Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/473140
EquipmentWorld.com | March 2015 15 CAT Cat's new small dozer lineup – the 80-horsepower D3K2, the 92-horsepower D4K2 and 104-horsepower D5K2 – has an emphasis on offering a small step up in grade control. Now stan- dard on the K2 machines is Slope Indicate, a digital version of the traditional ball-in-the-glass slope meter, displaying the machine's blade cross-slope direction. This feature also shows the blade's main-fall, or fore/aft direction. For a $6,500 increase – or basically a tenth of a full-fledged GPS system – owners can opt for Slope Assist, which automati- cally maintains pre-established blade angles. Cat says the system allows you to quickly attain consistent grades, conserve fill materials, and make less-experienced operators more productive. The machines come plumbed for a full Cat AccuGrade Ready at- tachment, and can be easily upgraded to 3D capacity. The K2 models also include Automatic Traction Control, designed to reduce track slippage when the machine encounters maximum load conditions. Unlike the previous K Series traction control system, which required operator interaction, this system automatically adjusts the machine to keep it moving steadily through a cut. Since the operator does not have to continually adjust the blade to prevent stalling, Cat says the system results in more consistent grades, reduced operator fatigue and longer undercarriage life. An Eco Mode system gives the Tier 4 Final machines up to a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy, accomplished by reduc- ing engine speed in less demanding conditions. Set one of two settings on the rotary throttle – forward/reverse or reverse only – and Eco Mode maintains engine speed at optimum levels. The K Series Stable Blade feature assists the operator's blade-control to offer finer control and more consistent grades. An optional Power Pitch features allows operators to hydraulically adjust blade pitch during operation, giving more aggressive forward angles to load the blade and less aggressive angles to carry the load, a feature Cat says can boost productivity by as much as 6 percent. World of Concrete | by Equipment World staff World of Concrete review