Caterpillar D6

The Caterpillar D6 track-type tractor is a medium bulldozer manufactured by Caterpillar Inc.Caterpillar first introduced the D6 in 1959 with the D6B. I worked on Caterpillar D6 tractors in 1955, so I am sure the preceding sentance is incorrect. The D6C was next in 1963.The 140hp D6D was introduced in 1977. The D6H was introduced in 1986 along with 3 other H-Series track-type tractors. This was the first D6 with Caterpillar's elevated drive sprocket undercarriage. The D6R replaced the D6H in 1996. Since 1996 the D6K at 125hp and 28,409,the D6N at 150hp and 36,497 and the D6T at 165hp at 46,690 all have been introduced.The D6, with 185hp of gross power and an operating weight of 18 tons is in the middle of Caterpillar's track-type tractors.

It is primarily used to move material short distances or through challenging terrain. The vehicle is powerful, yet small and light weighing 16 to 20 tons (18 to 23 short tons) depending on configuration. This makes it ideal for working on very steep slopes, in forests, and for backfilling pipelines safely without risking damage to the pipe.

A low ground pressure version is also available with extra wide tracks to provide low ground pressure which allows working in muddy areas without sinking.

Dozer blades

The dozer blade on front of the tractor can come in different varieties:
*A Straight Blade ("S-Blade") which is short and has no lateral curve, no side wings, and can be used for fine grading.
*A Universal Blade ("U-Blade") which is tall and very curved, and has large side wings to carry more material.
*A "S-U" combination blade which is shorter, has less curvature, and smaller side wings.
*A Variable Pitch Angle and Tilt ("VPAT") is a straight blade which has the ability to change the pitch of the blade (leaning forward or backwards) as well as the ability to hydraulically raise, tilt and angle the blade. This configuration is typically used in fine grading applications.

Rear Attachements

The rear of the machine can be outfitted with various work tools to compliment the front blade.
*The rear of the machine can have large slabs of steel to add weight to the rear of the machine to aid in heavy dozing applications.
*A hydraulic winch can be outfitted on the rear of the machine for towing or pulling.
*A ripper with a single or multiple shanks can be added to the rear of the machine to break up hard soil or rock
*A towed scraper can be attached to the rear hydraulic system.

ee also

* Civil engineering
* Engineering vehicle

External links

* [http://www.cat.com/cda/layout?m=111782&x=7 Caterpillar D-Series Track-Type Tractors] - Official Caterpillar website
* [http://buildandquote.cat.com/ Configure your own Caterpillar Track-Type Tractor] - from the official website