Using available materials on the moon is obviously extremely appealing. Otherwise it’s like the Mayflower having to carry all the materials to build the colony.

What got me thinking was the fact that I have moved more dirt and rock over the years then I care to remember.

How are we going to get a D9 up there? With no atmosphere and extremes in temperature I think hi torque diesels are out. Plus they're fuel thirsty.

Looks like electric dozers, excavators and loaders are the way to go. Constructed from lightweight composites, maybe titanium cutting edges and wear plates.

Instead of hydraulic cylinders you could use computer-controlled solenoids.

Instead of batteries it may be more practical to plug stationary equipment (excavators) into solar arrays.

Conveyor belts may be the best way to go moving and placing (backfilling the domes) material.

One question though. The lifting loads would be less because of 1/6g. Would the pushing loads be the same as on earth for our E9's (assuming material density the same for Earth and Moon) If I remember right Inertia is independent of and not effected by gravity but
What about the coefficient of friction? That must be affected by gravity?

Rob