In the Russian heavy special equipment market, the "DST-URAL" Plant, a member of the "Rosspetsmash" Association, has begun deliveries of the new hybrid bulldozer D12E with an electromechanical transmission. After prolonged testing in harsh climatic and geological conditions, the first production models have already been shipped to customers.

The key feature of the D12E is a series hybrid power scheme, where the diesel engine acts as an energy source for the traction generator, and the machine's movement is provided by electric motors integrated into the final drives. By eliminating the traditional mechanical transmission, torque converter, and cardan shafts, the undercarriage design has become significantly simpler, and the machine itself has achieved a different balance of efficiency and controllability. According to the manufacturer's stated data, this solution allows for fuel consumption reduction of up to 30% compared to diesel counterparts of the same class.

The bulldozer belongs to the 12th traction class and has an operating weight of about 21.5 tons. A diesel engine with a power output of about 140 kW is used as the power unit, working in conjunction with an electric motor system that provides high torque from zero revolutions. This configuration improves traction characteristics at low speeds, which is critical when working in heavy soils and quarry conditions.

The model underwent an extended testing program lasting over a year and a half. The equipment was tested in various operating scenarios – from rocky terrains in Ural quarries to waterlogged soils in Western Siberia, with a temperature range from -45 to +45 degrees Celsius. Following the tests, the manufacturer reported no critical failures of the power unit, which became an important argument before launching serial deliveries.