The faster your construction crew reaches a state of maximum productivity, the better it is for your bottom line. Have you ever watched crews, surrounded by modern equipment, begin a job by pounding a wooden stake into the ground and think, “Isn’t there a better way?” There is.

With innovative intelligent Machine Control (iMC 2.0), Komatsu’s smallest intelligent dozer, the D39i-24 lets you program 3D design data directly into the 105 HP machine. Operators — even those with less experience — can work with utmost efficiency, guided by sophisticated automation. Through automatic dozing, rough cut to finish grade, Komatsu’s iMC 2.0-equipped D39i-24 helps make every pass count for superior production, compared to traditional aftermarket systems.

With a factory-installed, integrated system, the D39i-24 has been upgraded with a number of new intelligent features.

Learns as it works

With proactive dozing control, the dozer measures the terrain it tracks over and uses that data to plan the next pass so even less experienced operators can automatically cut/strip from existing terrain. Productivity can improve by up to 60% versus the previous generation.

Reduces operator fatigue in rough dozing

The tilt steering control automatically tilts the blade to maintain straight travel during rough dozing, reducing operator steering input by up to 80%.

Spreads fill material automatically

With the press of a button, lift layer control puts in repeated consistent lifts. Time savings are realized because each layer is precise, reducing or eliminating the need to rework for over compaction or under compaction.

Quick surface creation

Operators can create a temporary design surface with the press of a button with quick surface creation. Combined with other iMC 2.0 functions, crews can begin stripping or spreading using automated input while waiting for the finish grade model.

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Worried that a mid-size dozer won’t have enough power for your bigger jobs? Komatsu’s D71EX/PX-24 with the most powerful hydrostatic transmission (HST) dozer in its size class is effective at grading, pushing, side-cutting, and work on soft ground, giving you the flexibility to move from production to finishing with a single machine.

Pushing with 237 horsepower, Komatsu’s largest HST dozer [49,824 lbs.- 50,927 lbs. (22,600 kg – 23,100 kg)] helps operators maintain ground speed while operating under heavy loads in H mode. Its distinctive slant nose design offers outstanding visibility to the cutting edges and excellent balance and maneuverability.

Offering precision on the job site, from golf course construction to highway projects, the D71-24 is an all-around crawler dozer. It is equally adept at precise, high-speed grading and rough dozing, and is designed to provide outstanding wearability and functionality with its high-capacity, wear-resistant dozer blade. The dozer’s Parallel Link Undercarriage System (PLUS) features rotating bushings to help minimize maintenance downtime and the cost of ownership.

D71-24 and intelligent Machine Control, iMC 2.0

The industry’s newest slant-nosed HST dozer is also available with Komatsu’s latest intelligent Machine Control (iMC) 2.0 capabilities:

• Lift layer control optimizes earthwork productivity with the press of a button. It maintains compaction quality by automatically controlling lifts to the desired height. Excess fill is eliminated as automatic blade control follows the finished surface once lifts have reached the finished grade.

• The tilt steering control automatically tilts the blade to maintain straight travel during rough dozing. Reduces operator steering input by up to 80%.
• Operators can create a temporary design surface with the press of a button with quick surface creation. Combined with other iMC 2.0 functions, crews can begin stripping or spreading using automated input while waiting for the finish grade model.

• With proactive dozing control, even less experienced operators can automatically cut/strip from existing terrain. The dozer measures the terrain it tracks over and uses that data to plan the next pass, improving productivity by up to 60% versus previous generation machines.

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Advanced Power Train Choice

This next-generation dozer offers a choice of advanced power train: the D6 XE with Electric Drive or the D6 with a fully automatic 4-speed power shift transmission.

