Caterpillar Inc. : Caterpillar Announces New Cat® K2 Series Small Track-Type Tractors

Press Release

For Release in North America: January 2012

Release Number: 03PR12

New Cat® D3K2, D4K2 and D5K2 Benefit from Refinement in Blade Control, Fuel Economy, Power Management, Operator Comfort and Emissions Control

K2models feature hydrostatic drive with Traction Control, which reduces track slip at maximum load. New in-cab amenities such as Ventilated seat and heated control handles boost operator comfort. New Power Pitch allows operator to control blade pitch fore/aft for maximum productivity in various material conditions.

The K2 models blend these new features with the basic field-proven design of their K Family predecessors, a design that includes single-lever travel/steering control, spacious operator's station with standard air conditioning when cab-equipped, single-lever blade control, Cat Sealed-and-Lubricated Track (SALT) or Cat SystemOneTM undercarriage for lowest undercarriage cost per hour.

Net power ratings are increased by more than 8 percent from 55 to 59 kW (74 to 80 hp) for the D3K2, and from 62 to 69 (84 to 92 net hp) for the D4K2. The D5K2 gets a power boost from 71 to 78 kW (96 to 104 hp). The new C4.4 ACERT ™ engine features air-to-air charge-air cooling, Passive Plus Regeneration system for emissions control, and a new electric fuel-priming pump.

Operating efficiency

Stable Blade supplements the operator's blade-control input, reducing operator effort and fatigue, while increasing productivity in finish grading applications. The Stable Blade feature remains activated unless cancelled by the operator. For even more productivity, the optional new Power Pitch feature allows the operator to adjust blade pitch hydraulically from the operators' seat, for example, selecting a more aggressive setting when loading the blade, then pitching the blade rearward for more blade carry capacity. Power Pitch can boost productivity as much as 6 percent.

The new Eco Mode system for the K2 models can improve fuel economy by up to 25 percent by reducing engine speed when maximum rpm is not required. Eco Mode has two settings - Forward/Reverse or Reverse Only - that are selected via the rotary throttle. Once set, Eco Mode automatically controls engine speed at optimal levels, delivering maximum engine speed and power when required.

Traction Control is an operator-activated system that reduces track slippage under heavy load by sensing and controlling track speed, resulting in fewer situations where operator must lift the blade to prevent track slip. The benefits include higher production, less undercarriage wear and reduced operator fatigue. Undercarriage configurations include XL (Extra Long) and LGP (Low Ground Pressure) versions, with an LGP version that features 30-inch track shoes.

For the ultimate in operator comfort when a K2 model is equipped with an enclosed ROPS cab, an optional package provides heated/ventilated seats and heated (joystick) control handles. These functions are operator-controlled via switches in the cab.

For more information about the K2 Family track-type tractors, customers should contact their local Cat dealer.

Machine Specifications
	D3K2 XL	D4K2 XL	D5K2 XL
Power Rating, net, kW (hp)	59 (80)	69 (92)	78 (104)
Weight, nominal, kg (lb)	7,958 (17,544)	8,201 (18,080)	9,314 (20,534)
Blade Capacity, m³ (yd³)	1.52 (1.99)	1.98 (2.56)	2.19 (2.86)

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Note to Editors: Caterpillar rolls-out products and services in each of its territories at different time intervals. Although every effort is made to ensure that product information is released only after Caterpillar has received confirmation from our dealer network, our plants, and our marketing subsidiaries that products and services are available in the relevant region, editors are kindly requested to verify with their local dealer for product availability and specifications.

CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, "Caterpillar Yellow" and the "Power Edge" trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

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D3K2 Track-Type Tractor	High Res: http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageServlet?imageId=C724233 Low Res: http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageServlet?imageId=C724233&imageType=2
D4K2 Track-Type Tractor	High Res: http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageServlet?imageId=C724384 Low Res: http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageServlet?imageId=C724384&imageType=2
D5K2 Track-Type Tractor	High Res: http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageServlet?imageId=C713079 Low Res: http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageServlet?imageId=C713079&imageType=2

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