CAT D6T XW Rebuild: Breathing New Life Into a Trusted Workhorse
At Lyons & Hohl, our fleet strategy is built on a foundation of reliability, performance, and smart investment. One of the key ways we maximize value is by extending the life of our equipment through Cat Certified Rebuilds, made possible by our trusted partner, Cleveland Brothers.
This year, we completed our third certified rebuild with Cleveland Brother, this time on a 2015 D6T XW dozer that had logged over 14,000 hours. While the machine remained productive, it was beginning to show signs of wear, with increased downtime and rising repair costs. A certified rebuild offered a cost-effective solution to restore it to like-new condition at a fraction of the price of purchasing new.
D6T XW loaded and ready for the trip to Cleveland Brothers.
A Proven Partnership
Having previously partnered with Cleveland Brothers on two D8R dozer rebuilds, we knew we could count on their expertise once again. Leading the rebuild was service technician Allen Crouthamel, who also handled our last project. Allen’s deep understanding of our operational needs and his proactive communication throughout the process made everything seamless. He kept us informed during teardown and flagged key items for attention, involving PSSR Ron Krauss and Service Manager Brett Leininger every step of the way.
We also appreciated Cleveland Brothers’ open-door approach, allowing us to visit and monitor progress throughout the rebuild. The Harrisburg shop handled the paintwork, while the Lancaster location completed the mechanical rebuild.
2000 D8R rebuilt in 2019 working a current site.
2004 D8R rebuilt in 2022 working a current site.
What Went Into the Rebuild
Our D6T received a full Cat Certified Rebuild, with major systems rebuilt, replaced, or refreshed to meet Caterpillar’s rigorous standards:
Engine: Cat Remanufactured
Transmission: Rebuilt to Cat standards
Final Drives: Rebuilt to Cat standards
Hydraulic Pumps & Drive Motors: Rebuilt to Cat standards
Cylinders: Rebuilt to Cat standards
Ebar: Rebuilt to OEM specifications
Hydraulic Hoses: Fully replaced
Wiring Harnesses: New cab and chassis harnesses installed
Cab: Refreshed to like-new condition
Frame: Inspected and repainted
Grade Control: Upgraded to EarthWorks with a complete GPS system refresh
Paint: Machine painted at Cleveland Brothers Harrisburg paint facility
Timeline and Planning
The dozer was dropped off on May 20 and picked up on September 15. While there were minor delays due to parts availability, the overall downtime was within expectations. Thanks to careful planning, we avoided any disruptions to field operations.
Benefits to Our Team and Projects
The rebuild gave our operator Ray his familiar machine back—now updated, more reliable, and equipped with advanced GPS capabilities. While the new system has a learning curve, Ray is pleased with the improvements and confident in the dozer’s performance.
For our operations, this rebuild means we’ve added another dependable machine to our fleet without the steep cost of buying new. It also reduces the risk of breakdowns and minimizes downtime, helping us stay productive and meet project deadlines.
Why Cat Certified Rebuilds Make Sense
A Cat Certified Rebuild restores a machine to like-new condition through comprehensive disassembly, inspection, and replacement or remanufacturing of major components. It also incorporates engineering updates made since the machine’s original manufacture. Backed by a Caterpillar warranty, it offers the confidence of new—at a significantly lower cost.
For Lyons & Hohl, it’s not just about saving money. It’s about ensuring reliability for our team, our clients, and our projects. With Cleveland Brothers’ expertise and dedicated technicians like Allan, we know we’re investing in equipment that will continue to perform for years to come.
When the next rebuild opportunity arises, Cleveland Brothers will be our first call.
