Caterpillar D7

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The Caterpillar D7 track-type tractor is a medium bulldozer manufactured by Caterpillar Inc.

The D7R Series II, with 179 kW (240 hp) of gross power and an operating weight of 25 tonnes, 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.

The US Army used armored D7G to clear mine fields and unarmored D7G and D7H for earthworks. The armored was developed by the Israel Military Industries (IMI). Later, The US Army developed remote-controlled version of the D7G for mine-clearing applications.

[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.

Various other blade types are used including landfill U-Blades, woodchip U-blades, and two-way blades for work inside the holds of ships.