The super-heavy bulldozer D40 has begun pilot operation at the Molodo diamond mine in Yakutia. The new Russian-made machine was prepared for operation by specialists from the Chelyabinsk plant "DST-URAL" together with engineers from ALROSA's Almaz Anabara group.
Model D40 is the flagship of the DST-URAL line, created specifically for the harsh conditions of the Far North. At the end of March 2026, installation supervision works were completed at the mine site, and the equipment went to test operations in a real quarry. This is the first of three manufactured bulldozers to be tested in the extreme environment of a diamond mining enterprise.
The designers incorporated the requirements of Yakut subsoil users into the D40: stable operation at extremely low temperatures, high performance on hard and waterlogged soils, as well as increased reliability of key components. The operating weight of the machine is 75 tons, the engine power is 769 horsepower. The 18.5 cubic meter blade allows for efficient movement of significant volumes of rock.
The key technical solution of the D40 bulldozer is a hydrostatic transmission with electronic control. It provides smooth speed control and precise positioning of the blade when working with complex rocks. The operator's cab is equipped with a system for monitoring the condition of the components: real-time data helps to prevent breakdowns and plan maintenance in the conditions of remote mines.