Caterpillar D6

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The Caterpillar D6 track-type tractor is a medium bulldozer manufactured by Caterpillar Inc.

The D6, with 138 kW (185 hp) of gross power and an operating weight of 18 t (20 short tons), is in the middle of Caterpillar's track-type tractors, which range in size from the D3 57 kW (77 hp), 7 t (8 short tons), to the D11 698 kW (935 hp), 112 t (124 short tons).

It is primarily used to move material short distances or through challenging terrain. The vehicle is powerful, yet small and light 16 to 20 t (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.

An agricultural version without the blade and rippers is commonly used by farmers.

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.

[edit] Dozer blades

The dozer blade on front of the tractor usually comes in 3 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.