipeline construction industry on projects around the world. PLM-Cat works closely with pipeline owners, contractors and local Caterpillar dealers to provide solutions tailored to the unique product and service needs of this industry.