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Caterpillar Supply Chain:  How to build a $2 million tractor.

The Caterpillar supply chain is amazing considering the size of many of its parts.  Caterpillar workers hand-build the 229,000-pound D11 tractor.

The Caterpillar D11 is a large, powerful bulldozer that is used in a variety of construction and mining applications. It is made up of thousands of individual components that are sourced from a global supply chain. Some of the major components include:

  • The engine: The D11 is powered by a Cat C32 ACERT engine, which is a 16-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine that produces 850 horsepower. The engine is manufactured in Lafayette, Indiana.
     
  • The transmission: The D11 uses a Cat Powershift transmission, which is a 12-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth, efficient power transfer. The transmission is manufactured in Decatur, Illinois.
     
  • The undercarriage: The undercarriage of the D11 consists of the tracks, sprockets, and rollers. The tracks are made of steel and are designed to provide traction and durability. The sprockets and rollers are also made of steel and are designed to support the tracks and transmit power to the ground.
  • The cab: The cab of the D11 is the operator’s workplace. It is equipped with a comfortable seat, climate control system, and a variety of controls. The cab is also mounted on a suspension system that helps to reduce vibration and noise.
     
  • The hydraulic system: The hydraulic system of the D11 is used to power the blade, bucket, and other attachments. The system is made up of pumps, valves, and cylinders.
     

In addition to these major components, the D11 also includes a variety of other smaller components, such as tires, lights, and sensors. All of these components are sourced from a global supply chain, which ensures that Caterpillar can deliver the D11 to customers around the world.

The supply chain for the D11 is complex and involves a variety of companies. Some of the major suppliers include:

  • Cummins: Cummins supplies the engine for the D11.
  • Allison Transmission: Allison Transmission supplies the transmission for the D11.
  • Bridgestone: Bridgestone supplies the tires for the D11.
  • Parker Hannifin: Parker Hannifin supplies the hydraulic components for the D11.
  • Bosch: Bosch supplies the electronic components for the D11.

The supply chain for the D11 is constantly evolving as Caterpillar strives to improve the quality and efficiency of its products. By working with a global network of suppliers, Caterpillar is able to deliver the D11 to customers around the world with the highest standards of quality.

Supply Chain and Leadership Quotes

  • “The slower but consistent tortoise causes less waste and is more desirable than the speedy hare that races ahead and then stops occasionally to doze. The Toyota Production System can be realized only when all the workers become tortoises.” ~Taiichi Ohno
  • “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” ~Jim Rohn
  • “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” ~Margaret Mead
  • “The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It’s got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion. You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet.” ~Reverend Theodore Hesburgh
  • “If you are going to do kaizen continuously you’ve got to assume that things are a mess. Too many people just assume that things are all right the way they are. Aren’t you guys convinced that the way you’re doing things is the right way? That’s no way to get anything done. Kaizen is about changing the way things are. If you assume that things are all right the way they are, you can’t do kaizen. So change something!” ~Taiichi Ohno
  • “I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” ~Ralph Nader
  • “Past supply chain automation efforts will pale in comparison to the automation coming with IoT and Artificial Intelligence.” ~Dave Waters.

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