The Caterpillar D6K2 dozer got a new name. It's now simply known as the D4. The name change is part of a bigger move to restructure Caterpillar's entire dozer lineup that started in 2017.
The reason behind the name change campaign? Less is more.
The D6 dozer had model variations including the D6K2, D6N, and D6T but when it come to machine owners, they simply call their machine a D6. This often led to more confusion than necessary.
Going forward, dozer model numbers will be limited to D5, D6, D7, etc. Modifiers like N, K, or T are out.
The new D5 replaces the D6N while the D6 and D6XE replaces the D6T. The XE indicates a premium configuration.
What machine owners really care about however isn't the name but how the machines perform.
The D4 is just a rebadged D6K2 without updates or improvement over the machine it replaces. However, the new D6 dozers are ground up overhauls of the D6 size class. The new D5 not only replaces the D6N, but it’s heavier and has more horsepower. The same goes for the new D7 over the D7E and D7R that it replaces.
The D4 has the same Cat C4.4 engine with 130 horse power and the same operating weight of 29,000 pounds.
The D4 maintains the D6K2’s electro-hydraulic controls and a smoother undercarriage setup with eight bottom rollers and two top carrier rollers. The undercarriage is another difference between the D4 and the rest of the latest medium size dozers. The D4 is now the only model with a low-drive undercarriage. The D5, D6 and D7 dozers have all gone to high-drive configurations.
The D4 also features a variable pitch angle tilt blade, automatic traction control, an Eco mode setting for increased fuel efficiency, and a standard rear view camera.
