Caterpillar D4C XL Series III Overview

[MikePhua]

The Caterpillar D4C XL Series III is a compact yet formidable crawler dozer produced during the early to mid-1990s. As part of Cat’s medium small-dozer lineup, this model combines impressive power with agility. Caterpillar, founded in the early 20th century, evolved from steam traction engines to industry-defining earthmoving equipment. The D-series dozers build upon a lineage reaching back to the 1930s, where their RD4 predecessor marked Caterpillar's diesel venture . The D4C XL III inherits that heritage—an efficient machine, weighing around 16,442 lb, with operating weight pushing into the 16,500 lb range for XL variants .
Engine Power and Performance
Under the hood sits a Cat 3046 six-cylinder diesel engine, naturally aspirated, with a displacement of approximately 305 cu in (near 5 L). It delivers about 88 hp gross and roughly 80–81 hp net at 2,400 rpm . Its fuel system uses direct injection, enhancing efficiency and reducing maintenance, and includes glow-plugs for reliable cold starts .
Powertrain and Transmission
The standard configuration uses a power-shift transmission with three forward and three reverse speeds, reaching forward speeds near 6.9 mph and similar in reverse . An XL Hystat variant employs a dual-path, closed-loop hydrostatic drive—smoothly variable up to 5.6 mph forward or reverse—with each track driven by a separate hydraulic circuit .
Hydraulics and Blade Capacity
The hydraulic system employs a gear-pump setup with relief pressure around 2,500 psi and flow up to roughly 18 gpm . A straight blade spans about 9 ft, holds approximately 2 cubic yd of material, tilts and angles at up to 25 degrees, and cuts nearly 18 in deep . Notably the VPAT (Variable Pitch Angle Tilt) blade introduced bulk tilt control and stronger moldboard action .
Dimensions and Undercarriage
Key dimensions include a width over tracks of about 6.4 ft, a length with blade near 13.1 ft, ground clearance around 1.2 ft, and ground contact length about 7.3 ft . The undercarriage features 18-inch track shoes (16 in in some specs), 41 shoes per side, and 7 rollers per side, yielding a contact area of ~3,130 in² and ground pressure around 5.3 psi .
Operator Controls and Comfort
The Hystat version offers joystick controls allowing smooth speed, direction, and steering with minimal effort—ideal for long hours onsite . An optional pressurized cab, ergonomic seat, and backlit console enhance operator comfort and reduce fatigue.
Maintenance and Serviceability
The D4C XL III was designed with service in mind—spin-on filters, easily accessible oil and fuel filters, and a fuel/water separator behind hinged doors make maintenance user-friendly . The remote grease fittings facilitate lubrication of pivot points. In hydrostatic models, external final drives simplify maintenance by isolating heavy components from shock loads .
Small Anecdote
A long-time operator once noted that the D4C “plows like a big cat in a small cage” — it may be compact, but it carries confidence where space is tight. On a landscaping job, the low ground pressure let it glide over wet turf without deep ruts—a testament to thoughtful undercarriage design.
Suggested Usage and Solutions
Operators might fit the XL undercarriage for better flotation in soft ground and the hydrostatic drive for fine grading. Routine checks of track tension—adjusting to reduce wear—and using high-quality hydraulic fluid help preserve performance. For cold climates, ensure glow-plugs and cooling system are maintained to avoid cold start delays. If sluggish turning or skipping tracks occur, inspect rollers and shoe wear closely—replacement of worn parts can restore steering responsiveness.
Technical Snapshot

• Engine: Cat 3046, 6-cyl diesel, ~305 cu in / 5 L
  
• Power: ~88 hp gross, ~80 hp net @ 2400 rpm
  
• Transmission: 3-speed power shift or hydrostatic (Hystat)
  
• Weight: ~16,442 lb standard, ~16,500+ lb XL version
  
• Blade: 9 ft, ~2 yd³, 25° tilt/angle, 18 in cut depth
  
• Hydraulics: ~2,500 psi, ~17–18 gpm flow
  
• Undercarriage: 18 in shoes, 41 per side, 7 rollers, ~5.3 psi ground pressure
  

Conclusion
The Caterpillar D4C XL Series III encapsulates Caterpillar’s legacy of reliable dozers scaled for tighter job sites. With a robust 3046 engine, versatile blade control, and options for smoother hydrostatic steering, it suits construction, landscaping, and grading tasks. Designers balanced power, agility, and serviceability, giving operators a machine that’s flexible yet rugged. Whether pushing soil or grading fine surfaces, the D4C XL III delivers dependability in a compact frame.