Caterpillar Announces New 104-Horsepower D1 Crawler Mulcher

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Caterpillar’s new D1 mulcher has a lower, sloping hood that gives operators a better view of the attachment. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Caterpillar's new D1 mulcher is a 104-horsepower (77.6-kilowatt) crawler tractor designed to pair up with Cat’s HM518 mulcher frame. The combo can grind through small- to medium-diameter brush in a swath 72 inches (1882 millimeters) wide. Cat suggests it for use clearing rights of way, firebreaks, and unwanted trees and brush.

The Cat D1 Mulcher

The D1’s lower, sloping hood provides better visibility of the mulching attachment, the manufacturer says. The tractor has a strong powertrain, a closed-loop hydraulics system, and enhanced screening against debris and damage. It is outfitted with sweeps, screens, windows, and a rear guard.

Standard features on the D1 include an auto-reversing fan and toolless access to the radiator for cleaning. The machine comes with either a conventional (XL) undercarriage with a 16-in. (404-mm) track shoe width or a low-ground-pressure (LGP) version with 25-in. (635-mm)-wide tracks. An optional variable-pitch/angle/tilt (VPAT) blade is available in three configurations.

The D1’s cab is vibration-isolated, pressurized, heated, and air-conditioned. The machine’s controls are mounted on its operator’s seat, which is air-suspended. A 10-in. touchscreen monitor automatically displays the rear-view camera when reversing. A drum speed and direction indicator resides inside the cab to keep the operator informed of the load on the attachment.

A Cat C3.6 diesel engine provides the D1’s power with either Tier 4 Final/Stage V or Tier 3-equivalent emissions control packages per local regulations.

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The Cat HM518 mulching frame tackles small- to medium-diameter trees and brush in a swath 72 inches wide. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

The Cat HM518 Attachment

Caterpillar’s familiar HM518 mulcher frame has 38 fixed carbide teeth affixed to its drum with single-bolt retainers. The attachment’s closed-loop hydraulic circuit has a load-sensing system that can prevent damage to the rotor when it encounters obstructions. The drum spins at 2,150 to 2,450 rpm during operation.

The HM518 head allows for a 31-in. (787-mm) lift height, a 14.5-in. (368-mm) maximum tilt, and a 25-degree maximum turn angle to either side. Cat designed it for a long service life with cladding material in areas of high wear and bolt-on wear plates that are quickly replaceable.

Source: Caterpillar