Caterpillar’s D8 XE bulldozer is said to offer high efficiency and performance. The machine shares many components, such as the engine, with the existing Next Generation D8 dozer with a conventional mechanical drive but offers even higher efficiency and productivity. According to the firm, the new diesel-electric variant typically runs the engine at a lower rpm (1,400-1,500rpm instead of 2,100rpm) and offers a fuel saving of up to 10% over the conventional model. Combined with the increased productivity, this delivers an overall efficiency gain of up to 18%, depending on the application. Product manager Corey Metz said: “You can get more work done in the same time.”
The single electric motor is mounted onto the drive system and the machine retains the proven differential steering, allowing high manoeuvrability. The electric-drive system, meanwhile, shares many components with the smaller D6 XE already available. Because of the diesel-electric drive, the new D8 XE offers a smoother transition between speed ranges than the conventional D8.
