New Caterpillar D4 Crawler Dozer Boosts Operator Visibility & Productivity, Lowers Operating Costs

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Cat recently introduced a new version of its D4 dozer, available in standard and Low Ground Pressure configurations, that provides enhanced productivity and visibility over the previous version. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Caterpillar has released a new version of its D6K2 medium dozer, now known as the D4. The D4 is available in 14.6-ton (13.2-metric-ton) standard and 15.4-t (14-mt) LGP (Low Ground Pressure) configurations, both with a new sloping hood line that provides up to 30% enhanced visibility to the area in front of the blade as compared to the D6K2. Additionally, included technologies can help boost productivity up to 50%, and longer 1,000-hour engine oil and filter service intervals can lead to 7% lower maintenance costs, Cat says.

Visibility Improved

The D4 comes with a Variable Pitch Angle Tilt (VPAT) blade, but an optional, foldable VPAT blade reduces dozer transport width. Customers can also opt for specialized guarding and an impact-resistant cab with polycarbonate windows if tackling forestry and land clearing applications. The dozer includes a Tier 4-compliant Cat C4.4 engine that produces 130 horsepower (97 kilowatts) at 2,100 rpm.

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Among the technologies available with Cat’s new D4 dozer is Cat Grade with 3D, a system that uses a GPS signal to automatically adjust lift and tilt blade movements, and that includes a 10-inch operator interface featuring smartphone-like control. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Cat says the updated D4’s 30% greater visibility gives operators a 40% shorter visual distance between the blade and material piles, which translates to less time backing up to gain a complete view. Operators are also in store for a more comfortable seat featuring an enhanced suspension, a 10-inch touchscreen main display that provides access to machine settings and features, and a high-definition rearview camera whose feed is viewable on the main display. Interior mounting locations are also in place for grade control system equipment.

Technologies Galore

The D4 comes standard with a number of efficiency-enhancing technologies, such as Slope Indicate, Stable Blade, and Traction Control. An optional package adds Cat Grade with Slope Assist, and the ability to install any brand of grade control system. Buyers can also opt to Cat Grade with 3D installed in the factory; the system uses a GPS signal to adjust blade lift and tilt automatically as an operator follows a design plan. Cat says the dozer’s ability to install Trimble, Topcon, and Leica 3D grade systems makes it an easy addition to jobsites using existing technology infrastructure.

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Cat says the new sloping hood line of the new D4 provides a better view of the area in front of the blade as compared to previous D6K2 model. (Image courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Project management technologies include Product Link, which gathers machine-related data automatically for access via web and mobile applications, and VisionLink, which makes data accessible at anytime, anywhere. Others include Remote Troubleshoot, Remote Flash, Application Profile, Operator ID, and Machine Security-Passcode.

Source: Caterpillar