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A Compact Dozer Tackles a Massive Barn Site
Over the course of two and a half days, a CAT D4G Hystat dozer was used to strip a barn building site measuring 160 by 360 feet, with an average cut depth of 12 inches. This equates to approximately 58,000 cubic feet of material moved—an impressive feat for a compact dozer in the 20,000 lb class. The D4G, part of Caterpillar’s Hystat series, features a hydrostatic transmission that allows for precise control and continuous power delivery, making it well-suited for finish grading and pad preparation.
CAT D4G Hystat Overview
The D4G Hystat was introduced in the early 2000s as part of Caterpillar’s push toward electronically controlled hydrostatic drive systems. With a net power rating of around 84 hp and a blade capacity of 2.3 cubic yards, the machine was designed for fine grading, site prep, and light earthmoving. Its compact size and maneuverability made it popular among contractors working in confined spaces or on agricultural projects.
Key features include:
The site presented challenging soil conditions: a top layer of loamy sand approximately 10 inches thick, followed by a 6-inch layer of grey clay. The clay was particularly problematic—it tended to “suck up” under the blade when too much down pressure was applied, creating sudden potholes that were difficult to detect or react to. This phenomenon is common in layered soils where moisture content and cohesion vary sharply.
To improve blade penetration and reduce clay pull-up, the operator considered adjusting the blade’s forward angle using the top turnbuckle. This technique can help the cutting edge slice rather than plow, improving control and reducing sub-surface disruption.
Fuel Consumption and Efficiency
Over 22 hours of operation, the D4G consumed approximately 320 liters of diesel fuel. This translates to roughly 14.5 liters per hour, or 3.8 U.S. gallons per hour. While higher than expected for a compact dozer, the fuel burn reflects the sustained effort required to strip dense soil across a large area. Comparatively, a CAT 943 track loader under similar conditions might consume closer to 220 liters in the same timeframe.
Project Continuation and Equipment Planning
Following the stripping phase, the team planned to rent a CAT 330C excavator to remove soil from a nearby ridge and haul it to the site. The material would be placed in 12-inch lifts and compacted to a final height of 48 inches, forming the base for a new dairy barn with a milking parlour. This multi-phase approach—strip, haul, lift, and compact—is typical in agricultural construction where soil management is critical to structural integrity and drainage.
Conclusion
The CAT D4G Hystat proved its worth by moving nearly 60,000 cubic feet of soil in under three days, despite challenging clay layers and high fuel demands. Its hydrostatic drive and blade adjustability allowed for precise control, making it a valuable tool in pad preparation. With thoughtful blade tuning and soil awareness, even compact dozers can deliver professional-grade results on large-scale agricultural sites.
Over the course of two and a half days, a CAT D4G Hystat dozer was used to strip a barn building site measuring 160 by 360 feet, with an average cut depth of 12 inches. This equates to approximately 58,000 cubic feet of material moved—an impressive feat for a compact dozer in the 20,000 lb class. The D4G, part of Caterpillar’s Hystat series, features a hydrostatic transmission that allows for precise control and continuous power delivery, making it well-suited for finish grading and pad preparation.
CAT D4G Hystat Overview
The D4G Hystat was introduced in the early 2000s as part of Caterpillar’s push toward electronically controlled hydrostatic drive systems. With a net power rating of around 84 hp and a blade capacity of 2.3 cubic yards, the machine was designed for fine grading, site prep, and light earthmoving. Its compact size and maneuverability made it popular among contractors working in confined spaces or on agricultural projects.
Key features include:
- Hydrostatic drive with infinite speed control
- Adjustable blade angle via top link turnbuckle
- Low ground pressure for minimal soil disturbance
- Ergonomic cab with enhanced visibility
- Hystat (Hydrostatic Transmission): A drive system using hydraulic pumps and motors to deliver variable speed and torque without gear shifts.
- Blade Down Pressure: The force applied by the dozer blade to penetrate and cut soil.
- Turnbuckle Adjustment: A threaded linkage that changes the forward angle of the blade, affecting cutting efficiency.
The site presented challenging soil conditions: a top layer of loamy sand approximately 10 inches thick, followed by a 6-inch layer of grey clay. The clay was particularly problematic—it tended to “suck up” under the blade when too much down pressure was applied, creating sudden potholes that were difficult to detect or react to. This phenomenon is common in layered soils where moisture content and cohesion vary sharply.
To improve blade penetration and reduce clay pull-up, the operator considered adjusting the blade’s forward angle using the top turnbuckle. This technique can help the cutting edge slice rather than plow, improving control and reducing sub-surface disruption.
Fuel Consumption and Efficiency
Over 22 hours of operation, the D4G consumed approximately 320 liters of diesel fuel. This translates to roughly 14.5 liters per hour, or 3.8 U.S. gallons per hour. While higher than expected for a compact dozer, the fuel burn reflects the sustained effort required to strip dense soil across a large area. Comparatively, a CAT 943 track loader under similar conditions might consume closer to 220 liters in the same timeframe.
Project Continuation and Equipment Planning
Following the stripping phase, the team planned to rent a CAT 330C excavator to remove soil from a nearby ridge and haul it to the site. The material would be placed in 12-inch lifts and compacted to a final height of 48 inches, forming the base for a new dairy barn with a milking parlour. This multi-phase approach—strip, haul, lift, and compact—is typical in agricultural construction where soil management is critical to structural integrity and drainage.
Conclusion
The CAT D4G Hystat proved its worth by moving nearly 60,000 cubic feet of soil in under three days, despite challenging clay layers and high fuel demands. Its hydrostatic drive and blade adjustability allowed for precise control, making it a valuable tool in pad preparation. With thoughtful blade tuning and soil awareness, even compact dozers can deliver professional-grade results on large-scale agricultural sites.