The D6 XE is the world’s first high drive Electric Drive dozer, offering up to 35 percent better fuel efficiency and increased agility compared to the previous 3-speed model D6T. Constant power to the ground, continuous push and greater maneuverability mean faster cycle times, making Electric Drive a top choice to achieve the highest level of productivity and fuel efficiency. Added D6 XE productivity and reduced fuel cost mean customers looking for these benefits can expect to see payback of the added investment over a D6 in less than two years.1

The D6 XE features a next-generation Electric Drive system that offers high performance along with added durability. Simplified diagnostics and the serviceability advantages of a high drive dozer help reduce service and maintenance costs.

The D6 is powered by a 4-speed fully automatic transmission that provides increased productivity and up to 20 percent better fuel efficiency versus its 3-speed predecessor. The fully automatic D6 reduces momentary hesitation when the traditional machine shifts, so more momentum and drawbar power are maintained through the entire push. Caterpillar engineers designed the auto shift to work up and down the entire working range, so power to the ground and fuel consumption are optimized for a greater percentage of the time. An added gear between first and second ensures more seamless shifting.

Both power trains offer unprecedented ease of operation. The operator simply sets the ground speed and the dozer continuously optimizes for maximum power and efficiency based on load. With Electric Drive, there are no gears to shift. The fully automatic 4-speed power train optimizes the transmission without the operator having to worry about shifting.

Better, Faster Grading

Finish jobs faster by grading at higher speeds with a new purpose-built Variable Power Angle Tilt (VPAT) dozer. The newly designed structure is stronger, yet lighter, so machine balance is optimized for grading without the need for a rear implement or counterweight. A wide gauge LGP VPAT design, with 915 mm centered shoes, puts more track on the ground to achieve 0.73 kPa (5 psi) ground pressure. Wider VPAT blade and class-leading range of motion improve performance, especially in trenching and backfilling applications. A new optional finish grading undercarriage has 10 bottom rollers for smoother grades at higher speeds, even in difficult surfaces like sand and gravel.

Technology Choices for Your Business

Increase overall jobsite productivity by up to 50 percent with a choice of Cat Connect GRADE technologies. Technologies range from standard Slope Indicate to full factory-integrated GPS, all supported by Caterpillar and Cat dealers.

Technology offerings on the D6/D6 XE are led by an updated, factory integrated Cat GRADE with 3D system. The new 254-mm touch screen offers a more intuitive operator interface that works like a smart phone, making it easy for operators to pick up quickly.  The system uses advanced Inertial Measuring Units (IMU), which provide greater speed and accuracy without position sensing cylinders. Smaller antennas are integrated into the cab roof for even better protection. AutoCarry is included with Grade with 3D to automate blade lift to maintain desired blade load, improving load consistency and reducing track slip.

Additional GRADE technology choices include:

• Cat Slope Indicate is standard, showing the machine cross-slope and fore/aft orientation on the primary monitor for quick and easy reference.
• Cat GRADE with Slope Assist provides basic blade positioning assistance without the need for added hardware or a GPS signal.
• Factory Attachment Ready Option (ARO) provides optimal mounting locations, brackets, and hardware and simplifies installation of an aftermarket grade control system. The new D6/D6 XE makes it easier to install any brand of grade control system, with specific mounting locations for grade control components. The position of the main display and grade control display can be swapped so operators can choose their preferred location.
• Cat LINK telematics technology helps take the complexity out of managing job sites – by gathering data generated by equipment, materials, and people – and serving it up in customizable formats.
• Product Link collects data automatically and accurately from equipment assets – any type and any brand – which can be viewed online through web and mobile applications.
• Access information anytime, anywhere with VisionLink®. Cat dealers can help configure a customized subscription, available with cellular or satellite reporting or both.

Greater Durability, Reduced Service and Maintenance Costs

The new D6/D6 XE is designed specifically to reduce service and maintenance costs by up to 12 percent, with updated components, longer service intervals and fewer scheduled maintenance tasks. Easy access to grouped service points and regular maintenance items, plus a new ladder at the back of the machine, help reduce time spent on routine maintenance and inspection.

