US manufacturer Caterpillar says the machines, which it has been making for more than 40 years, are core to its global identity. The current Cat large dozer line includes the D9, D10 and D11 models.
Greg Hepler, Cat product manager for large dozers, said: “Caterpillar transformed the track-type tractor with the introduction of the suspended undercarriage with elevated drive sprocket. This innovation, along with a long history of others, enabled Cat large dozers to set the standards for efficiency, productivity and durability."
Representatives from Caterpillar were joined by colleagues from Cat dealer Finning Canada and major customer Teck Resources in East Peoria, Ill. to celebrate the milestone.
Denise Johnson, Caterpillar group president responsible for resource industries, handed the keys of the 40,000th large dozer to Louis DeLuca, Teck director of supply management, during the ceremony held October 25. The celebration included employees in Caterpillar’s Building SS, where all 40,000 Cat D9, D10 and D11 dozer models have been manufactured. For more than 10 years, Teck has been one of the major customers in the world for Cat large dozers. The 40,000th large dozer, a 225,000lb (102,058kg) D11T, will operate in the Elk Valley Region near Sparwood, British Columbia, where the company produces steelmaking coal at five mining operations.
“This milestone is important, not just because of the sheer number of Cat machines sold, but also because it represents the many long-lasting and mutually beneficial business relationships established with customers like Teck,” Hepler said.
