Get FinancingAnother Look At Caterpillar’s Productive & Efficient D10 Dozer
Caterpillar recently turned a spotlight on its 77-ton (70-metric-ton) D10 heavy crawler dozer, which is designed for greater productivity and uptime than its Cat D10T2 forebear, as well as better fuel economy. The machine’s stator clutch torque converter and load-sensing hydraulics add to its efficiency and capability. The manufacturer also seeks to decrease the new D10’s cost of ownership with more durable components, longer service intervals, and various technologies. Cat previewed the D10 in fall 2021 for a mid-2022 release.
Traction & Efficiency
The D10 dozer’s elevated sprocket drive puts more power to the ground with assistance from a load-sensing hydraulic system that flows oil only when directed to, reducing parasitic draw. Its torque converter has a stator clutch which frees up the stator when torque multiplication is unnecessary, but automatically locks it under high load or retarding conditions.
Cat gives the D10 up to 20% more power in reverse gear, when the dozer changes its maximum power setting from 602 horsepower (449 kilowatts) to 722 HP (538 kW). This power boost in reverse makes downhill dozing operations more productive.
The D10 is up to 6% more efficient than the Cat D10T2 with up to 4% lower fuel consumption and up to 8% lower maintenance and repair costs. The dozer also has up to 10% better fuel efficiency than the D10T model.
Productive Technologies
Automated Blade Assist and a dual-tilt capability are standard features on the Cat D10, automating blade movement to preset load, carry, and spread positions to reduce the number of things the operator is required to control. A standard Remote Flash capability allows for scheduled wireless software updates during off-hours, while Remote Troubleshoot can decrease downtime when an issue arises in the field.
Options for the D10 include AutoCarry, which automatically manages the blade during carry operations, and Cat Grade Control 3D, which angles the cutting edge of the blade for more consistent grading. Automatic Ripper Control, or AutoRip, adjusts engine speed and ripper shank depth to minimize track slippage.
The Cat D10 can even be operated remotely with no operator in the cab, and with quick responses to wireless commands. MineStar Command for dozing technology allows remote control of the machine without a line of sight, or at up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) with a line-of-sight connection.
Mechanical Information
The Cat D10 has a 154,888-pound (70,256-kilogram) operating weight and a Tier 4 Final- and Stage V-compliant Cat C27 diesel engine. A 50% larger oil pan improves the average quality of the oil and extends oil change intervals by up to 250 hours. The D10’s single-plane cooling system provides better heat dissipation with up to 30% more resistance to plugging. A new access door makes the radiator easier to clean out for top performance.
Cat engineered the D10’s frame, major components, and powertrain to be rebuildable for a longer service life. For example, the dozer’s replaceable push-arm trunnion bearing inserts are more reliable and quicker to rebuild. Also, an optional Heavy-Duty Extended Life with DuraLink undercarriage lasts 20% to 40% longer than the standard, heavy-duty undercarriage with reduced scallop wear and an 8,000-hour bushing seal lifespan.
Source: Caterpillar