Undercarriage updates are designed to save money and maximize service life. A new Heavy Duty Extended Life undercarriage features Positive Pin Retention pins and link improvements for up to 20 percent more seal life in high impact conditions. Common structures for Heavy Duty and SystemOne undercarriage enable changes from one to the other.

A new Cat C9.3B diesel engine has a redesigned fuel system that provides greater durability and more accurate fuel delivery. Elimination of the NOx Reduction System and a simplified single engine Electronic Control Module (ECM) help increase reliability.

New Standard in Cab Comfort

A completely redesigned cab raises the standard in comfort and productivity. A brand new 254 mm touchscreen display provides an easy-to-use operator interface. The standard air suspension seat is wider with added backward adjustment, plus the entire armrest adjusts independent of the seat for customized comfort. Heated/cooled leather seat options are available, and all offer a variety of seat adjustments to customize cushion length, head rest position, lumbar support and seat tilt. More storage spaces have been added throughout the cab.

The new dozers are easy to operate too – with Electric Drive or the Fully Automatic power train, operators just need to set the ground speed and go. The machine optimizes performance and efficiency with no added shifting required. Agile turning, especially on the D6 XE, mean faster cycle times and more ability to work in smaller spaces.

Distributed cab heating/cooling, with automatic temperature and blower control, circulates air more effectively around the operator. Less air directed toward windows helps reduce fogging/frosting. Integrated ROPS and 15 percent more overall glass area help increase visibility.

Equipped for the Job

The D6/D6 XE is available in VPAT or push arm configurations with standard or Low Ground Pressure (LGP) undercarriage. A variety of blade types, track shoe widths and rear attachments enable the machine to be optimized for primary types of work to be done. A foldable VPAT blade option, paired with

660 mm track, provides transport width of less than 3 m.  Waste Handling and Forestry arrangements also are available, equipped from the factory with specialized guarding, seals and other features to help ensure long life in harsh applications.

Source: Cat.com news

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“Earthmoving customers already utilize SmartGrade technology integrated into Deere dozers, and many have asked when it would be available on the motor grader line,” said Luke Kurth, motor graders product marketing manager, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “Today is the day, and we’re excited to be the first manufacturer to offer this integrated solution to the industry. The same machine can now be used throughout the job site, from site clearing to final grade, maximizing operator resources and fleet utilization.”

SmartGrade eliminates external masts and cables from the moldboard, preventing possible theft or damage. This also removes the need to climb on the machine every day and install blade-mounted sensors and components, reducing setup time and complexity. By removing the masts and leveraging position sensing, the operator can now run without limitation, using all of the machine functions, like blade pitch, circle side-shift and circle rotate, without risking damage all while staying on grade. In the cab, the grade system interface is built into the Grade Pro (GP) controls available in the Deere exclusive fingertip or dual joystick design.

An all new Automation Suite is included with SmartGrade and is available as an option on all GP graders, helping operators in daily production by reducing the number of controls needed to perform common tasks. The suite boasts auto-articulation, blade flip and operator-selectable machine presets. Auto-articulation combines front steering and rear articulation while blade flip, a Deere exclusive, enables the operator to automatically rotate the blade to a set position without holding the control at the end of a pass. Machine preset, another Deere exclusive, allows the operator to activate multiple functions by pressing a single button (Return-to-Straight, Auto-Shift, lights, etc.). Up to three positions can be stored in the monitor.

“SmartGrade graders are the latest in a long line of technologies Deere has developed to help customers become more efficient and automate some of the controls for one of the most sophisticated pieces of equipment on the job site,” said Sean Mairet, grade control product marketing manager, John Deere WorkSight. “Whatever machine you have on the job site, Deere’s focus on industry-leading innovations will help operators be more productive and let owners better manage their workloads.”

Fleet managers looking to get the most out of their SmartGrade motor graders can rely on their world-class John Deere dealers to provide unmatched support for both the grader and the SmartGrade system. Owners receive predelivery and follow-up inspections that include five years of JDLink telematics, machine health prognostics, remote diagnostics and programming capabilities.

Source: John Deer News

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