Two novice operators and two expert operators took on slot dozing, truck dump spreading/grading in sand, and side slope work. To demonstrate just how much these built-in technology features help, Caterpillar put them to the test.

The cab is Third Party Grade Control Ready, equipped with CAN interface, harness pass throughs and mounting features to make it easier to install the grade control system of your choice.Ĭat Assist and Grade technologies work in the background to help dozer operators of varied skill levels and are especially beneficial to less experienced operators.

Already invested in a grade infrastructure? You can install grade systems from Trimble, Topcon, and Leica onto the machine.

All Cat Grade systems are compatible with radios and base stations from Trimble, Topcon, and Leica.

Grade operator interface is intuitive and easier to use: 10-inch (254 mm) touchscreen, Android OS platform, operates like a smart phone.Track steering is used under light loads and blade tilt steering may be added under heavy loads. Stay on curb lines, centerlines, bottom of slope, etc., without operator effort. Automatically follow guidance lines from design plans with Steer Assist 3D.Cat Grade with 3D has no masts – low profile antennas are integrated into the cab roof and GNSS/GPS receivers are mounted inside the cab for better protection.Factory integrated Cat Grade with 3D uses GNSS/GPS to control the blade so you can get to design plan faster.*Feature not operational indoors or in areas where GPS signal is not available. Attachment Ready Option (ARO) provides wiring and mounting provisions for dealer installation of Grade with 3D, Accugrade, UTS, or other grade control systems.Slope Indicate is included in the main machine display and shows side slope and uphill/downhill grades to help operators with slope work.AutoCarry automates blade lift to help you maintain consistent blade load and reduce track slip.*.Traction Control automatically reduces track slip to save you time, fuel and track wear.*.Actively monitors machine load and track slip to help you reach optimal pushing capacity.* Blade Load Monitor gives you real-time feedback on current load versus the optimal blade load based on your ground conditions.Stable Blade works seamlessly with operator inputs to help produce a smoother surface when operating manually.Helps reduce operator fatigue by automatically maintaining straight travel with light loads or heavy loads on flat ground and side slopes. Steer Assist automates track and blade tilt steering.For machines with 3D, operators can easily switch back and forth from full 3D automatics to Slope Assist. Cat Grade with Slope Assist™ automatically maintains pre-established blade position without a GNSS/GPS signal – no additional hardware or software needed.Seasoned operators can enjoy reduced effort and fatigue, along with faster, more accurate results. Some blade and steering functions are automated so newer operators can work at productivity levels closer to their veteran counterparts. Much as an old car can seem quaint as compared to modern one, the old D9 set the stage for the crawler tractors and bulldozers that we have today.Assist features help make work easier, especially for less experienced operators. When we look at the 108,000lb version of the Caterpillar D9 today as compared to this open cab, comparatively small machine, the old one almost seems quaint. A single turbocharged diesel engine that made around 300hp when introduced and well over 300hp over time was hooked to a torque converter drive transmission, and innovative developments in the track drive system to make it easier and more efficient to use than anything else on the market. The D9 was a response to this machine and it was better in every respect. The downside was that the thing was ungainly and it sucked down fuel with two Detroit Diesel engines running at once. Euclid had changed the game by effectively mounting two of their dozers side by side in the same chassis and with two engines, creating something more huge and powerful than the world had ever seen before. It came from the 1950s and it came from a battle of increasing size and capability between companies like Caterpillar and Euclid.īack when the Caterpillar D9 was introduced it was created to battle what was then the biggest bulldozer in the world, the Euclid TC-12. Like any hulk out there, the D9 had to have come from somewhere, right? It did. In this day and age of mega-giant earthmoving machines, it is not the biggest, but it is still a massive beast that works on jobs that range from mining to highway building.

People who like big equipment know that the Caterpillar D9 tractor is one of the most well known, well developed, and widely used machines around the world.

D9 caterpillar dozer