Caterpillar D9

The Caterpillar D9 is a large track-type tractor built by Caterpillar Inc. that functions as a heavy bulldozer, with a detachable blade and a rear ripper attachment for earthmoving work. Caterpillar introduced a prototype, the D9X, in 1954 and began production of the D9 in 1955 at 286 horsepower; current models weigh about 49 short tons and produce 474 horsepower. It is used in construction, demolition, forestry, mining, and quarrying, and has earned wide adoption for its size, durability, reliability, and low operating costs. Since the 1980s the Israel Defense Forces have also fielded armored D9 variants for combat engineering.