Caterpillar bulldozer: specifications, description and reviews

The centuries-old experience in the production of reliable and proven tractors has enabled Caterpillar to produce a multi-profile, but consistently high-quality technique that finds its application around the world. This applies to all bulldozers of the famous brand, presented in both wheel and caterpillar variations with large and small capacity.

The engine, which uses the Caterpillar bulldozer, is designed and assembled at the company's factories in separate workshops. One of the most powerful representatives of the brand (D 11) has an aggregate weighing more than 100 tons with an exhaust of 634 kW, and the owner of the most modest engine is model D 3 with a mass of 8 tons and a capacity of 56 kW.

The variety of models allows the consumer to choose exactly that Caterpillar bulldozer that he needs for a particular object irrespective of the field of application: mining, construction of complex structures or simple leveling of the surface.

Features of the Caterpillar technique

In fact, all the equipment of the company can be divided into three groups: small, medium and high power.

1. The driver of the Caterpillar bulldozer will certainly appreciate the mobility, maneuverability and optimization of the speed of small vehicles, as well as the accuracy of the layout. Such machines have proven themselves in construction: alignment of the ground surface, paving, leveling, backfilling, finishing grader work and any measures for landscaping.
2. The average Caterpillar bulldozer (D 9) provides the driver with a balanced capacity, good handling and moderate maneuverability, allowing to achieve increased productivity from machinery while significantly reducing the cost of work for the territorial unit of the area. The average type is one of the best options for most developers and the mining industry.
3. High-power bulldozer "Caterpillar" is characterized by high returns to the detriment of maneuverability. Due to the modular design of the main units and units, large equipment is relatively easy to maintain, which significantly reduces downtime.

All three types of Caterpillar equipment, from mini-tractor to the most serious and bulky bulldozer, are characterized by ease of use thanks to well thought-out ergonomics, know-how in the field of control devices and a smartly designed operator's cab.

Let's try to consider in more detail each type of technology, indicating the main advantages and disadvantages of a particular model, taking into account the opinions of experts and feedback from owners.

"Caterpillar D 6"

This model can be attributed to a group of average power. The operational mass index is about 20 tons on a tracked chassis. The Caterpillar bulldozer of the 6 series was designed and manufactured for specific work in very difficult climatic conditions, including extremely moist soils and wetlands.

The weight of the machine and the feature of the main ripper allow this technique to work out completely frozen ground at a considerable depth of freezing, where the remaining bulldozers simply can not cope.

Design Features

Also worth noting is the ergonomic and comfortable operator's cabin, which is equipped with all models of this group. It is equipped with switches for blocking all attachments, automatic transmission, a distinctive throttle model and a convenient lever for managing the blade.

In variants, the levers are equipped with a proprietary hydraulic thrust actuator, which is developed in the Caterpillar workshops. Bulldozer, whose technical characteristics allow you to perform all the "fine" work, enjoys an enviable demand for miners and builders of small settlements, and his enviable maneuverability will please any operator.

"Caterpillar D 9"

Model D 9 - one of the most common and popular types of technology companies. This heavy bulldozer has increased power levels and is additionally equipped with a rear ripper coupled with a front blade that can be easily mounted and dismantled.

The average size, durability and strength of the structure together with low operating costs have made this model the most popular caterpillar tractor in the world. Practical any problems of a mining or building nature, if not with ease, then the Caterpillar D 9 bulldozer will decide quite confidently.

The technical characteristics of the model allow you to mount the blade in the three most common variants:

1. S-category, in another way, "direct blade". The bucket is shorter in comparison with the other species and is distinguished by the absence of any curvature of the lateral links, which allows using the technique for planning and precise profiling - an indispensable option for landscape design.
2. U-category, or "universal blade". Distinctive features of the bucket are a large height and concavity of the main structure with large lateral links. Clearing and moving almost any volume of materials is an ideal option for the U-category.
3. S / U-category, or "combined blade". The bucket is slightly shorter than the previous type, has a smaller curvature of the surface and is characterized by small lateral links. For miners and the movement of large stones in quarries - a combined type - the best choice.

There are several other options for dumping, but they are less in demand and so specific that they are manufactured, delivered and assembled to order. In all other cases, all three of these types will help to cope with almost any construction or mining in the most unpretentious climatic conditions.

Owner feedback

Owners of D 9 in their reviews are extremely positive about the series, noting its versatility, ease of management and simple installation of the dump. It is transported D 9 to the place of work in the regular order without conducting preparatory procedures, which can not be avoided in more powerful bulldozers such as D 11.

"Caterpillar D 11"

The giant and miracle of the engineering idea of the company - the Caterpillar bulldozer of the D 11 series has unrivaled capacities that will amaze any operator. The main prerogative of the model is the mining industry, where it has no equal in strength.

Possessing a certain degree of versatility, the bulldozer can be converted into a multifunctional pusher or ripper of the rock. As variants of dumps, D 11 uses the same buckets as the above-described model D 9, but with the corresponding characteristics that are suitable only for this series.

Modifications

"Caterpillar D 11" is available in several modifications, and the main variation, which is in great demand in hazardous and emergency areas - is a configuration with a reinforced frame. In the company's product catalog, this option is called "Carridozer".

Customer opinions

Owners who were fortunate enough to possess such a machine speak very warmly about the capabilities and versatility of the series, noting only one significant drawback: the technique is so large - 11 meters long, 3 wide and 4.5 meters tall with a weight of more than 100 tons, That transportation becomes very inconvenient. We have to remove the frames of the ripper, pushing the beams and the blade itself.