US-based contractor Goodfellow Bros. has received one of the world鈥檚 first high-drive electric dozers manufactured by Caterpillar.

The machine is one of three special-edition commemorative Cat D6 XE dozers built to celebrate Caterpillar鈥檚 production of 175,000 medium high-drive dozers. Cat first at Bauma in April 2019, with a choice of electric drive or fully automatic power train.

Goodfellow Bros. Inc. (GBI) is a fourth-generation family-owned large heavy-civil contractor with operations in Hawaii, Oregon, California and Washington. Caterpillar selected GBI as a recipient of the all-new dozer because of its long-standing relationship with the company.

鈥淭he strong partnership between Caterpillar, Hawthorne Cat and Goodfellow Bros. provided us a unique opportunity to celebrate significant and special milestones,鈥� said Patrick Kearns, North America industry region manager for Caterpillar. 鈥淭his commemorative medium track-type tractor symbolises so much of what we鈥檝e accomplished over the last century and our commitment to building a better world.鈥�

The Cat D6 XE is the world鈥檚 first electric-drive dozer offering elevated sprocket design for increased agility and 35% better fuel efficiency, compared to the previous 3-speed model D6T, according to Caterpillar.

With no gears to shift, Caterpillar claims the electric drive provides maximum torque at all speeds and constant power to the ground, allowing it to move up to 10% more material per hour. In addition to increased performance, the electric drive was designed to offer durability and simplified diagnostics, helping reduce service and maintenance costs.

鈥淔or nearly 100 years, Goodfellow Bros. has been on the forefront of adopting innovative technologies to improve operations and make jobs safer and more efficient,鈥� said Chad Goodfellow, CEO of Goodfellow Bros. 鈥淭he addition of the Cat D6 XE to our fleet is a great example of our commitment to innovation and partnerships that make our industry better.鈥�

Earlier this month, UK consulting and contracting company  as part of a move to be more efficient and sustainable.