Support Equipment

Multi-shank ripper

Also known as
  • Cat multi-shank ripper
  • Ripper - Multi-Shank, Adjustable Parallelogram
  • D9 multi-shank ripper
  • D9 multi-shank adjustable parallelogram ripper
  • Cat D9 three-shank ripper

The multi-shank ripper is Caterpillar's three-pocket adjustable-parallelogram rear attachment for the D9 dozer, used to fracture rock, frozen ground, and compacted soil before dozing or excavation. Caterpillar publishes the D9-compatible multi-shank dimensions and forces, while IDF material separately shows why rear rippers matter on armored D-9 combat-engineering vehicles.

Multi-shank ripper, Dozer ripper attachment, Support Equipment
Image source: IDF D9R bulldozer - Swords of Iron - 2023-11-02.jpg
Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
United States
Built by
Caterpillar
Type
Dozer ripper attachment
Service note
Current D9-family attachment
Unit cost
Not publicly documented

Specifications

Attachment class
Rear-mounted dozer ripper
Configuration
Multi-shank, adjustable parallelogram
Compatible machine
Caterpillar D9 large dozer
Pockets
3
Maximum penetration force
34,621 lbf (154 kN)
Maximum penetration
31.4 in (798 mm)
Pry-out force
81,156 lbf (361 kN)
Maximum clearance raised
34.6 in (879 mm) under tip, pinned in bottom hole
Attachment weight
12,136 lb (5,550 kg)
D9 operating weight with SU blade and ripper
111,739 lb (50,684 kg)
D9 length with multi-shank ripper
257.4 in (6,538 mm)
Compatible Dozers

Caterpillar presents the multi-shank ripper as a rear-mounted dozer attachment for hard-material breakup.

CarrierCarrier typeCarriage evidence
Caterpillar D9 armored bulldozer, Armored bulldozer, Armored VehiclesCaterpillar D9 armored bulldozerLarge dozer

Caterpillar's D9 product page lists the multi-shank ripper as a specialty rear attachment option for the D9 family.

Sources: Cat D9 Dozer

Attachment Role

The multi-shank ripper is useful context for armored D9-family pages because it is a rear tool, not a separate vehicle. The strongest public sources identify the D9-compatible Caterpillar attachment and the broader combat-engineering purpose of rear rippers.

TopicDocumented detailSource
D9 fitCaterpillar lists the multi-shank ripper as a D9 specialty rear attachment and separately lists a three-shank rear attachment option for the D9.Cat D9 Dozer
Ripping functionCaterpillar describes dozer ripper systems as rear-mounted attachments that use shanks, tips, and protectors to fracture hard material before it is moved or managed.Cat Ripper Systems for Dozers
Operating techniqueCaterpillar's operator guidance frames ripping as a straight-line task where depth, shank angle, and drawbar pull are adjusted to material and traction.Cat Dozer Ripping Techniques
Armored D-9 contextThe IDF says the armored D-9 carries a rear ripper for concrete obstacles; that source supports rear-ripper combat-engineering context but not a specific multi-shank configuration.How Does the D-9 Save Lives?
Timeline

Multi-shank ripper Key Events

  1. Caterpillar publishes ripping guidance

    Caterpillar's dozer ripping guide describes ripping as a straight-line, shank-depth-dependent task for breaking hard material and gives operating guidance for Cat dozers.

    Sources: Cat Dozer Ripping Techniques

  2. IDF describes the armored D-9 rear ripper

    The IDF describes the armored D-9 as a combat-engineering vehicle with a rear ripper used to destroy concrete obstacles, adding vehicle-context for the attachment family without identifying a specific commercial shank configuration.

    Sources: How Does the D-9 Save Lives?

  3. Caterpillar ripper-system page updated

    Caterpillar's ripper-system page describes Cat dozer rippers as rear-mounted attachments with frames, shanks, tips, and shank protectors, and notes that single- or multi-shank setups depend on the model and application.

    Sources: Cat Ripper Systems for Dozers

Media

Multi-shank ripper Images

Multi-shank ripper, Dozer ripper attachment, Support Equipment - view 1
Source: IDF D9R bulldozer - Swords of Iron - 2023-11-16.jpg
Multi-shank ripper, Dozer ripper attachment, Support Equipment - view 2
Source: Swords of Iron - IDF D9 and Flag - 6.jpg
Related Weapon Systems
Weaponized civilian bulldozer or front loader, Combat engineering bulldozer/front loader, Armored VehiclesArmored VehiclesWeaponized civilian bulldozer or front loaderCombat engineering bulldozer/front loaderWeaponized civilian bulldozers and front loaders are heavy construction machines adapted for combat engineering, barrier breaching, demolition, and protected route work. The Israeli Caterpillar D9 family is the best-documented armored example, appearing in Gaza operations in 2008, 2014, and 2023 and in the July 2023 Jenin operation, while Hamas-led attackers also used construction equipment for barrier breaching on October 7. Remote-control and autonomous conversions such as Panda and RobDozer reduce crew exposure during IED, obstacle, berm, and demolition tasks.
M940 MPT-SD cartridge, 20 mm multi-purpose tracer self-destruct cartridge, MunitionsMunitionsM940 MPT-SD cartridge20 mm multi-purpose tracer self-destruct cartridgeThe M940 MPT-SD is a U.S. 20x102 mm multi-purpose tracer self-destruct cartridge for the land-based Phalanx / C-RAM firing chain. Northrop Grumman identifies M940-1 and M940-2 as C-RAM-fired rounds, Army ammunition material describes LPWS/C-RAM employing M940 against incoming rockets, artillery shells, and mortar rounds, and FY2027 budget material lists AC34 M940 w/MK7 Link procurement through Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics option lines.

Sources

Cat D9 DozerPublisher: Caterpillar | Note: Supports manufacturer background and the D9-family multi-shank ripper option, including the published penetration, pry-out, weight, pocket, and configuration details used on this page. | Accessed: 2026-06-29Cat Ripper Systems for DozersPublisher: Caterpillar | Note: Supports the rear-mounted dozer ripper system context and Caterpillar's description of single-shank or multi-shank ripper options for dozers. | Accessed: 2026-06-29Cat Dozer Ripping TechniquesPublisher: Caterpillar | Note: Supports background for dozer ripping technique, including straight-line ripping, shank-depth selection, shank angle, speed, and drawbar-pull guidance. | Accessed: 2026-06-29How Does the D-9 Save Lives?Publisher: Israel Defense Forces | Note: Supports background context for the armored D-9 rear ripper and its obstacle-destruction role; it does not directly identify the D9 multi-shank ripper attachment as a named conflict-use item. | Accessed: 2026-06-29IDF D9R bulldozer - Swords of Iron - 2023-11-02.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a D9R bulldozer image showing a rear ripper attachment. | Accessed: 2026-06-29IDF D9R bulldozer - Swords of Iron - 2023-11-16.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a D9R bulldozer image in the same gallery set. | Accessed: 2026-06-29Swords of Iron - IDF D9 and Flag - 6.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a D9 bulldozer image in the same gallery set. | Accessed: 2026-06-29