STROITELI - magazine for building materials and technologiesyear XXI, issue 7, 2024

New Cat® D6K2

The new Cat® D6K2 Track-Type Tractor delivers unmatched finish grading performance and improved fuel economy. New Stable Blade Control feature utilizes technology which complements operator blade control input, making it the best finish grading tractor in the industry. Eco Modes, both forward and/or reverse, improve fuel economy up to 22% depending on the applications for lower operating costs. The new D6K2 uses the powerful Cat C6.6 ACERT engine that meets Stage IIIB and Tier 4 Interim emissions requirements. K2 models feature hydrostatic drive with Traction Control, which reduces track slip at maximum load. New wider blades allow more ground to be covered in one pass and provide up to 8 % productivity improvement in slot dozing applications. New manual adjustable pitch allows the operator to control blade pitch fore/aft for maximum productivity in various material conditions.
The K2 models blend these new features with the basic field-proven design of their K Family predecessors, a design that includes single-lever travel/steering control, spacious operators station with standard air conditioning with cab-equipped, single-lever blade control, Cat Sealed-and-Lubricated Track (S<) or Cat SystemOne undercarriage for lowest undercarriage cost per hour. The D6K2 benefits from the recently introduced undercarriage improvements of the D6K. The combination of eight bottom rollers and two carrier rollers allow for a smoother ride and better finish grading capabilities at a higher speed.
Net power ratings are 97 kW/130 hp at 2,200 rpm. The new C6.6 ACERT engine features Air To Air After Cooling, a new electric fuel priming pump, and a passive regeneration system for emissions reduction.
Stable Blade Control supplements the operators blade-control input, helping to reduce operator effort and fatigue, while increasing productivity in finish grading applications. The Stable Blade Control feature remains activated unless cancelled by the operator. For even more productivity, the blade pitch adjustment design has been simplified to allow the operator to adjust blade pitch, for example, selecting a more aggressive setting for hard blade loading or pitching the blade rearward for more blade carry capacity. The D6K2 offers wider VPAT blades (both standard and foldable versions), which can boost productivity as much as 8%.
The new Eco Mode system for the D6K2 model can improve fuel economy by up to 22 per cent by reducing engine speed when maximum rpm is not required. Eco Mode has two settings - Forward/Reverse or Reverse Only - that are selected via the rotary throttle. Once set, Eco Mode automatically controls engine speed at optimal levels, rapidly delivering back maximum engine speed and power when required.
Traction Control is an operator-activated system that reduces track slippage under heavy load by sensing and controlling track speed, resulting in fewer situations where operator must lift the blade to prevent track slip. The benefits include higher production, less undercarriage wear and reduced operator fatigue. Undercarriage configurations include XL (Extra Long) and LGP (Low Ground Pressure) versions, with an LGP version that features 760 mm (30-inch) track shoes.
For the ultimate in operator comfort, an optional package provides a heated/ventilated seat. Electro-hydraulic seat-mounted controls isolate the operator from vibrations and the new armrests can be easily adjusted.
For increased productivity and efficient grading and contouring work, the D6K2 can be equipped with the optional Cat AccuGradeTM system for automated blade control. AccuGrade can use laser, total station or satellite positioning systems as the guidance source. AccuGrade is designed to reduce the need for surveying, to eliminate rework and to unburden the operator when doing finish grading. AccuGrade has demonstrated itself as a solution to reduce overall machine operating costs in doing more, and accurate work with less fuel burned.
For more information about the K2 Family track-type tractors, customers should contact their local Cat dealer.