Fuel sipping dozer

178 Caterpillar claims customers can cut costs on earthmoving contracts when employing the latest D6R bulldozer. The machine is said to offer low fuel consumption and reduced downtime due to ease of maintenance and is aimed at contractors operating in developing nations. At the same time Cat claims the D6R is also highly productive, durable and reliable. The D6R features a power-shift transmission, differential steering, heavy-duty undercarriage, high comfort cab and a range of blade types. The D6R is certified to China's Stage 2 and the EPA Tier 2/EU Stage II regulation limits. The D6R weighs 18.7tonnes and is rated at 130kW with standard undercarriage, and 145kW with either the low-ground-pressure or extended-length undercarriage.

For efficient, reliable engine cooling in high ambient temperatures, the D6R has a modular radiator, with durable copper-nickel cores for effective two-pass cooling. The engine drives a Cat torque divider coupled with a planetary power-shift transmission. The torque divider provides added efficiency by transferring 30% of the power directly to the drive train, while the remainder is transferred through the torque converter. The machine also has the firm's proven differential-steering system, which allows full power to both tracks in turns for precise steering and maximum material retention.

Because the system allows the tracks to turn at different speeds with full power, the operator can easily maintain straight-line travel when benching or working across slopes. Power is transferred to the tracks via the D6R's elevated sprockets, which are driven by heavy-duty planetary final drives. The D6R is available with five undercarriage choices, heavy duty, low ground pressure, extra long and the firm's SystemOne package. The SystemOne undercarriage option further undercarriage life and reduces operating costs in many applications. Blade choices for the D6R include semi-universal, straight and angle types, all using proprietary Cat high-density steel for long life and durability. Push arms bring the blade close to the machine for blade penetration and machine balance. A fixed-parallelogram ripper is available, as is a counterweight for use in applications not requiring ripper or a winch.