The new Caterpillar D7 dozer, replacing the D7E Caterpillar bulldozer, features a high-drive undercarriage, fully automatic four-speed transmission designed to continuously adjust for optimum power, and the Cat C9.3B engine rated at 265 horsepower. The new Caterpillar dozer has a standard operating weight of 65,644 pounds, and, according to Caterpillar, moves up to 8 percent more material per hour than its predecessor. A larger, redesigned cab, common with the D5 and D6/D6 XE, features a 10-inch touchscreen operator interface and a standard high-definition rearview camera display. Caterpillar’s Slope Indicate grade-control system, showing machine main-fall and cross-slope, is standard with the premium display package.
The Caterpillar AccuGrade Ready Option (ARO) with Assist is a grade-ready package bundled with basic blade control and a new set of assist features that work in the background to assist operators, says the company:
Cat GRADE with Slope Assist provides basic blade positioning assistance without added hardware or a GPS signal.
- Factory Attachment Ready Option (ARO) provides optimal mounting locations, brackets, and hardware to accommodate any brand of grade-control system
- Blade Load Monitor provides real-time feedback on current versus optimal blade load to optimize blade capacity
- Second-generation Stable Blade works with operator blade inputs for smoother surfaces
- Traction Control automatically reduces track slip
- AutoCarry automates blade lift to help maintain consistent blade loading and further reduce track slip
Caterpillar promotional video highlights the new Caterpillar dozer
Users also can add factory integrated Cat GRADE with 3D with inertial measuring units (IMU) to provide greater speed and accuracy without position-sensing cylinders. Small antennas are integrated into the cab roof for protection, and GPS receivers are mounted inside the cab. A 10-inch GRADE operator interface works like a smart phone, says Caterpillar, simplifying its use. Android OS platform allows installation of custom apps for added versatility.
The Caterpillar bulldozer is also remote-control-ready, integrating required components into machine systems, and an external connector allows dealer installation of a plug-and-play roof-mounted remote-control unit. Cat COMMAND for Dozing offers line-of-sight control using an over-the-shoulder console, or a non-line-of-sight option using the Cat Command Station.
Caterpillar dozer specifications
- Product Link collects data automatically from equipment assets—any type and any brand—which can be viewed online through web and mobile applications
- VisionLink, Caterpillar’s online interface, allows dealers to configure a customized subscription, available with cellular or satellite reporting, or both
- Cat App allows managing equipment from a smartphone
- Remote Troubleshoot allows Cat dealers to perform diagnostic testing remotely
- Remote Flash updates on-board software without a technician being present
- Application Profile and Operator ID save preferred machine settings
- Machine Security—Passcode provides an optional, additional level of security by requiring an operator to enter an ID before the machine will start
The D7 is available in standard or low-ground-pressure configurations, with a range of blade and track shoe choices to equip the machine for the application. The D7 also can be ordered with specialized guarding for landfill work or for forestry applications. An available impact-resistant cab and application-specific undercarriage also are available, as is a range blades, including a semi-U (9.7 cubic yards), LGP straight (8.1), angle (5.4), LGP angle (6.2), universal (11.2), and universal landfill (21.7).
