Caterpillar has introduced its new D9 bulldozer, which replaces the Cat D9T model and offers customisable configurations to meet application needs around the world.
A statement from the construction equipment giant said the new dozer, which will be available from next month, is built on a “legacy of longevity and proven reliability in the field”, and lowers overall costs per unit of material moved by up to 3%. A new torque converter with stator clutch reduces fuel consumption by as much as 5%, and the new dozer reduces maintenance and repair costs by as much as 4%.
The new dozer is powered by Cat’s C18 engine, with a range of exhaust aftertreatment solutions available to meet Tier 4/ Stage V, Tier 2 and Tier 3 emission norms. The D9 also features differential steering for a tight turning radius and the ability to maintain ground speed while turning. The suspended undercarriage delivers more track contact with the ground for less slippage and greater productivity, says Cat.
The D9 can be equipped with a wide range of blades and attachments for a variety of applications, including production dozing, site maintenance, fleet support and ripping. According to Cat, the D9 Dozer delivers low owning and operating costs while maintaining high productivity in heavy construction, quarry and aggregates, landfill, bulk materials handling and forestry applications.
“Featuring a frame that absorbs and withstands high-impact shock loads encountered in severe applications, the new D9 offers design improvements that reduce maintenance and repair costs. The newly integrated AutoLube system results in fewer grease points to limit daily maintenance procedures. Extended filter change intervals, simple component removal and continuous fluid level monitoring also aid in further lowering operating costs,” said the Cat statement.
A new ground-level service centre provides easy access to the engine shutdown switch, access/egress lighting and optional powered ladder operation. Standard rear-view mirrors give the operator clear lines of sight to front and rear working areas. An optional four-camera system offers a 360-degree view around the machine and ripper for further safety. Other safety features include adding bottom guard retention pins and eliminating lift cylinder grease points.
The cab is a new design with advanced ergonomics, featuring intuitive controls that are easy to access and operate, says Cat. The cloth air-suspension seat adds to operator comfort and the suspended undercarriage reduces shock load transfer by as much as 50% to the undercarriage, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride. The new operator station comes fully equipped with large, high-definition touchscreen displays and new electronic architecture that is scalable to meet the customer’s technology needs.
Sensors integrated into the new Cat D9 provide access to advanced operating technology for increased machine productivity. The model comes with standard Product Link Elite and Vital Information Management System (VIMS) that provide customers with crucial dozer information like location, operating hours and machine condition as well as production information.
The available Automated Blade Assist makes use of pre-set blade pitch positions for load, carry and spread tasks to increase efficiency and reduce operator workload. The Cat AutoCarry option automates blade lift to maintain desired blade load for improved load consistency, reduced track slippage and increased productivity. An optional Automatic Ripper Control maintains ripper depth to limit track slip and allow the operator to focus on the job.
