The D6XE dozer from Caterpillar, officially shown for the first time to trade press on Nov. 14 at the company’s test facility in Edwards, Ill., features a “High Drive” electric-drive transmission that eliminates a traditional gearbox. The machine replaces the popular D6T Dozer, and uses an updated version of the hybrid electric-drive transmission Cat first introduced in 2009. The hybrid transmission eliminates gear shifting, leading to large gains in fuel economy and performance over the earlier models with traditional powertrains. A D6 dozer with a standard four-speed automatic transmission was also announced. The new D6 and D6XE dozers are the first models of a total overhaul of Cat’s dozer line that is set to roll out over the next few years.