Caterpillar D6 bulldozer goes XE – electric drive

First published in bauma Preview - March 21, 2019

Caterpillar D6 bulldozer transmissions: 4-speed fully automatic or XE high-drive electric

Caterpillar’s new D6 bulldozer comes with the choice of a 4-speed fully automatic drive or a high-drive electric transmission, an industry first, according to Cat.

The D6 automatic transmission provides increased productivity and up to 20% better fuel efficiency versus its 3-speed predecessor.

But it’s the XE electric transmission version that will offer up to 35% better fuel efficiency and increased agility compared to the previous 3-speed model D6T. The diesel engines runs at continuous lower RPM to power only the generator that produces the electricity for the drive, which means much less fuel is consumed. Constant power to the ground, continuous push and greater maneuverability mean faster cycle times.

The D6/D6 XE is available in VPAT – Variable Power Angle Tilt – or push arm configurations with standard or two widths of Low Ground Pressure (LGP) undercarriage. A variety of blade types, track shoe widths and rear attachments enable the machine to be optimised for every type of job.

Grading can be done at higher speeds with the newly designed lighter VPAT structure so machine balance is optimised for grading without the need for a rear implement or counterweight. A wide gauge LGP VPAT design, with 0.9m centred shoes, puts more track on the ground to achieve 0.73 kPa ground pressure. Wider VPAT blade and wide range of motion improve performance, especially when trenching and backfilling.

Also, a new optional finish grading undercarriage has 10 bottom rollers for smoother grades at higher speeds, even on difficult surfaces like sand and gravel.