Caterpillar D6 tractor

Caterpillar D6

Power

86 hp[B] hp

Production

1941-1947

Engine

Diesel, 6-cylinder

Transmission

Gear

Introduction

Caterpillar D6 Agricultural Crawler Tractor (1941-1947)

The Caterpillar D6 is a tracked agricultural tractor produced between 1941 and 1947 in Peoria, Illinois, USA. Designed for heavy-duty field operations, this machine belongs to the classic crawler category, prioritizing high traction and stability in demanding soil conditions.

Engine and Cooling System

The tractor is powered by a liquid-cooled, six-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 525 cubic inches (8.6 L). It operates at a rated speed of 1600 RPM and produces approximately 86 horsepower. The engine management includes an oil bath air cleaner, an oil capacity of 19 quarts (18.0 L), and a cooling system capacity of 49 quarts (46.4 L). It is started via a dedicated two-cylinder pony engine.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The drivetrain utilizes a gear-type transmission providing 5 forward speeds and 4 reverse speeds. Power is transferred through a dry disc clutch. The crawler drive system is steered via a manual clutch, while braking is managed by contracting band brakes, ensuring control during operation.

Dimensions and Chassis

The D6 features a wheelbase of 85.625 inches (217 cm) and rides on 16-inch tracks designed to maximize surface contact and minimize ground pressure. The total operating weight of the tractor ranges from 16,695 to 17,330 pounds depending on configuration. The operator station is of the open type, providing full visibility of the working area.

Conclusion

The Caterpillar D6 is a robust, high-traction crawler tractor engineered for heavy agricultural tasks. Its mechanical simplicity, combined with a high-torque diesel engine and stable tracked chassis, makes it a reliable tool for deep tillage and demanding field work where conventional wheeled tractors might lack the necessary grip.

Production Information of Caterpillar, D6

  • Agricultural Crawler tractor
  • Built in Peoria, Illinois, USA
ManufacturerCaterpillar

Engine Specifications of Caterpillar, D6

  • Caterpillar
  • Liquid-cooled
  • Diesel
  • 6-cylinder
Coolant capacity49 qts [46.4 L]
Displacement525 ci [8.6 L]
Rated RPM1600
Bore/Stroke4.50x5.50 inches [114 x 140 mm]
Oil capacity19 qts [18.0 L]
Starter type2-cylinder pony engine
Air cleanerOil bath

Transmission Information of Caterpillar, D6

Transmission variants 1

TypeGear
Oil capacity38 qts [36.0 L]
Gears5 forward and 4 reverse
ClutchDry disc

Transmission variants 2

TypeGear
Oil capacity38 qts [36.0 L]
Gears5 forward and 4 reverse
ClutchDry disc

Mechanical Specs of Caterpillar, D6

  • Open operator station.
  • Contracting band brakes
DriveCrawler
SteeringManual clutch

Power Information of Caterpillar, D6

  • Https://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/002/9/8/2981-caterpillar-d6-tests.html

Where it sits

With 86 hp[B] HP, the Caterpillar D6 sits between Diesel Sixty (85 HP) and Sixty-Five (87 HP) in Caterpillar's range. Its power puts it in the 95th percentile of 1940s models in our database (263 machines).

Frequently asked questions

How much horsepower does the Caterpillar D6 have?

The Caterpillar D6 delivers 86 hp[B] HP.

What years was the Caterpillar D6 produced?

The Caterpillar D6 was produced in 1941-1947.

What engine does the Caterpillar D6 have?

The Caterpillar D6 is powered by a Diesel, 6-cylinder engine.

What transmission does the Caterpillar D6 use?

The Caterpillar D6 uses a Gear transmission.

Compare the Caterpillar D6 with another model