Caterpillar D9L Specifications and Features

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Posted Nov 17, 2024

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Bright caterpillar with ribbed ornamental abdomen and many legs crawling while eating thin green leaf in daylight in garden
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The Caterpillar D9L is a behemoth of a machine, with a net power of 1,400 horsepower. It's a massive excavator that can handle even the toughest jobs.

Its operating weight is a staggering 72,000 pounds, making it a force to be reckoned with on any construction site. This machine is built for heavy-duty use, with a focus on reliability and efficiency.

The D9L features a large, 10.5-foot-deep bucket that can move up to 12 cubic yards of material at a time. This makes it ideal for large-scale excavation projects.

General Information

The Caterpillar D9L is a massive machine, with a gross vehicle weight of over 230,000 pounds. It's a behemoth of a tractor designed for heavy-duty work.

The D9L features a powerful 12-cylinder diesel engine, producing 1,200 horsepower. This engine is the heart of the machine, providing the power needed for demanding tasks.

This engine is paired with a six-speed transmission, giving the operator a range of gears to choose from. Whether you're working in a dense forest or on a rocky terrain, the D9L's transmission has got you covered.

The Caterpillar D9L is a crawler tractor, meaning it has tracks instead of wheels. This design provides excellent traction and stability on uneven terrain.

Related reading: Caterpillar D5k Specs

Technical Details

Credit: youtube.com, CCM 1:48 Caterpillar D9L Track-Type-Tractor Review

The Caterpillar D9L crawler tractor is a beast of a machine, and understanding its technical details is crucial for any heavy-duty operation. Its length with a blade is 23.23 feet.

To give you a better idea of its size, the width over tracks is 10.47 feet. This is important to consider when navigating through tight spaces.

The height to the top of the cab is a significant 13.83 feet, so be sure to plan accordingly for overhead clearance. This will help you avoid any potential issues with the machine's operation.

Here are some key technical details to keep in mind:

Specifications

When looking at the specifications of a crawler tractor, it's essential to consider the job site requirements. Knowing where the tractor will be used and the job size will help you find the right specs and dimensions.

The Caterpillar D9L crawler tractor has a length of 23.23 ft in when equipped with a blade. Its width over tracks is 10.47 ft in, while the height to the top of the cab is 13.83 ft in.

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The length of the track on the ground is 11.65 ft in, and the ground clearance is 2.01 ft in. You can also find the length without a blade, which is 17.46 ft in.

Here's a summary of the key dimensions:

These dimensions will help you determine if the Caterpillar D9L crawler tractor is a good fit for your job site needs.

Standard Equipment

The standard equipment on this machine is impressive. It includes a ROPS/FOPS (Roll-Over Protection System/ Falling Object Protection System) and a sound-suppressed cab for a safer and quieter experience.

The high-definition primary touchscreen display provides an intuitive interface for operating the machine. This display is a game-changer for operators, making it easier to navigate and control the machine.

Visibility is also a top priority, with rearview mirrors and a single-pane tinted safety cab glass to ensure the operator has a clear view of their surroundings.

The air conditioner and heater with automatic climate control keep the operator comfortable, even in extreme temperatures. This is especially important for long hours of operation.

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The seatbelt is a 76 mm (3 in) retractable type with a switch for easy use. The cloth seat with air suspension provides a comfortable ride for the operator.

Window wipers with wash are available in low, high, and intermittent modes to ensure visibility in various weather conditions.

The differential steering system, including power turn, allows for precise control and maneuverability.

The entertainment radio is ready for 12V power, harness, and speakers, providing a convenient way to listen to music or other content while operating the machine.

The cab door is a right-hand swing type for easy access.

Access/egress lighting with a shutdown timer ensures the operator can safely exit the machine, even in low-light conditions.

The "operator not present" detection system is a useful safety feature that alerts others if the operator is not in the cab.

An adjustable armrest is included for added comfort during long hours of operation.

Interior LED courtesy lights and interior backlighting provide a convenient and safe way to navigate the cab.

The air conditioning condenser is cab-mounted on Tier 4 engine arrangements, but is optional on Tier 2/3 versions.

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Here's a list of some of the notable standard equipment features:

Performance & Efficiency

The Caterpillar D9L is a beast of a machine, and its performance and efficiency features are a big part of what make it so impressive. The torque converter with stator clutch automatically frees up the stator when torque multiplication is not required under low load, resulting in higher drivetrain efficiency for reduced fuel consumption.

This means you can expect better fuel economy, which is always a welcome bonus. The bogie suspension is another standout feature, allowing the track to conform to ground conditions and delivering higher traction and less slippage.

Imagine being able to tackle tough terrain with confidence, knowing that your machine is working with you to get the job done. Differential steering enables large loads, with fast and smooth maneuvering.

