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The Caterpillar D9G is a classic and robust track-type tractor, well-known for its substantial power, durability, and versatility in heavy-duty earthmoving tasks including ripping, grading, and pushing. Produced during the early 1960s through the early 1970s, the D9G has remained a favorite in construction and mining industries due to its reliability and strong performance.
Engine and Powertrain
Though an older model, many D9G machines have been retrofitted or upgraded with modern operator comfort features, including:
In the late 1960s, a construction team using the Caterpillar D9G ripper on a steel mill expansion project in Illinois marveled at the machine’s ability to rip through hard clay and broken concrete layers that had caused delays to previous excavators. The machine’s durability and power enabled rapid ground preparation, reducing downtime and accelerating the construction timeline.
Summary List
Engine and Powertrain
- The D9G features a turbocharged 24.1-liter Cat diesel engine that produces approximately 385 net flywheel horsepower.
- It is equipped with a planetary power-shift transmission offering smooth gear changes and reliable power delivery.
- The dozer has a ground clearance of about 600 mm (23.6 inches) and a track gauge close to 2.25 meters (88.6 inches), providing excellent stability during ripping.
- The D9G comes with a ripper attachment capable of penetrating and breaking up hard soils, rock, or compacted materials.
- The ripper weight and configuration add to the machine’s overall ground engagement ability, making it suitable for a variety of tough ripping tasks.
- Typically, the single-shank or multi-shank ripper options help adapt to specific ground conditions and job types.
- Blade types commonly used on the D9G include semi-universal and straight blades, weighing over 10,000 pounds, efficient for heavy dozing and soil displacement.
- The undercarriage is constructed with durable rollers and track frames to withstand harsh environments and provide traction on difficult terrain.
- The track length on the ground is about 3.4 meters, improving stability and ground contact during ripping.
- The operating weight of the D9G is around 49,988 kg (110,225 pounds), depending on attachments.
- Overall length with an SU blade and single-shank ripper is approximately 8.2 meters (323.6 inches).
- Width with standard shoes is roughly 3.3 meters (113 inches).
- Height to the top of the ROPS cab is approximately 4 meters (157.5 inches).
Though an older model, many D9G machines have been retrofitted or upgraded with modern operator comfort features, including:
- Operator cabs with climate control, ergonomic seats with lumbar adjustment.
- Advanced visibility options such as rearview mirrors and optional cameras.
- Modern electronic monitoring and control systems, including touchscreen displays showing machine performance data.
- GPS-enabled Cat Grade with 3D or Autocarrier control systems to assist with precision ripping and grading.
- Breaking up hardpan, compacted soils, and rock formations.
- Preparing sites for excavation by fracturing tough ground.
- Assisting reclamation and demolition work.
- Digging trenches and trenches for utilities or pipelines.
- Road building and mining operations requiring high ground penetration force.
- Ripper: A heavy tooth-like attachment used to break up hard soils or rock.
- Semi-Universal Blade (SU): Curved blade optimized for moving material with some penetration capabilities.
- Planetary Power-Shift Transmission: Transmission type providing smooth gear shifting under load.
- Operating Weight: Total weight of the machine with standard equipment and fluids.
- Ground Clearance: Distance between the ground and lowest machine part when fully lifted.
In the late 1960s, a construction team using the Caterpillar D9G ripper on a steel mill expansion project in Illinois marveled at the machine’s ability to rip through hard clay and broken concrete layers that had caused delays to previous excavators. The machine’s durability and power enabled rapid ground preparation, reducing downtime and accelerating the construction timeline.
Summary List
- Caterpillar D9G engine: 24.1L turbo diesel, 385 hp.
- Transmission: Planetary power-shift.
- Operating weight: ~50 metric tons.
- Ripper: Robust single or multi-shank ripper for hard soils.
- Blade: SU and straight blade options.
- Dimensions: Length 8.2m with ripper, width 3.3m, height 4m.
- Suitable for heavy ripping in mining, construction, and reclamation.
- Upgradable with modern controls and GPS systems.
