Iron Profile: Caterpillar D9L

The D9 series of track-type tractors has been a hugely successful product line of Caterpillar for several decades running. From the prototype D9X in the mid-1950s all the way up to present day, various iterations of the D9 have been seen dominating innumerable landscapes all around the globe.
 
The D9L (first introduced in 1980, eventually replaced by the D10N in 1987) was a crawler tractor that kept the line of bulldozers going strong, and had considerably more horsepower than the T, R, and N versions. It was equipped with a Cat 3412 direct injection engine.  This unit was turbocharged with 12-cylinders which produced 460 flywheel hp. The standard edition had oil-cooled disc brakes and clutches.

 
Of particular note on this legendary machine was the raised undercarriage that lessened the strain and shock loads to the drive sprocket as it no longer sat near the ground, the first of the D9 series to feature this adaptation. Manufactured exclusively in the United States, there were multiple modifications during its brief history including a crank driven radiator fan, higher engine side guards, and pressure applied steering clutches to name a few.

The dozer blade came initially in a P version, but straight (S) and universal (U) options were made available as part of the 1985 reconfiguration.

Although the D9L was never the largest tractor at any point it was a substantial upgrade from the earlier models of the D9 series.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Cat 3412 turbocharged V-12 diesel engine (flywheel power) — 460 HP (343 kW)
Engine displacement — 1,649 cu in (27 liters)
Fuel tank —255 gal (965 liters)
Operating weight (9S Bulldozer) — 111,910 lb. (50,762 kg)

Cat 631E and 637E scraper tooling samples

Our first tooling samples for the 631E and 637E scraper models in 1:48 scale just came in! Now that we've finished with our production review, we can share a few photos. Look for more on our website in the next few days.

Cat 5230's are shipping now

The first 98 of the 1:87 scale Cat 5230 Front Shovel and Mass Excavator models have arrived in our warehouse and are shipping out fast. Here's a few images of the Mass Excavator so you can see the detail on this amazing brass model. Notice the finely-detailed catwalks and other attention to craft in this stunning piece of Caterpillar history.

5230's in their collector boxes awaiting shipment

Marion 6360 in blue and white

Here's the "The Captain" in the colors it was painted up until the mid 1980's after the Captain mine was purchased by Arch Coal. Of our limited production run of 125 models, 20 were painted in this scheme. We think it looks amazing. Enjoy!

Model Announcement: Cat PL87 Pipelayer

We are very pleased to announce our die-cast model of the Cat PL87 Pipelayer in 1:48 precision scale. CCM has produced a limited edition specially for PipeLine Machinery International (PLM) of 400, and we are offering an additional 350 models to the public.

The model comes in a collectors box and includes an individually serial-numbered machine brochure reproduction as certificate of authenticity. See more model details here: ccmodels.com/upcoming-PL87.html

Available for shipping in early December. To order yours, give us a call at 503-626-6395.

D9L Samples Are Here

Our pre-production samples of the D9L versions have arrived and we couldn't be happier. Some minor changes will be made, but we wanted to give you a look at their progress. More photos and updates will be posted to our site soon. See what you think.

D9L Track-Type Tractor With Impact Ripper

Rear view D9L Track-Type Tractor With Impact Ripper

Detail of opening doors D9L Track-Type Tractor With Impact Ripper

D9L Track-Type Tractor Push Version

Rear view D9L Track-Type Tractor Push Version

CCM Behind the Scenes: Model Samples

When our 3D files are sent to the manufacturer they must complete the tedious and time consuming process of reviewing the files and making revisions. This can take up to a month as they must ensure the drawings represent parts that can be made in the next step of production which is tooling.

Once the drawings are  reviewed and approved they are used to make the tooling and from that tooling comes our first hand sample. Depending on the end product, that sample could be a resin rapid prototype printed on a 3D printer, a “first shot” in die-cast metal or a completed model in brass. At this stage the sample is usually not painted to allow us a closer examination of the overall quality. At this point, we check to make sure pistons hold position, wheels or tracks turn smoothly and the overall appearance of the model is correct.

Given the complexity of our models, it’s not uncommon to find that something has been overlooked or misinterpreted at this time. Above is a photo of the 992C Wheel Loader hand sample. You’ll notice the first version of the handrails in plastic that were later changed to metal because they didn’t meet our standards. If you look closely you’ll also see the winged foot in the Good Year logo on the tires is missing. When our review is complete we send our comments back to the manufacturer and wait for them to make the changes and send us another sample.

In the picture above you can see how the cylinders were painted along with the rest of the machine. Obviously not acceptable. Other changes required on these models included adjusting the hinge mechanisms on the bucket and filling a hole on the stick of the front shovel that was in the drawings but not on the real machine.

When the second sample arrives we again conduct a very rigorous and thorough inspection. This model will have full paint and markings which must be inspected and reviewed and at this point little things like the silver paint on the model above get noted and corrected. At this time, we typically receive a sample of the packaging to ensure it meets the required standards.

We understand the time line for the completion of a model is a long one—up to year in most cases—and although we wish it could be shorter, the reality of the work required to make a high-quality, limited edition model is always going to be laborious. Despite the challenges, we are addicted to the reward that comes when you tell us all our work was worth the effort as you simply love your CCM models.

In our next “Behind the Scenes” we’ll take a look at getting the machine markings on the models