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Performance Report
July 1999
Objective
Date
May 3, 1999
Location
Field Data By
Written By
Bill Nordsiek
Serial Number
Hours
HP (kW)
Weight Lbs
(kg)
WT:HP (kW)
Shoes in. (mm)
Track Length
in. (mm)
Bottom Rollers/
Side
Carrier Rollers/
Side
Blade Height
in. (mm)
Width End Bits
in. (mm)
D155AX-5
70018
157
310 (231)
89,650
(40 665)
289:1 (176:1)
24 (610) ES
126 (3200)
D8R
7XM433
648
305 (227)
84,750
(38 443)
278:1 (169:1)
22 (559) ES
126 (3200)
67.25 (1708)
67.75 (1721)
D8R %
Advantage
(1.60)
(5.50)
Test Site
The test site consisted entirely of hard red clay and was ripped by a
D9R, watered, and graded to provide consistent test conditions.
Slot Dozing
Test Description
Each tractor dug five slots and the cycle times were recorded. The
slots were then cross-sectioned to determine the volume of material
moved. Using the cycle times and volume of material moved, hourly
productivity was calculated. Each cycle consisted of an 80 ft (24.4 m)
slot, a 20 ft (6.1 m) transfer segment (tractors were shifted from
1st to 2nd speed forward), and a 60 ft (18.3 m) carry. The difficulty
of building stockpiles with the same dimensions in every test could
cause inconsistent cycle times. Therefore, dump times were
omitted to reduce variables.
The tractors were operated in 2nd gear at the beginning of each
doze segment and downshifted to 1st gear in order to fill the blade
completely and climb out of the slot. The tractors were downshifted
from 2nd to 1st at the operators discretion. At the 20 ft (6.1 m)
transfer segment, both tractors were shifted from 1st to 2nd speed
for the carry, dump, reverse, and first portion of the doze.
Productivity
The following table shows the cycle times, volume of material
moved, hourly productivity, and fuel efficiency of both tractors.
Cycle times are expressed in hundredths of a minute.
Slot Dozing Test
Doze Time
Transfer Time
Carry Time
Return Time
D155AX-5
.56
.14
.23
.35
D8R
.47
.12
.21
.34
D8R %
Advantage
16.07
14.30
8.70
2.90
Total Time
1.28
1.14
11.00
Cycles/Hour
46.88
52.63
12.30
BCY/Cycle
BCM/Cycle
LCY/Cycle
LCM/Cycle
8.38
6.41
10.48
8.01
8.01
6.12
10.01
7.65
(4.42)
BCY/Hour
BCM/Hour
LCY/Hour
LCM/Hour
392.85
300.50
491.30
375.51
421.57
322.10
526.83
402.62
7.30
11.50
8.79
91.13
11.40
8.72
87.81
(1.0)
Gallon/Hour
Liter/Hour
14.88
56.32
15.36
58.14
(3.2)
BCY/Gal
BCM/Liter
LCY/Gal
LCM/Liter
26.40
5.34
33.02
6.67
27.45
5.54
34.30
6.93
4.0
Trench Backfilling
Test Description
The tractors backfilled two trenches each. Average trench length
was 200.83 ft (61.21 m), average depth was 11.10 ft (3.38 m), and
average width was 5.4 ft (1.65 m). Both tractors were operated in
1st forward and 1st reverse because the doze and reverse distance
was only 25 ft (7.62 m).
Productivity
The following shows the cycle times, volumes, hourly productivity,
and fuel consumption of both tractors. Cycle times are expressed in
hundredths of a minute.
Trench Backfilling Test
D8R %
Advantage
Doze Time
Reverse Time
D155AX-5
.21
.15
D8R
.21
.14
Total Time
.36
.35
2.80
Cycles/Hour
166.67
171.43
2.90
BCY/Cycle
BCM/Cycle
LCY/Cycle
LCM/Cycle
15.89
12.15
19.86
15.18
15.94
12.19
19.93
15.24
0.30
BCY/Hour
BCM/Hour
LCY/Hour
LCM/Hour
2,648.39
2,025.04
3,310.07
2,530.05
2,732.59
2,089.73
3,416.60
2,612.59
3.20
11.50
8.79
173.00
11.40
8.72
175.00
(0.09)
Gallon/Hour
Liter/Hour
18.45
69.83
18.74
70.93
(1.60)
BCY/Gallon
BCM/Liter
LCY/Gallon
LCM/Liter
143.54
29.00
179.41
36.23
145.82
29.46
182.32
36.83
1.60
6.70
Hill Climb
Test Description
A hill climb test was performed to compare the drive train
efficiency of both tractors. The test course was 50 ft (15.24 m) long
with a 30 degree slope. Both tractors were timed as they climbed
the test course. The hill climb test times are expressed in
hundredths of a minute.
Test Results
Hill Climb Test
2nd Gear
3rd Gear
D155AX-5
.22
.36
D8R
.16
.21
D8R %
Advantage
27.30
41.67
Maneuverability
Test Description
Both tractors were driven forward in 1st gear at high idle and then
turned as sharply as possible. Both operators tilted the blade to
make a mark on the ground that could be measured.
Test Results
The blade turning clearance of the D155AX-5 was 26 ft (7.92 m)
and the blade turning clearance of the D8R was 25 ft (7.62 m).
The D8R has a shorter turning clearance measured at the end
of the blade of one foot. Overall, the D8R has 3.8% better
maneuverability than the D155AX-5.
Features
3406C Engine The D8R has a 55% torque rise, which helps
it push loads faster in 1st and 2nd gears.
Torque Divider The D8R torque divider transmits 70% of its
hp/kW through the converter and 30% direct, which means more
hp/kW is available at the ground. The D155AX-5 seems to have
a much softer torque converter, which is probably why its cycle
times are much longer.
Fully Suspended Undercarriage (U/C) The D8R bottom
rollers and idlers are free to move up and down. This means
every shoe and grouser bar can remain in full contact with the
ground, providing superior traction and stability. The D155AX-5
has a partially suspended U/C because its front idler and rear
sprocket cant move up and down to form a ramp for climbing
rough ground.
The information contained herein is intended for circulation only to Caterpillar and dealer employees whose duties require knowledge of such reports and is
intended exclusively for their information and training. It may contain unverified analysis and facts observed by various Caterpillar or dealer employees. However,
effort has been made to provide reliable results regarding any information comparing Caterpillar built and competitive machines. Effort has been made to use the
latest available spec sheet and other material in the full understanding that these are subject to change without notice.
Any reproduction of this release without the foregoing explanation is prohibited.
TEXR0319
July 1999
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1999 Caterpillar
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