Dozers: compare specs, models, and performance

Bulldozers, often simply referred to as dozers, are essential machines in the construction industry, particularly for road construction projects and military applications, due to their unmatched ability to move large volumes of earth and debris. The two primary types of dozers are crawler tractors and wheeled dozers, each designed to excel in specific environments and tasks.

Crawler tractors, commonly known as crawler dozers, are equipped with continuous tracks that provide superior traction and stability on rough terrain, loose soil, sand, and uneven ground. This makes them highly suitable for challenging construction sites and projects where maximum ground contact and low ground pressure are critical. Their robust frame and powerful components allow them to push, dig, and rip through tough material, making them a go-to solution for demanding earthmoving jobs.

On the other hand, wheeled dozers are designed for mobility and speed on firm, level surfaces. Their large tires enable them to travel quickly between job sites and operate efficiently on paved roads or compacted soil, making them ideal for road construction, maintenance, and certain military applications where rapid deployment and versatility are required. While they may not match the raw pushing force of a crawler, wheeled dozers offer excellent maneuverability and are often used in support roles or where access and speed are a priority.

Both crawler and wheeled dozers can be equipped with a variety of blade types and attachments, such as straight blades (S-blades), U blades, and rippers, allowing operators to tailor the machine to specific site requirements. This adaptability ensures that, regardless of the environment or project demands, there is a dozer configuration suitable for every job. 

Today's dozers combine proven power with integrated grade control and smart machine features that support precise material movement and consistent productivity. These systems help new operators achieve results once dependent on decades of experience, improving efficiency across mixed-skill crews. Explore our spec guide below to review dozers up to 100,000 pounds for demanding earthmoving work.

1. Liebherr dozer specs

Liebherr crawler dozers ensure that full power is on-call at all times, regardless of weather conditions or material grades. Designed for heavy dozing and precision grading, the hydrostatic drive system provides optimal pushing speed, ensuring consistent power and efficiency. The substantial weight of the machine contributes significantly to its stability and pushing power, allowing for improved traction and down-force during demanding excavation tasks. 

Operator Assistance Systems enhance grading quality and operational efficiency, maximizing productivity on the job site. Whether tackling tough terrain or intricate grading tasks, Liebherr Crawler Dozers are designed to meet high standards with robust performance and innovative technology.

The Liebherr PR 726 XL and LGP crawler dozers, for example, offer enhanced efficiency and versatility, making them ideal for medium-duty tasks such as site preparation, road construction, and moderate earthmoving. 

Both versions of the PR 726 have advanced Liebherr diesel engines that deliver high performance and low fuel consumption. Equipped with operator assistance systems such as Free Grade and Definition Grade, along with an innovative hydrostatic drive, these dozers ensure precision and ease of use. The PR 726 XL handles demanding tasks, while the LGP model's low ground pressure undercarriage is perfect for soft, sensitive terrain.

Explore more Liebherr dozer specs and performance details here.

2. John Deere Construction & Forestry dozer specs 

John Deere currently offers eight dozer models: three small P-Tier dozers, three mid-size dozers, and two large P-Tier dozers, all built on robust tractor platforms. Enhancing operator performance and safety, the P-Tier small dozers feature a variety of strategic design choices aimed to increase visibility and comfort. 

The mid-size dozer models offer exceptional performance, reliability, and ease of operation in a mid-size design. Various blades and attachments are mounted on the tractor base to enhance versatility across different tasks. The John Deere 1050 P-Tier Dozer, pictured above, offers extreme durability to tackle even the roughest and rugged job sites. Customers looking to move large amounts of material efficiently will benefit from the standard 168-inch semi-U blade. 

Along with a wider blade, the 1050 P-Tier is equipped with a redesigned blade linkage that moves the blade rearward and reduces the overall length of the machine, improving balance and grading performance. The blade can be lowered into position for optimal grading, and operators can adjust the blade linkage to suit different operational needs. 

Several changes have been made to enhance visibility to the blade corners, ensuring operators have optimum visibility on the job. Lastly, the redesigned suspended double-bogie undercarriage reduces vibrations throughout the machine, improving ride quality and component durability.

Explore more John Deere dozer specs and performance details here.

