A new slew of technology package upgrades for the Cat® D4-D8 dozers has been recently introduced to further cement their positions as state-of-the-art industry-leading dozers.
Customers can now look forward to Cat Assist with ARO (attachment ready option) features (previously known as ARO with Assist), embedded as a standardised feature on newer Cat D4, D5, D6, D6 XE, D7 and D8 models.
Cat Product Specialist Sean Ho said that in introducing Cat Assist with ARO as a core proponent across the fleet of medium dozers, operators can enjoy greater productivity and efficiency while utilising them in their day-to- day work.
As part of the Cat Assist with ARO package, medium dozers will now sport the Steer Assist feature that helps operators doze straight.
“A seasoned dozing operator knows that dozing straight is a task that is far from simple,” Sean said.
“The ability to doze properly comes with years of experience that an operator would need to rack up.
“With our Steer Assist feature, we aim to reduce the skill level that an operator needs to utilise the machine properly.
“The Steer Assist feature helps the operator in the box maintain precise steering to doze as per their requirements on both flat ground and side slopes.
“For an operator, the volume and type of material pushed will vary on a case-by-case basis.
“As the blade tilt steering is automated to help push heavy loads with less effort, operators can be assured that our medium dozers will be up for the task.”
The Steer Assist feature is also complemented by the Slope AssistTM feature to maintain a consistent blade across slopes when the dozer is in operation.
This ensures consistent results across the different skill levels of operators. Automating such a function would reduce operator fatigue.
Aside from the Steer/Slope Assist, newer D4–D8 models will also come with the Traction Control feature.
“With the Traction Control Feature, operators will be able to navigate many different terrains,” Sean said.
“Reducing track slippage is important for operators who are operating the dozers in less-than-ideal soil conditions, and that is what the team here at Caterpillar is trying to achieve with the introduction of this feature.
“Reduced track slippage directly translates to reduced maintenance cost and greater fuel efficiency.”
Traction Control comes in two modes – Normal and Low Slip. Normal mode will be the recommended option for most applications whereas the Low Slip mode is recommended for applications where any amount of track slip may be undesirable.
Sean said the Traction Control feature brings about benefits beyond track slippage.
“In preventing track slippage that can cause greater track wear, changing gears frequently can cause operator fatigue,” he said.
“With the newer medium dozers equipped with Traction Control, operators get to maintain their top form even with prolonged operating hours.”
Additionally, Cat medium dozers will be equipped with the Stable Blade function that provides a precision-based finishing touch to the ground that the operator is working on.
“Stable Blade gives the operator better blade control to create their desired surface with minimal passes,” Sean said.
“Operators with varied skill levels will be able to produce their desired results easily.”
Stable Blade comes with three blade functions – Lift, Tilt or both Lift and Tilt – to suit a variety of different applications.
To better help operators create their desired surface, Stable Blade also has three different response settings – Low, Medium and High.
“Low response setting is primarily for creating smooth surfaces,” Sean said.
“Operators can also explore utilising the medium setting to create contoured surfaces. The high setting can be used for creating flat or sloped surfaces.
“In rolling out these features as standard across our line of medium dozers, the core intent is to make it easier to help operators become more productive while reducing operator fatigue.
“We believe the right way to assist operators is through automating skill-based work.
“AutoCarry is also another key feature that would be able to give operators greater control over the work they do with minimal effort.
“AutoCarry automates the adjustment of blade lift and this allows operators to scoop up a consistent, fully loaded blade with every pass.
“This means being able to move more with less fuel. But of course, no two sites are the same.
“Operators will be relieved to hear that AutoCarry is capable of adjusting the blade load for working in different ground conditions and on slopes.”
Operators can look forward to managing these settings on the Blade Load Monitor located within the cabin.
The Blade Load Monitor will be able to reflect the load capacity in three levels – Partial Load, Target Machine Load and Excessive Load.
The newer D4–D8 models will also come with another package upgrade – Cat Grade 3D. Cat Grade 3D gives operators the ability
to operate the dozers with minimal effort and maximum precision by leveraging GPS signals.
“Cat Grade 3D lets operators extract the most value out of their Cat dozers. With greater precision, operators can now get their job done in a fast and accurate manner, reducing the cost needed for unnecessary reworks,” Sean said.
These models will have the required sensors and systems built into them right from the point of purchase. This would include a 10-inch touchscreen display in the cabin.
With a 3D-ready dozer, operators who would like to opt for this optional upgrade can speedily upgrade their systems through the purchase of necessary licenses through their Cat dealers.
For more information about the new technology package upgrades for Cat Medium Dozers, contact a Cat dealer or visit www.cat.com.
NSW/ACT WesTrac 1300 881 064
VIC/TAS William Adams 1300 923 267
Western Australia WesTrac 1300 881 064
QLD/NT Hastings Deering 131 228
South Australia Cavpower 08 8343 1600
NZ TERRA 0800 93 39 39