Caterpillar’s new D9 dozer

The new D9 dozer features a new cab, Duralink  undercarriage and enhanced safety

Caterpillar’s new D9 dozer is delivering reductions in fuel consumption, maintenance costs and the overall cost to move material. 

The D9, which replaces the D9T in Cat’s large dozer lineup, is available in several customizable configurations to meet application needs around the world. 

The new Cat D9 lowers the overall costs per unit of material moved by up to 3 per cent. 

As well, efficiencies gained through a new torque converter with stator clutch reduces fuel consumption by as much as 5 per cent, and the new dozer reduces maintenance and repair costs by as much as 4 per cent.

The D9 dozer features differential steering to deliver a tight turning radius and the ability to maintain ground speed while turning. 

The Duralink undercarriage delivers 20 to 40 per cent longer undercarriage life and an 8,000-hour seal life. 

The suspended undercarriage also delivers more track contact with the ground at 1.3 cubic metres, for less slippage and greater productivity. 

Enhanced safety 

The D9 is equipped with a frame that absorbs and withstands high-impact shock loads encountered in severe applications, which reduces 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 aids in further lowering operating costs. 

Another new feature is a ground-level service centre, which provides convenient access to the engine shutdown switch, access/egress lighting and optional powered ladder operation. 

With standard rearview mirrors, the new D9 provides the operator with clear lines of sight to front and rear working areas. 

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The optional four-camera system offers a 360-degree view around the machine and ripper to further enhance operating safety. Adding bottom guard retention pins and eliminating lift cylinder grease points also bolster safety.

The cab features a new design with advanced ergonomics, as well as intuitive controls that are easy to access and operate and a cloth air-suspension seat for operator comfort throughout the entire shift. The suspended undercarriage reduces shock load transfer by as much as 50 per cent, 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. 

Integrated tech 

Sensors integrated into the new Cat D9 provide access to advanced operating technology for increased machine productivity. For example, Standard Product Link Elite and Vital Information Management System (VIMS) are machine management tools that provide customers with crucial dozer information like location, operating hours and machine condition as well as production information. 

Automated Blade Assist is also available, which makes use of preset 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 to improve consistency, reduce track slippage and increase productivity. 

As well, the optional Automatic Ripper Control feature maintains ripper depth to limit track slip and allow the operator to focus on the job. 

C18 engine

The new dozer is powered by the 477 hp Cat C18 engine, which has a range of exhaust aftertreatment solutions available, including configurations to meet Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V regulations and configurations equivalent to Tier 2 and Tier 3.

The D9 dozer can be equipped with any of a wide range of blades and attachments, enabling it to work efficiently in a variety of applications, including production dozing, site maintenance, fleet support and ripping. 

Companies engaged in heavy construction, quarry and aggregates, landfill, bulk materials handling and forestry applications have found the D9 Dozer an i tool for delivering the low owning and operating costs while maintaining high productivity.

The new Caterpillar D9 will be available in the fourth quarter of 2020.