The Future of Bulldozers: Testing the Diesel Electric Innovation

Navy and Army engineers are conducting on November 9 tests of a new diesel electric bulldozer at Naval Base Ventura County, California. All to compare fuel consumption and performance with older, less energy efficient legacy military bulldozers.

The testing will create an accurate, comparative baseline evaluation of legacy equipment. Thereby identifying limitations of potential improvements to bulldozer operations. All the while gauging the productivity impact of the new diesel electric propulsion. Moreover and automatic blade control systems. Testing will also measure the possible energy savings it may deliver if selected for use by Amphibious and Expeditionary Forces worldwide.

TARDEC Bulldozer 

The project is the result of a partnering effort by the U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) to use the training facility at the Naval Base Ventura County. One which also offers a consistent climate favorable to the testing said bulldozer.  This effort is also supported by personnel from the NAVFAC Engineering Service Center (NAVFAC ESC). So the First Naval Construction Division (1NCD) and the 31st Seabee Readiness Group (SRG). As well as private industry. 

The 31st SRG of the 1NCD contributed experienced equipment operators to support the tests. Moreover and gained knowledge and experience. All with the new diesel electric technology in reducing energy consumption of heavy construction equipment. In addition, 1NCD oversees about 16,000 Navy Seabees. All who provide a wide range of military construction and humanitarian assistance worldwide.

Diesel HEV

The diesel electric bulldozer, as tested, is equipped with a digital guidance system for automatic dozer blade control, allowing operators to achieve better grading accuracy without the use of survey stakes. The diesel electric bulldozer does not have a power storage battery pack, transmission, or torque converter. It uses a diesel generator to generate electricity to power two electric motors, which in turn, drive the two tracks. 

Participation in this comparison test enables the Navy to assess new, promising technologies to reduce the fuel consumption of expeditionary construction equipment used by the Seabees in deployment and training. Navy and Army engineers believe the test results from the diesel electric dozer will ultimately show a notable reduction in fuel consumption and lower overall operating costs.

Source: US Navy By Darrell E. Waller

PORT HUENEME, Calif. (NNS) — PORT HUENEME, CALIF.

Story Number: NNS111109-18, Release Date: 11/9/2011 3:06:00 PM

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