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| Caterpillar D7 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Bulldozer |
| Manufacturer | Caterpillar |
| Production | 1938–present |
| Length | 160 in (410 cm) |
| Width | 97 in (250 cm) |
| Height | 96 in (240 cm) |
| Weight | 31,870 lb (14,460 kg) |
| Propulsion | Tracks |
TheCaterpillar D7 is a mediumtrack-type tractor manufactured byCaterpillar Inc. and most commonly used as abulldozer.
The D7 was first manufactured in 1938. A series of improved models were later produced, including the D7C in 1955, the D7D in 1959, the 160 hp (120 kW) D7E in 1961, the 180 hp (130 kW) D7F in 1969 and the 200 hp (150 kW) D7G in 1974. In 1986 the 215 hp (160 kW) D7H was the first D7 equipped with Caterpillar’s elevated drive sprocket undercarriage. The D7R replaced the D7H in 1996, followed by the D7R Series 2. The electric drive D7E entered service in early 2009, returning to a traditional ‘flat-track’ configuration for this iteration only. The high-drive design returned in 2020 with the introduction of the D7 (forgoing a generational letter under Caterpillar’s new naming system).[citation needed]
In March 2008, atConexpo 2008 held every 3 years in Las Vegas, Caterpillar introduced the D7E. This 235 hp (175 kW) D7E comes with adiesel-electric drive system powered by a 537cid C9.3 diesel engine. The C9.3 powers a generator that turns out electricity that supplies power to a pair of AC drive motors. Compared to the Caterpillar D7R Series II, the D7E was projected to deliver 25 percent more material moved per gallon of fuel, 10 percent greater productivity and 10 percent lower lifetime operating costs.
The D7R Series II at 240 hp (180 kW) power and an operating weight of around 20 tons, is in the middle of Caterpillar's track-type tractors, which range in size from theD3 77 hp (57 kW), 8 short tons (7.3 t), to theD11 935 hp (697 kW), 124 short tons (112 t). It is primarily used to move material short distances or through challenging terrain. The vehicle is powerful, yet small and light (16 to 20 short tons [15 to 18 t]) 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.
Anagricultural version without theblade andrippers is commonly used byfarmers.
Specially modified D7E's fitted withRome plows were used to clear forest in theVietnam War.[1]
TheUS Army usedarmored D7G to clearmine fields and unarmored D7G and D7H for earthworks. The armor was developed by theIsrael Military Industries (IMI). Later, the US Army developed aremote controlled version of the D7G formine-clearing applications.
TheUnited States Marine Corps replaced its fleet of D7Gs with John Deere's 850J MCT in 2009.
TheEgyptian Army operates an unknown number of armored D7R II.[citation needed]
The dozer blade on front of the tractor usually comes in 4 varieties:
Various other blade types are used including landfill U-Blades, woodchip U-blades, and two-way blades for work inside the holds of ships.
A WW-II era Caterpillar D7 is the main antagonist in the novellaKilldozer! by Theodore Sturgeon. In the 1974 TV movieKilldozer! aD9 was used instead.
