Caterpillar D8

History

• 1935: RD8 introduced.
• 1937: The "R" prefix dropped, D8 debuts.
• 1940s: D8 2U Series introduced
• 1950: D8 new front-rounded grill that would last until D8K was replaced by D8L in 1982.
• 1955: 1H Series D8 ends production; 191 hp D8E and D8D introduced with new 1,246 cubic inch displacement D342 diesel engine. D8D had a torque converter and D8E had a direct drive transmission.
• 1956: D8D replaced by D8G.
• 1956: D8E replaced by D8F.
• 1958: 235 hp D8H introduced.
• 1965: Power increased to 270 hp
• 1970: D8 46a 48a power increased 280 hp
• 1974: 300 hp D8K replaced the D8H.
• 1982: 335 hp D8L replaced D8K. The D8L was the first D8 with the elevated drive sprocket undercarriage.
• 1984: D8L SA for farming applications premiers. Available with a three point hitch, for mounted implements.
• 1987: D8N with differential steer transmission, the first track-type Caterpillar tractor to have one.
• 1996: 305 hp D8R replaced D8N.
• 2000: D8R Series 2 replaced the D8R.
• 2004: 310 hp D8T ACERT replaced D8R Series 2.

  Blades

• Straight : A short blade with no lateral curve and no side wings. It can be used for fine grading
• Angle: held by a U shape frame that has three holes on each side, to set the blade to 3 positions: right, center, and left.
• Universal : A tall and very curved blade with large side wings to carry more material
• "S-U" combination: A shorter blade with less curvature and smaller side wings