The new Cat D11 XE electric drive dozer is designed to help customers move more material efficiently while helping control fuel consumption and operating costs.
Delivering up to 25 percent less fuel consumed per unit of material moved and moving 5 percent to 10 percent more material per hour than the next generation Cat D11. Its electric drivetrain has 60 percent fewer moving parts than a mechanical drive system, helping simplify service and lower owning and operating costs over the life of the machine, according to Caterpillar.
Helping drive the D11 XE's productivity, efficiency and durability improvements are upgrades throughout the machine's powertrain and major systems. The Cat C32B engine operates at a lower high-idle speed to help the D11 XE deliver up to 20 percent longer life between rebuilds than the D11. The result is the most efficient and productive D11 model to date, consuming up to 20 percent less fuel per hour and producing 20 percent to 25 percent fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, added the company.
Designed to improve efficiency while reducing drivetrain complexity, the electric drive system eliminates the bevel gear used in mechanical drive systems. The engine drives a generator that sends power through an inverter to two motors, delivering clean, consistent power to the tracks.
"The D11 XE is designed to help customers get more from every hour of operation," said Luke Fischer, product application specialist for Caterpillar. "By combining the proven capability of the D11 platform with the benefits of electric drive, it delivers meaningful gains in productivity, efficiency and lifecycle value. It also reflects how far dozer performance has advanced, offering up to 25 percent greater efficiency than today's D11 and up to 40 percent greater efficiency than the first D11N introduced in 1986."
Easier Operation
With no gears to shift, the D11 XE electric drive system simplifies operation. A dedicated drive motor at each track provides power-turn capability for strong maneuverability and pryout force. By powering both tracks throughout the turn, the system enables smoother maneuvering and helps operators push more material through the turn, according to Caterpillar.
The suspended undercarriage absorbs impact and reduces shock load transfer to the undercarriage by up to 50 percent, added Cat. Accessible, low-effort electronic steering, ripper and dozer controls support precise maneuvering, while the primary multifunction touchscreen gives operators a clear view of machine performance and convenient access to operating settings.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership
The electric drive generator and motors are designed to last through two machine lives with only rebearing and resealing, reducing the investment required during every other rebuild. A modular design allows major components to be removed independently, helping streamline service and minimize downtime.
"Together, these design choices mean fewer service touches and more time available for productive work," said Fischer.
A new radiator guard and upgraded case and frame help improve durability, extend machine life and reduce maintenance downtime, according to Cat. Larger lift-cylinder trunnion bearings simplify service. Redesigned pin joints with replaceable bearings eliminate the need for line boring and simplify bearing-insert replacement on the ripper, blade and push-arm trunnions.
Proven D11 Performance
Integrated solutions help D11 XE operators work more efficiently. Available onboard features include:
• AutoCarry provides automatic blade control during the carry segment to reduce fatigue, help maintain optimum track slip and increase productivity by up to 15 percent.
• 3D Grade Control uses dual ROPS-mounted GNSS antennas and blade-mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors to precisely position the cutting edge without blade-mounted masts or cables.
• Automated Blade Assist (ABA) uses standard dual-tilt capability to automate blade movement to key pitch positions, helping increase efficiency and reduce operator workload.
• Automatic ripper control automatically adjusts engine speed and ripper depth to maximize productivity, minimize track slip and reduce machine wear.
The D11 XE can also be equipped with MineStar solutions. Command for dozing offers multiple levels of remote control and semi-autonomous operation, allowing the operator to work away from the cab. Terrain capabilities help reduce fuel use and rehandling through automated functions and blade overcut protection. Terrain for grading provides guidance such as bench heights, cycle times and material cut- and-fill volumes to help operators improve machine efficiency.
