Caterpillar D10

It was the first modern tractor to use the elevated drive sprocket to improve durability, operator comfort, and ease of maintenance.

Allis Chalmers introduced at Conexpo 69 in Chicago a 524 hp (391 kW) HD-41 which was the largest crawler in the world.

In 1976 Japanese company Komatsu came out with an even larger bulldozer called the D455A at 620 hp (460 kW) and 167,000 lb (76,000 kg).

[citation needed] Among modern tractors, the High Drive (elevated sprocket) design was unique to Caterpillar products.

[1] It separated the suspension from the tractor's drive train, dramatically reducing stress on both and increasing their durability.

[2] Prior to this, the combined system, which put the drive axle under constant strain of the vehicle's load and terrain beneath it, was prone to frequent failure.

[2] It also allowed for the relocation of the transmission behind and beneath the operator, providing better weight distribution and improved traction, and permitting more compact location of both the blade and rear implements.

The November 1977 issue of Excavating Contractor magazine had a 2-page story on the bulldozer titled "Cat Uncorks The New D10".