New Cat® D6N Dozer: Light on Fuel Consumption, Heavy on Productivity

Wednesday, March 11 th, 2015

D6N walkaround and in action

The new Cat® D6N dozer delivers a 10- to 15-percent boost in fuel efficiency (compared with its predecessor model) and adds customer value with a number of new technology features that boost productivity and ease the operator’s job.

The D6N is powered by a Cat C7.1 ACERT™ engine rated at 166 net horsepower (124 kW), and meets EU Stage IV emission standards.

More Fuel Efficient

Fuel-efficiency gains result primarily from the D6N’s new direct-drive transmission, which uses a torque converter to provide the power multiplication for moving productively through the cut, as well as a lock-up clutch that allows the D6N to carry loads in direct drive for optimum fuel efficiency. Productivity gains in typical applications are estimated at up to 10 percent, compared with the previous model.

The D6N’s standard Enhanced Auto Shift system, combined with lock-up-clutch control, allows operators to select the optimum ground speed for the load being moved, resulting in further fuel savings. In addition, an electronically controlled, variable-speed demand fan automatically adjusts its speed to conserve both engine horsepower and fuel, while also significantly lower sound levels.

Cat Connect Technology

A full range of Cat Connect technologies is available for the D6N, allowing customers to choose features scaled to job-site needs and budgets. Cat Connect GRADE technologies, for example, combine digital design data, in-cab guidance, and automatic blade control, resulting in enhanced grade accuracy, reduced rework, and lower costs—whether the application is bulk earthmoving or finish grading. A number of technologies are available on the D6N, either as standard equipment (S) or optional (O) features:

Cat Slope Indicate (S) displays machine cross-slope and main-fall (fore/’aft orientation) on the primary monitor, helping operators work confidently on slopes. Cat Stable Blade (S) complements the operator’s blade-control input for attaining finish grades quicker with less effort.

Cat Grade Control Slope Assist (S) helps operators more easily achieve the required main-fall and slope orientation of the blade by automatically maintaining pre-established blade angles for the grade. The system saves time, increases finish quality, and reduces operator input.

Cat Grade Control 3D (O), available on the D6N in late 2015, is an integrated grade-control system that enables operators to improve grading efficiency, accuracy, and productivity in both production dozing and fine-grading applications. The integrated design positions antennas on the cab roof, eliminating conventional blade-mounted masts and related cables. Slope Assist and the Cat AutoCarry™ system are included in the package to further boost productivity.

Cat AccuGrade (O) is a dealer-installed aftermarket grade-control system that provides increased grading versatility and the ability to scale capacity to changing needs, providing a choice of lasers for 2D flat-plane and slope work, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) control for complex 3D cuts and contours, and/or systems using a Universal Total Station (UTS) for fine and finish grading.

Cat AccuGrade™ Ready Option (ARO) (O) is available for easily installing or upgrading to Cat AccuGrade 2D and 3D grade-control systems.

Cat Connect LINK technologies, in addition, wirelessly connect users to their equipment, providing valuable insight into machine or fleet performance. Product Link™ (the Caterpillar telematics system) is deeply integrated into machines, providing easy access to timely information, such as machine location, hours, fuel usage, idle time, and event codes. Data is available via the online VisionLink® user interface for assisting in more effectively managing the fleet and reducing operating costs.

Ease of Operation

For the operator, the new D6N has an updated cab with more leg room and wider, easier-closing doors. A smoother-shifting transmission and a quieter engine creates a more comfortable operating environment, and operator-selected electro-hydraulic mapping allows setting implement response (fine/normal/coarse) to suit operator preference or to tailor the machine to the application.

The instrument display and operator interface have been updated and are now common with other Cat dozers. Performance of the heating/ventilation/air-conditioning system is significantly improved, and an improved fresh-air filter keeps the cab cleaner. For added safety, a new seat-belt-indicator system registers a fault code through Product Link if the operator fails to buckle up.

Serviceability

The new D6N is designed for ease of maintenance, providing a ground-level service center for easy access to the electrical disconnect, hour meter and remote light switch. A single grease point for e-bar and c-frame pins is easy to reach and protected behind the engine door. The two-piece engine-compartment door conveniently opens without tools, and engine valve-lash adjustment is not required, saving time, effort, and cost.

The D6N’s emissions technology is transparent, requiring no operator action and causing no interruption of work cycles for diesel particulate filter regeneration. The diesel exhaust fluid fill location is at step level, next to the fuel tank, for convenient access when fueling the D6N.