Caterpillar D8


The Caterpillar D8 is a track-type tractor designed and manufactured by Caterpillar since 1935. Today, the largest in Caterpillar's medium range, it was superseded by the D9 in 1955. Though it comes in many configurations, it is usually sold as a bulldozer equipped with a detachable large blade and a rear ripper attachment.
The model offered in 2025 is a D8 - Tier 4/Stage V, equipped with a 363 hp Cat C15 engine and an operating weight of 87083 lb.

History

  • 1935: RD8 introduced.
  • 1937: The "R" prefix dropped, D8 debuts.
  • 1940s: D8 2U Series introduced
  • 1950: D8 new front-rounded grill that would last until D8K was replaced by D8L in 1982.
  • 1953: SD8-LGP produced 1953-59 for military use in Greenland and Antarctica. The "S" indicates the frame was stretched and came with 48" or 54" wide pads with a 15'-16' blade. In 1955 Cat came out with the 286 hp motor for the new D9s and the Seabees put them in their LGPs.
  • 1955: 1H Series D8 ends production; D8E and D8D introduced with new displacement D342 diesel engine. D8D had a torque converter and D8E had a direct drive transmission.
  • 1956: D8D replaced by D8G.
  • 1956: D8E replaced by D8F.
  • 1958: D8H introduced.
  • 1965: Power increased to
  • 1970: D8 46a 48a power increased
  • 1974: D8K replaced the D8H.
  • 1982: D8L replaced D8K. The D8L was the first D8 with the Caterpillar D10#High [Drive system|elevated drive sprocket] undercarriage.
  • 1984: D8L SA for farming applications premiers. Available with a three point hitch, for mounted implements.
  • 1987: D8N with differential steer transmission, the first track-type Caterpillar tractor to have one.
  • 1996: D8R replaced D8N.
  • 2000: D8R Series 2 replaced the D8R.
  • 2004: D8T ACERT replaced D8R Series 2.

Blades

Several types of bulldozer blade can be used on the front of the tractor:
  • Straight : A short blade with no lateral curve and no side wings. It can be used for fine grading
  • Angle: held by a U shape frame that has three holes on each side, to set the blade to 3 positions: right, center, and left.
  • Universal : A tall and very curved blade with large side wings to carry more material
  • "S-U" combination: A shorter blade with less curvature and smaller side wings
Other blade types include landfill U-Blades, woodchip U-blades, and two-way blades for work inside the holds of ships.