- Caterpillar D8
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Caterpillar D8 
A Caterpillar D8T in use by the U.S. Navy SeabeesManufacturer Caterpillar Production 1935-2004 Length 186 in. Width 101 in. Height 84 in. Weight about 80,000 lbs depending upon year, model and accessories. Propulsion tracks Type bulldozer 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.
Contents
History
- 1935: RD8 introduced.
- 1937: The "R" prefix dropped, D8 debuts.
- 1940s: 2U Series D8 introduced; engine power of 132 hp improved to 148hp.
- 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 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 285hp 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.
In the Media
The RD8 appeared as the 'Earthworm RD8' in the Joe E. Brown movie 'Earthworm Tractors' (1936) with background shots of the Caterpillar factory.
See also
- Heavy equipment
- G-numbers U.S. Army Cats
References
- TM 9-2800 military vehicles
- SNL G153 heavy tractor
External links
- Caterpillar D-Series Track-Type Tractors - Official Caterpillar website
Categories:- Caterpillar vehicles
- Tractors
- Tracked vehicles
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