Caterpillar D8


The Caterpillar D8 is a track-type tractor designed and manufactured by Caterpillar [Inc.|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 Today, the largest in Caterpillar's medium range, it was superseded by the D9 in 1955.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 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.