Caterpillar D8

Caterpillar D8
File:Seabee using Cat D8T.jpg 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 11,000 lb (5,000 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 ("Syedy bhokachya-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