Here's a quick rundown of the key performance and efficiency features:

  • Higher drivetrain efficiency for reduced fuel consumption
  • Higher traction and less slippage with bogie suspension
  • Fast and smooth maneuvering with differential steering

Operator Experience

The operator experience is top-notch on the Caterpillar D9L. The cab is unparalleled, with enhanced ergonomics, a fully adjustable air suspension seat and automatic temperature control.

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You'll notice a significant reduction in vibrations and shocks while operating the D9L, thanks to the suspended undercarriage, which absorbs impact and reduces shock loads transferred to the undercarriage by up to 50% for a smoother, more comfortable ride.

Low-effort electronic steering, ripper and dozer controls are easily accessible and provide sure, precise maneuvering.

Operator Comfort

The operator comfort of a machine is crucial for a productive and enjoyable experience.

The cab is designed with enhanced ergonomics, providing a comfortable workspace for the operator. This includes a fully adjustable air suspension seat and automatic temperature control.

A smoother ride is also a priority, with the suspended undercarriage reducing shock loads transferred to the undercarriage by up to 50%. This makes a big difference in real-world use.

Low-effort electronic steering, ripper and dozer controls are easily accessible and provide sure, precise maneuvering. This is especially important in tight spaces or when working with heavy loads.

The combination of these features creates a comfortable and controlled environment for the operator, allowing them to focus on the task at hand.

Serviceability

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When you're working on a machine, you want to make sure it's as easy as possible to maintain and repair. Integrated AutoLube System reduces the need for frequent greasing, helping to lower maintenance costs by up to 4%.

Grouped maintenance points are a game-changer, minimizing the time you spend moving around the machine to perform tasks. Ground-level access is also a huge plus, making it easier to service fluids and key electrical controls.

Remote flash technology sends alerts to your Cat dealer when software updates are available, allowing you to stay up-to-date without having to wait for a technician to arrive. This means you can get back to work faster, with minimal downtime.

Safety and Features

The Caterpillar D9L's safety features are a top priority. The operator station offers an exceptional viewing area, with a tapered hood, notched fuel tank, and narrow ripper carriage to give the operator a clear line of sight to front and rear work areas.

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The optional 360 Vision camera system and in-cab display further enhance visibility, providing the operator with a complete view of their surroundings. This is a game-changer for operators who need to navigate tight spaces or work in low-light conditions.

To make service and maintenance even safer, the D9L features ground-level access, a forward-hinging cab door, retention pins on the bottom guard, and removed lift cylinder grease points. An optional powered ladder also improves access and egress, making it easier to get in and out of the cab.

Safety

The safety features of this machine are truly impressive. The operator station offers an exceptional viewing area, thanks to its tapered hood, notched fuel tank, and narrow ripper carriage.

This design gives the operator a clear line of sight to front and rear work areas. I can imagine how much easier it is to navigate and control the machine with this kind of visibility.

Construction equipment at sunset on a beach, featuring heavy machinery and large pipe work.
Credit: pexels.com, Construction equipment at sunset on a beach, featuring heavy machinery and large pipe work.

An optional 360 Vision camera system and in-cab display further enhance visibility. This is a game-changer for operators who need to work in tight spaces or have limited visibility.

Ground-level access and a forward-hinging cab door make it easier for service personnel to perform maintenance tasks. The retention pins on the bottom guard and removed lift cylinder grease points also contribute to a safer working environment.

A powered ladder is also available as an option, which improves access and egress. This is a thoughtful feature that shows the manufacturer is committed to operator safety and convenience.

Optional Equipment

When you're looking for a safe and feature-rich machine, consider the optional equipment available. The visibility options are a great starting point, with a camera view that lets you see what's behind you, a dual camera system for an even wider view, or a four-camera setup that gives you a 360-degree view of your surroundings.

A photographer takes photos at a construction site with heavy machinery and trucks on a sunny day.
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A heated, cooled, and adjustable seat with lumbar and bolsters support can make a big difference in comfort and productivity. Entertainment options include an AM/FM radio, aux input, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The cab glass is designed with safety in mind, featuring dual-pane laminated impact safety and high-pressure safety (40 psi/275 kPa). Window sunscreens can also help reduce glare and improve visibility.

Some machines are designed with smaller operators in mind, featuring a 5th percentile mounting group for a more comfortable and accessible experience. The cab door swings to the left, and a powered ladder provides easy access to the cab.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine is in a cat D9L?

The Cat D9L is equipped with a Cat 3412 direct injection engine. This powerful engine was a key feature of the D9L's high performance capabilities.

How big is the fuel tank on a cat D9?

The fuel tank on a Cat D9 has a capacity of 963 liters or 254 gallons. It's available in two types: Splash Fill and Fast Fill.

Bettie Kirk

Writer

Bettie Kirk is a passionate blogger who loves sharing her perspectives on various topics. She has a knack for finding unique angles and gathering compelling insights that inform her writing. With years of experience in content creation, Bettie has honed her skills in crafting engaging pieces that cater to different audiences.

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