Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) announced it will unveil the first electrically driven track-type tractor this week at the CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2008 in Las Vegas.
The company said the electric drive system developed for track-type tractors 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.
"The D7E offers a quantum leap in customer value through significant productivity increases and reduced owning and operating costs," said Mark Pflederer, vice president of Caterpillar’s Heavy Construction & Mining Division. "This is another example of Caterpillar’s global technology leadership and commitment to sustainable innovation which is not only good for our customers economics, but the environment as well."
All major components of the D7E are engineered to be rebuilt or reused, according to Caterpillar Group President Stu Levenick.
"From an environmental sustainability perspective, the D7E uses substantially less fuel per hour — dramatically reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions," said Levenick. "This revolutionary design consumes fewer resources over its working life than any other track-type tractor in its class."
The D7E is in the 60,000-pound weight range and is powered by a Cat® C9 engine producing 235 horsepower. 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% 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, Caterpillar said.
About Caterpillar Inc.
With 2007 sales and revenues of $44.958 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services.
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