Big Jobs, Big Machinery

By Gregory V. Harris, LCN Regional Editor

If you specialize in moving large amounts of materials, take a look at the D11R Carrydozer, the largest bulldozer manufactured by Illinois-based Caterpillar, Inc.

The D11R Carrydozer is a complete dozing system with all electronic controls, semi-automatic blade functions and what Caterpillar calls a revolutionary blade design. The 57-cubic-yard capacity blade carries as much as six cubic yards of material. It takes only one-tenth of the power to carry a load as it does to push it and the carried material adds to the effective operating weight of the tractor. The increased weight enables the tractor to push more material in front of the blade. The result is the ability of the D11R CD to handle very large blade loads and to produce as much as 16 percent more than a D11R equipped with a Universal blade.

The main frame has been made stronger and thicker, and the internal reinforcement plates have been redesigned; the saddle and front guard have been improved for increased life. The new tag link design now attaches the link to the back of the blade instead of the push arms, and the blade structure has been improved. The new design eliminates side loads on the tag link and ensures long connector life.

The cab features dual pane glass, added cab and platform insulation and an isolated mounting system to reduce noise levels. Heavy-duty doors seal; increased filtration and pressurization in the cab help reduce entry of contaminants. For long service life, a stainless steel air conditioner and heater box are included in the new cab arrangement. The new cab retains the wide, unobstructed view of the front, side and rear work areas.

State-of-the-Art Design

The D11R Carrydozer houses the 3508B EUI engine, electronically controlled and rated at 850 horsepower, with a 25 percent increase in torque. The fuel tank capacity is 425 gallons

Other features:

AutoShift, when activated, automatically shifts the transmission from first forward to second reverse or from second reverse to first forward when the operator makes a directional change.

The semi-automatic dozer control, the automatic blade assist, increases efficiency and reduces operator workload by automating some of the more common blade functions.

Electrohydraulic dozer and ripper controls significantly reduce operator fatigue.

The Vital Information Display System provides feedback to the operator when a mechanical problem is detected.

The blade has replaceable, hard steel wear plates and router bits for added wear resistance and additional strength.

Two ripper configurations are available: The single-shank ripper for tough penetration, and the multi-shank ripper for less severe applications or when ripping close to a wall. The multi-shank configuration offers the flexibility of one, two or three shanks. An optional counterweight is available to maintain the machine balance of a ripper-equipped tractor.

The undercarriage design maintains track roller frame alignment for extended link and roller life. The wide range of track adjustment increases usable wear life, and the tough steel sprocket segments extend sprocket and bushing life. Duo-cone seals protect idlers and rollers for long life.

For additional information on the D11R CD, visit www.cat.com.

According to Caterpillar, the D11R?EUR??,,????'???s 57-cubic-yard capacity blade carries as much as 6 cubic yards of material within its unique shape. It takes only one-tenth the power to carry a load as it does to push it.