Caterpillar D8

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A Caterpillar D8T in use by the U.S. Navy Seabees

The Caterpillar D8 is a large track-type tractor designed and manufactured by Caterpillar.

Though it comes in many configurations it is usually sold as a bulldozer equipped with a detachable large blade and a rear ripper attachment.

The RD8 first appearred in 1935.The model D8 first came about in late 1937 with the R prefix being dropped.1941 brought a product improvment to the D8.The 2U Series D8 came out shortly after the 2nd World War ended.This D8 was 132hp and was eventually kicked up to 148.In 1950 the D8 acquired a new fron rounded grill that would last until the D8K was replaced by the D8L in 1982.The 1H Series D8 would run would ends in 1955.The year 1955 brought a pair of D8s the D8E and the D8D.The D8D had a torque converter and the D8E would have a direct drive transmission.The D8 would also get a new 1,246 cid D342 diesel engine.Both D8s were 191hp.A year later the D8D was replaced by the D8G and the D8E was replaced the D8F.The 225hp D8H was introdued in 1958 and was puched up to 270hp in 1965.The new 300hp D8K replaced in 1974.In 1982 the 335hp D8L replaced the D8K.The D8L was the first D8 with the elevated drive sprocket undercarriage.A sceond model was introduced in 1984 called the D8L SA(special application) which was for farming applications.The next model was the D8N at 285 which was shown at Conexpo 87 in Las Vegas.This was introduced and was a new model.It also had a differential steer transmission which the first track-type tractor in Caterpillar history to have one.The 305hp hp D8R replaced the D8N In 1996.The D8R Series 2 replaced the D8R in 2000.The 310hp D8T ACERT replaced that D8R Series 2 in 2004.==Bulldozer blades== Several types of bulldozer blade can be used on the front of the tractor:

A straight blade ("S-Blade") which is short and has no lateral curve, no side wings, and can be used for fine grading
An angle Blade: The most common type that it is used on Canada and in Bolivia. The angle Blade is held by an U shape frame that has 3 holes on each side, to set the blade to 3 positions: to the right center and left.
A universal blade ("U-Blade") which is tall and very curved, and has large side wings to carry more material
An "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.