| Manufacturer |
Caterpillar |
| Price |
- |
| Model |
D6 |
| Equipment Type |
Agricultural Crawler Tractors |
| Factory |
Peoria, Illinois, USA |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 374 2
| Description |
468 diesel 5-speed crawler/September 6 - 13, 1941/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 374 file/Drawbar performance/Gear 2 used for power test./Gear 1 used for pull test. |
| Belt power (max) |
78.03 hp/58.2 kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) |
5.7 gal/hour/21.6 l/hour |
| Max power |
63.34 hp/47.2 kW |
| Max pull |
16,674 lbs/7563 kg |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 416 2
| Description |
525 diesel 5-speed crawler/July 11 - 23, 1949/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 416 file/Drawbar performance/Gear 2 used for power test./Gear 1 used for pull test. |
| Belt power (max) |
76.90 hp/57.3 kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) |
5.5 gal/hour/20.8 l/hour |
| Max power |
61.76 hp/46.1 kW |
| Max pull |
16,222 lbs/7358 kg |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 555 2
| Description |
525 diesel 5-speed crawler/July 25 - August 12, 1955/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 555 file/Drawbar performance/Gear 2 used for power test./Gear 1 used for pull test. |
| Belt power (max) |
92.52 hp/69.0 kW |
| Belt fuel use (max) |
6.7 gal/hour/25.4 l/hour |
| Max power |
73.34 hp/54.7 kW |
| Max pull |
17,486 lbs/7931 kg |
NEBRASKA TRACTOR TEST 747
| Description |
Diesel 5-speed crawler/1960/Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 747 file/Drawbar performance/Gear 2 used for power test./Gear 1 used for pull test. |
| Max power |
74.82 hp/55.8 kW |
| Fuel use |
6.1 gal/hour/23.1 l/hour |
| Max pull |
17,687 lbs/8022 kg |
CATERPILLAR D6 POWER
| Drawbar (tested) |
74.82 hp/55.8 kW |
| Belt (tested) |
92.52 hp/69.0 kW |
ENGINES OVERVIEW
The Caterpillar D6 tractor is equipped with either a 7.7L or an 8.6L 6-cylinder diesel engine, providing robust performance options for varying operational needs. The larger 8.6L engine enhances torque and power output, ideal for heavy-duty applications, while the 7.7L offers better fuel efficiency for lighter tasks. Operators should consider engine cooling and maintenance requirements, as well as the weight and traction specifications for optimal performance in diverse terrains.
| Description |
Caterpillar 7.7L 6-cyl diesel/Caterpillar 8.6L 6-cyl diesel |
ENGINE DETAIL 1
The Caterpillar D6 tractor features a robust 7.7L 6-cylinder diesel engine, which delivers reliable power at a rated RPM of 1800, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications. The oil bath air cleaner enhances engine longevity by providing superior filtration, while its substantial oil and coolant capacities (19 quarts and 49 quarts, respectively) facilitate extended operation between maintenance intervals. However, the reliance on a 2-cylinder pony engine for starting may present challenges in extremely cold conditions, potentially requiring additional auxiliary heating systems.
| Description |
Caterpillar/diesel/6-cylinder/liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
468 ci/7.7 L |
| Bore/Stroke |
4.25x5.50 inches/108 x 140 mm |
| Air cleaner |
oil bath |
| Rated RPM |
1800 |
| Starter type |
2-cylinder pony engine |
| Oil capacity |
19 qts/18.0 L |
| Coolant capacity |
49 qts/46.4 L |
ENGINE DETAIL 2
The Caterpillar D6 tractor features a robust 6-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 525 ci (8.6 L), providing substantial torque for demanding applications. Its oil bath air cleaner enhances engine longevity by ensuring cleaner air intake, while the low rated RPM of 1600 indicates strong low-end power, making it suitable for heavy-duty tasks like plowing or land clearing. However, the reliance on a 2-cylinder pony engine for starting can pose challenges in cold conditions, potentially requiring additional maintenance and attention.
| Description |
Caterpillar/diesel/6-cylinder/liquid-cooled |
| Displacement |
525 ci/8.6 L |
| Bore/Stroke |
4.50x5.50 inches/114 x 140 mm |
| Air cleaner |
oil bath |
| Rated RPM |
1600 |
| Starter type |
2-cylinder pony engine |
CATERPILLAR D6 ENGINES
The Caterpillar D6 tractor is powered by a robust 7.7L or 8.6L 6-cylinder diesel engine, ensuring substantial torque and power for heavy-duty applications. With a fuel tank capacity of 48 gallons (181.7 L), it offers extended operational time, making it suitable for large-scale projects where refueling intervals need to be minimized. However, the tractor's size and weight may pose challenges in soft or uneven terrains, necessitating careful planning in selection and operation.
| Description |
Caterpillar 7.7L 6-cyl diesel/Caterpillar 8.6L 6-cyl diesel |
| Fuel tank |
48 gal/181.7 L |
TRANSMISSION 1
The Caterpillar D6 tractor features a 5-forward and 4-reverse gear configuration, allowing for versatile maneuverability in various terrains. Its dry disc clutch system provides reliable engagement and disengagement, although it may require more maintenance than a wet clutch system in heavy-duty applications. With an oil capacity of 38 quarts (36.0 L), ensuring optimal lubrication is crucial for minimizing wear and maintaining performance during extended operations.
| Type |
gear |
| Gears |
5 forward and 4 reverse |
| Clutch |
dry disc |
| Oil capacity |
38 qts/36.0 L |
TRANSMISSION 2
The Caterpillar D6 tractor features a robust 5 forward and 4 reverse gear configuration, allowing for versatile maneuverability across challenging terrain. Its dry disc clutch system offers improved durability and responsiveness, although it may require more maintenance compared to wet clutches. With an oil capacity of 38 quarts (36.0 L), regular oil changes are essential to maintain engine performance and prolong operational life.
| Type |
gear |
| Gears |
5 forward and 4 reverse |
| Clutch |
dry disc |
| Oil capacity |
38 qts/36.0 L |
MECHANICAL
The Caterpillar D6 tractor features a crawler chassis optimized for traction on varied terrains, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications such as land clearing and construction. Its manual clutch steering, while offering precise control, may require more operator skill compared to modern hydraulic systems. The open operator station enhances visibility and operator comfort but lacks weather protection, which could be a challenge in adverse conditions.
| Chassis |
crawler |
| Steering |
manual clutch |
| Brakes |
contracting band |
| Cab |
Open operator station. |
| Transmission |
5-speed gear |
CATERPILLAR D6 TRACKS
DIMENSIONS
| Wheelbase |
85.625 inches/217 cm |
| Length |
149.2 inches/378 cm |
| Width |
80.5 inches/204 cm (60 |
| Height (hood) |
75.25 inches/191 cm |
| Shiping weight |
16,695 lbs/7572 kg (60 |
| Ground clearance |
12.5 inches/31 cm |
| Clearance (drawbar) |
14 inches/35 cm |
| Gauge |
74 inches/187 cm |
DIMENSIONS & TRACKS
| Wheelbase |
85.625 inches/217 cm |
| Weight |
16695 to 17330 pounds |
| Description |
16-inch tracks |
BELT PULLEY
| Diameter |
13 inches/33 cm |
| Width |
13 inches/33 cm |
| RPM |
913 |
| Speed |
3200 ft/min/975.36 meters/min |
