Caterpillar D6

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A Caterpillar D6R parked on a residential construction site.

A Caterpillar D6M

The Caterpillar D6 track-type tractor is a medium bulldozer manufactured by Caterpillar Inc. Caterpillar first introduced the D6 in 1959 with the D6B.The D6C was next in 1963.The 140hp D6D was introduced in 1977.THe D6H was introduced in 1986 along with 3 other H-Series track-type tractors.This was the first D6 was Caterpillar's elevated drive sprocket undercarriage.The D6R replaced the D6H in 1996. The D6, with 185hp of gross power and an operating weight of 18 tons is in the middle of Caterpillar's track-type tractors.

It is primarily used to move material short distances or through challenging terrain. The vehicle is powerful, yet small and light weighing 16 to 20 tons (18 to 23 short tons) depending on configuration. This makes it ideal for working on very steep slopes, in forests, and for backfilling pipelines safely without risking damage to the pipe.

An agricultural version with rippers replacing the blade is commonly used by farmers.

A low ground pressure version is also available with extra wide tracks to provide low ground pressure which allows working in muddy areas without sinking.

[edit] Dozer blades

The dozer blade on front of the tractor usually comes in 3 varieties:

A Straight Blade ("S-Blade") which is short and has no lateral curve, no side wings, and can be used for fine grading.
A Universal Blade ("U-Blade") which is tall and very curved, and has large side wings to carry more material.
A "S-U" combination blade which is shorter, has less curvature, and smaller side wings.