The revolutionary D7E features an electric drive system, which in keeping with the modern approach to machine design today, is said to boost productivity and efficiency while lowering operating costs and dramatically reducing fuel consumption. 
According to Cat Product Link data, customers using the D7E have already saved more than 1.3 million gallons of diesel fuel when compared to the previous D7R model. “With diesel costing over $3.50 a gallon in the U.S. and even higher in Europe, this equates to several million dollars going directly to our customers’ bottom line.” said Worldwide Tractor Product Manager Scott Johnson. Mr Johnson continued, “This financial benefit, as well as the corresponding reduction in emissions, will compound as field population continues to grow.” 
The first customer unit was dispatched in December 2009. Since then, an ever-increasing number of D7E dozers have been working in a wide range of applications throughout North America and Europe. The first D7E has recently arrived in Australia as well. 
K&E Excavating of Salem, Oregon, tried a D7E for the first time during a visit to Peoria earlier this year, and purchased a machine shortly after that. “We like to operate with the very latest technology and the D7E fits right in.” said K&E President Kerry Kuenzi. “We have hired, and retained, very good employees because we run newer equipment. 
In their own jobsite applications, Kuenzi says they have found the D7E to be quicker and more powerful than their D7R, and in their own carefully measured side-by-side comparisons, “the new D7E burns half the fuel of our D7R,” he said. “We run strictly Cat equipment. In our opinion it’s the best quality and best brand around, and our dealer Peterson Machinery – provides us with excellent back up and service. 
Pre-production studies suggested that the D7E would provide 10 – 30 percent better fuel economy over the previous D7 model, depending on application.
“Customer satisfaction with this machine has been outstanding,” Johnson said. “Whether the machines are working in construction, oil and gas or on landfill applications, the reliability has been fantastic and the reduction in fuel use has been in line with, and often even better than, initial customer expectations.” 
The newly completed 500th unit is heading for a customer in Finning Canada’s territory.
The D7E photos accompanying this post were taken during the Digger Blogs visit to Caterpillar’s Demonstration and Learning centre in Malaga, Spain, last year.
