Cat dozers are undergoing a name change

cat d6 dozer

Cat is changing the nomenclature of its dozer lineup.

The simplified naming of its machines aims to better align with faster product development cycles and make it easier for its customers to do business with the company.

The revised dozer naming begins with the D6 and D6 XE. Both dozers were unveiled at Caterpillar’s annual year-end press briefing in Peoria, Illinois in November. The Cat D6 XE is the world’s first dozer equipped with a high drive electric drive powertrain.

All dozers will be released with their new nomenclature by 2021.

Current and future nomenclature

  • D3K becomes the D1
  • D4K becomes the D2
  • D5K becomes the D3
  • D6K becomes the D4
  • D6N becomes the D5
  • D6T becomes the D6
  • D7E becomes the  D7
  • D8T becomes the D8
  • D9T becomes the D9
  • D10T becomes the D10
  • D11T becomes the D11

Check out our used heavy equipment listings here.


The D6 and D6 XE are also the first Caterpillar machines to feature the new “Cat Modern Hex” trade dress.

The Cat Modern Hex design combines the traditional Cat trademark and product model names with a bold, three-dimensional red hexagon and grille pattern.

The red colour is a throwback to the graphics used on the company’s first crawler tractors in 1925.

cat caterpillar dozerThe history of Cat tractors

  • 1904 – 40HP Steam Holt develops the first successful track-type tractor with the caterpillar name.
  • 1919 – CL Best 60 creates the tractor layout that is used for years to come.
  • 1925 – Holt and Best merge to form the Caterpillar Tractor Company.
  • 1931 – The Caterpillar Diesel Sixty becomes the company’s first diesel tractor and adopts the Hi-Way yellow colour.
  • 1945 – Caterpillar begins manufacturing its own line of bulldozer blades and controls.
  • 1955 – The Cat D9 features turbocharged engines and torque converter.
  • 1959 – Powershift transmission is introduced.
  • 1978 – The elevated sprocket and bogey undercarriage in introduced on the Cat D10.
  • 1987 – Differential steering is introduced.
  • 2009 – The D7E is introduced with electric drive.