Peoria, Ill. — In October, representatives from Caterpillar, Finning Canada and Teck Resources gathered in East Peoria, Ill., to celebrate the milestone of the 40,000th Cat large dozer rolling off the production line. Core to Caterpillar’s global identity, the current Cat large dozer line includes the D9, D10 and D11 models.
The legacy of the Cat large dozer began a little more than 40 years ago with a revolutionary elevated drive sprocket and new undercarriage design that looked unlike any dozer of its day. The groundbreaking suspended undercarriage with high drive design conformed to the ground better than standard oval tracks, helping to improve machine traction, extend undercarriage life and enhance operator comfort.
“Caterpillar transformed the track-type tractor with the introduction of the suspended undercarriage with elevated drive sprocket,” said Greg Hepler, product manager for large dozers. “This innovation, along with a long history of others, enabled Cat large dozers to set the standards for efficiency, productivity and durability.
These iconic machines will continue to define who we are and play a key role in building a better world. – Greg Hepler, CAT Product Manager
Denise Johnson, Caterpillar group president responsible for Resource Industries, handed the keys of the 40,000th large dozer to Louis DeLuca, Teck director of supply management, during the ceremony held Oct. 25. For more than 10 years, Teck has been one of the top customers in the world for Cat large dozers. The 40,000th large dozer, a 225,000-lb (102 058 kg) D11T, will operate in the Elk Valley near Sparwood, B.C., where the company produces steelmaking coal at five mines.
The world’s second-largest seaborne exporter of steelmaking coal, Teck currently operates a fleet of Cat dozers, each of these high-production machines logging up to 7,000 operating hours each year in the mines. Teck’s newest D11T will be used for production dozing, dump area support, mining shovel support and haul road development.
The milestone D11T is equipped with a Cat C32 engine, producing 850 horsepower (634 kW) and capable of moving up to 900 loose cubic meters of material per hour. Even in Teck Coal’s demanding, high-production application, the efficient powertrain ensures the material is moved at a lower cost per ton. Its rugged mainframe is designed for multiple rebuilds and lowest total cost of ownership. A host of standard and optional Cat technologies, including VIMS 3G, Automated Blade Assist, Enhanced Auto Shift and Advisor Monitoring System, increases operating efficiencies, advances safe operation and lowers costs.
For more information about Cat dozers, visit: www.cat.com.