Caterpillar D8
| Caterpillar D8 | |
|---|---|
 A U.S. Navy Seabee Caterpillar D8T | |
| Type | bulldozer |
| Manufacturer | Caterpillar |
| Production | 1935-2004 |
| Length | 186 in (470 cm) |
| Width | 101 in (260 cm) |
| Height | 84 in (210 cm) |
| Weight | about 80,000 lb (36,000 kg) depending upon year, model and accessories. |
| Propulsion | tracks |
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.
History
- 1935: RD8 introduced.
- 1937: The "R" prefix dropped, D8 debuts.
- 1940s: 2U Series D8 introduced; engine power of 132 hp improved to 148 hp.
- 1950: D8 new front-rounded grill that would last until D8K was replaced by D8L in 1982.
- 1955: 1H Series D8 ends production; 191 hp D8E and D8D introduced with new 1,246 cubic inch displacement (CID) D342 diesel engine. D8D had a torque converter and D8E had a direct drive transmission.
- 1956: D8D replaced by D8G.
- 1956: D8E replaced by D8F.
- 1958: 235 hp D8H introduced.
- 1965: Power increased to 270 hp
- 1974: 300 hp D8K replaced the D8H.
- 1982: 335 hp D8L replaced D8K. The D8L was the first D8 with the elevated drive sprocket undercarriage.
- 1984: D8L SA (special application) for farming applications premiers. Available with a Three point hitch, for mounted implements.
- 1987: D8N at 285 hp which was unveiled at CONEXPO '87 in Las Vegas. It also had a differential steer transmission — the first track-type Caterpillar tractor to have one.
- 1996: 305 hp D8R replaced D8N.
- 2000: D8R Series 2 replaced the D8R.
- 2004: 310 hp D8T ACERT replaced D8R Series 2.
Blades
Several types of bulldozer blade can be used on the front of the tractor:
- straight blade ("S-Blade"): A short blade with no lateral curve and no side wings. It can be used for fine grading
- angle blade: held by an U shape frame that has three holes on each side, to set the blade to 3 positions: right, center, and left.
- universal blade ("U-Blade"): A tall and very curved blade with large side wings to carry more material
- "S-U" combination blade: A shorter blade with less curvature and smaller side wings
People use various other blade types, including landfill U-Blades, woodchip U-blades, and two-way blades for work inside the holds of ships.
See also
- Heavy equipment
- G-numbers U.S. Army Cats
- Caterpillar D9
- Caterpillar D7
- List of Caterpillar Inc. machines
References
- SNL G153 heavy tractor
External links
- Caterpillar D-Series Track-Type Tractors - Official Caterpillar website
- Caterpillar D8R Series II Track Type Tractor, (Bit-Ends, Edge-Cuttings, Protector and Tip Ripper
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