Caterpillar introduce new D6T dozer

Latest Cat machine designed to deliver optimum fuel efficiency and greater productivity

THE new Caterpillar D6T dozer features a new, fully automatic transmission that is said to optimize performance and achieve fuel savings of up to 20% in heavy work and as much as 30% in light work and finish grading applications.

Cat Connect GRADE technology is available across the company’s bulldozer product line, including Slope Assist which is standard on the D6T and provides basic blade positioning assistance without the need for added hardware or a GPS signal.

The D6T dozer uses a fully automatic, four-speed power-shift transmission with an integral lock-up clutch to deliver increased fuel efficiency. The operator simply sets the desired ground speed and an Auto Shift system smoothly and automatically chooses the optimal gear and engine speed to match operating conditions.

The transmission adds a gear between first and second ranges for smooth shifting and to maintain power to the ground during load changes. The extra gear also allows the dozer to remain in the most efficient mode for a higher percentage of the time.

The D6T is powered by the fuel-efficient Cat C9.3 ACERT engine (compliant to Stage IV emissions regulations), which produces 215hp (161kW).

With the D6T dozer, customers have a broad suite of Cat Connect GRADE technologies to choose from, ranging from simple grade indicators to factory-installed GPS systems, to help operators be more productive and efficient.

For example, Cat Slope Indicate (standard) displays machine cross-slope and fore/aft orientation on the main monitor, assisting operators to work accurately on slopes, while Cat Stable Blade, (standard) complements the operator's blade-control input to achieve finish grades faster with less effort.

Cat GRADE 3D is a factory-integrated grade-control system that provides three-dimensional guidance both for production dozing and fine grading. The system features roof-mounted antennas, and the Cat AccuGrade Ready Option is included as part of the package, as is the AutoCarry system that adjusts the blade for optimum load retention.

There is also Cat AccuGrade – a dealer-installed aftermarket grade-control system that provides increased grading versatility and the ability to scale capacity to changing needs, ranging from a choice of lasers for 2D flat-plane and slope work to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or solutions using universal total stations for complex contours and precise finish grading.

Also available is the AccuGrade Ready Option that allows the machine owner to upgrade to an AccuGrade 2D/3D system, if necessary.

The D6T dozer has monitoring capability through Cat’s Product Link telematics system that provides timely, pertinent machine data such as location, operating hours, fuel usage, productivity and idle time. This information is transmitted to a secure online interface, VisionLink, which conveys the data to machine owners to help them deliver more effective asset management, improved productivity and lower operating costs.