Construction News

Fri March 29 2024

Related Information

Blade control improvements on new Cat D6K2 tractor

19 Sep 12 Caterpillar is claiming that improvements in blade control make its new Cat D6K2 ‘the best finish grading tractor in the industry’.

The ‘stable blade control’ feature supplements the operator’s blade-control input, making it easier to operate, while increasing productivity in finish grading applications. Stable blade control remains activated unless cancelled by the operator. For even more productivity, the blade pitch adjustment design has been simplified to allow the operator to adjust blade pitch, for example, selecting a more aggressive setting for hard blade loading or pitching the blade rearward for more blade carry capacity.

The new tractor unit also uses less fuel thanks to the option of Eco Modes, both forward and/or reverse that improve fuel economy by up to 22% depending on the applications.

It is powered by the Cat C6.6 ACERT engine that meets Stage IIIB and Tier 4 Interim emissions requirements and has hydrostatic drive with traction control.

Net power ratings are 97kW/130hp at 2,200rpm. The new C6.6 ACERT engine features air to air after cooling, a new electric fuel priming pump, and a passive regeneration system for emissions reduction.

New wider blades allow more ground to be covered in one pass and provide up to 8% productivity improvement in slot dozing applications, Caterpillar says. New manual adjustable pitch also allows the operator to control blade pitch fore/aft.

The K2 models are still based on the design of their K Family predecessors, with single-lever travel/steering control and single-lever blade control. The D6K2 also shares the recently introduced undercarriage improvements of the D6K. The combination of eight bottom rollers and two carrier rollers give a smoother ride and better finish grading capabilities at a higher speed, the manufacturer says.

For maximum productivity in grading and contouring work, the D6K2 can be equipped with the optional Cat AccuGrade system for automated blade control. AccuGrade can use laser, total station or satellite positioning systems as the guidance source. AccuGrade is designed to reduce the need for surveying, to eliminate rework and make the operator’s job easier when doing finish grading.

D6K2 XL specifications

Power  Rating, net, kW (hp)

97 (130)

Weight, nominal, kg (lb)

13311 (29,346)

Blade Capacity, m³ (yd³)

3.07 (4.01)

Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk

MPU
MPU

Click here to view latest construction news »