Electric Drive Track-Type Tractor

Logistics Insight Asia - New Products, 16/7/2008

Caterpillar’s AC electric drive track-type tractor is said to be the first of its kind in the industry. A revolutionary electric drive system developed for track-type tractors gives the D7E an a very high balance of power, efficiency, control and maneuverability.

From a performance standpoint, the D7E does more work and consumes less fuel and parts while providing customers with lower operating costs. Caterpillar plans to commercially introduce the D7E in select markets during 2009.
“From an environmental sustainability perspective, the D7E uses substantially less fuel per hour – dramatically reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions,” said Caterpillar Group President Stu Levenick.

The D7E is in the 60,000-pound (27 000-kilogram) weight range and is powered by a Cat C9 engine producing 235 horsepower (175 kilowatts). A traditional mechanical transmission is not needed, because the variable speed electric motors serve the function of a continuously variable transmission. The electric drive train has 60 percent fewer moving parts compared to previous D7s. The electric system also provides power to auxiliary components so that no engine belts are needed. The C9 engine, complete with ACERT Technology, meets U.S. Tier 3 emissions standards, and the tractor has been designed with Tier 4 in mind. The new D7E has other innovative new features including an exclusive center-post cab, beltless engine and SystemOne undercarriage.

Caterpillar Inc., www.cat.com