In this report, we hear from major manufacturers about the latest advancements in dozers for 2024.
Features such as electrohydraulic controls, 2D and 3D machine control and designs to make operation easier are becoming more prevalent on the newer earthmovers – not only to improve productivity but to help less experienced operators.
Case
Case Construction Equipment’s M Series dozers include electrohydraulic blade control, which reduces overall operator fatigue while increasing productivity, as a standard feature on all but the 650M.
Shuttle (forward-to-reverse), steering and blade sensitivities can be customized to operators’ preferences, experience levels and site conditions:
- Smooth for very deliberate movement;
- Moderate for regular operation;
- Aggressive for fast and immediate response.
Case dozers can be outfitted with a full range of 2D and 3D machine control systems. Owners can include their choice of factory-fit machine control in the initial purchase. Case Universal Machine Control provides compatibility with machine control from Leica, Topcon or Trimble.
Case hydrostatic drive and advanced load management systems automatically respond to loads to reduce track speed and increase torque or increase track speed and reduce torque for optimal power and efficiency.
Floor-to-ceiling glass, a low sloping front hood and low-profile front idlers are designed to maximize visibility.
Caterpillar
Cab technology will now be common to all six models. Shared features include better seating, better monitors and built-in ROPS, rather than separate posts, for improved visibility.
“The new D8 feels like a D6 in its visibility and maneuverability,” says Sam Meeker, market professional, Caterpillar.
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Advanced Cat Assist with ARO has been brought up from the five smaller models to the D8. Among the many features of Cat Assist with ARO, five stand out:
- Stable Blade now controls both lift and tilt with the ability to set responsiveness for improved finishes.
- AutoCarry automatically maintains full blade loads and has a floor setting to prevent digging below the last blade position commanded by the operator.
- Blade Recall returns the blade to a preset position with just the press of a button and is especially helpful at the beginning of each pass.
- Application Profiles are built-in factory presets accessed via a dedicated keypad button and are separate from operator profiles.
- AutoRip automatically adjusts ripper depth, shank position and track speed for optimal performance (only on D7 and D8 when equipped with dual-axis ripper).