3. Komatsu dozer specs

Komatsu offers a diverse lineup of dozers ranging from small to large models designed for various applications. It's available in AX standard track, EX extended track for flat, rocky, or high-impact work, and PX for the lowest ground pressure. 

Configurations can be tailored to meet specific applications, providing operators with performance, efficiency, and durability. Komatsu dozers are equipped with Komatsu's Parallel Link Undercarriage System (PLUS), which offers a unique rotating bushing design, durable, longer-wearing links, and self-adjusting idler support with a recoil spring. 

iMC 2.0, offered on Komatsu dozers, gives inexperienced operators the ability to run a dozer like a pro. With iMC 2.0, operators can focus on productivity and precision, as the system handles manual adjustments automatically, allowing them to concentrate on core tasks. iMC 2.0 allows operators to use automatics nearly 100 percent of the time with proactive dozing, lift layer control, and tilt steering.

Pictured above, the D71PXi-24 is Komatsu's largest and most powerful hydrostatic transmission (HST) dozer. This voice-of-customer-designed dozer performs in all grass-to-grade applications. From stripping, rough dozing, and spreading to finish grading, the D71PXi-24 utilizes iMC 2.0 automatics to maximize efficiency and productivity throughout the entire process. 

Operational settings can vary depending on soil type and project requirements to ensure optimal performance and cost-effectiveness. It is equipped with a power angle tilt (PAT) blade and 36-inch shoes providing a 5-psi ground pressure for maximum flotation and pushing ability. Komatsu's super-slant nose cab-forward design on HST dozers provides visibility to the cutting edges while enhancing operator comfort for a balanced ride and increased field of view.

Explore more Komatsu dozer specs and performance details here.

4. DEVELON dozer specs

DEVELON introduced its first dozer in 2022 and currently offers two models: the DD100 and DD130. Both dozers provide enhanced visibility from the cab to the front and sides of the machine. A standard rear-view (backup) camera enhances operator visibility. A six-way power-tilt angle blade moves and grades dirt, clay, and other materials. 

Operators can activate the blade float function for back grading or fine finishing. A blade shake button is available to quickly remove stuck-on materials. Operators can reduce the dozer's fuel consumption using an ECO mode, saving up to 5 percent without sacrificing grading performance when working in lower tractive conditions. 

Additional fuel-saving technologies include auto-idle and auto-engine shutdown. Optional features available for DEVELON dozers include 2D blade assist, 3D machine guidance, and 3D machine control. Service plans and warranties are also available to help protect the machine and ensure long-term reliability.

The DEVELON DD100 dozer, for example, competes in the 140 hp and under category. Standard premium features for the DD100 include MY DEVELON Fleet Management telematics for remote monitoring, ECO mode for reduced fuel consumption, rear-view camera for enhanced visibility, blade shake for removing material stuck to the blade, and an easy-to-read, user-friendly touchscreen display for access to the dozer's functions and machine settings.

Explore more DEVELON dozer specs and performance details here.

5. CASE Construction Equipment dozer specs

CASE Construction Equipment‘s M Series dozers deliver contractors more precision, reliability, and control than ever before. Electro-hydraulic blade control, which reduces overall operator fatigue while increasing productivity, comes as a standard feature on most models, along with customizable blade, shuttle, and steering controls.

These dozers are also suitable for ripping hard or compacted soils, making them ideal for loosening ground to facilitate excavation and earthmoving tasks.

When equipped with CASE Universal Machine Control, the M Series dozers can be outfitted with machine control solutions from any of the three major suppliers of precision construction technology. Each dozer also features maintenance-free, Tier 4 Final emission solutions, excellent serviceability access, spacious floor-to-ceiling glass, and positive-pressure cabs that offer ample elbow room while keeping dirt out.

CASE Construction Equipment's 850M dozer, for example, offers a drawbar pull of 41,010 pounds and features a 120-hp (90 kW) engine. A hydrostatic transmission delivers steady power under load and supports tight counter rotation. An electro-hydraulic blade control, adjustable steering, shuttle sensitivity, and a load management system that regulates track speed based on material volume all work together to make operation smooth and intuitive.

The electrical and hydraulic routings enhance serviceability and durability, while LED lights, Bluetooth radio, a rear-view camera, and an undercarriage spade holder provide convenience and accessibility.

Explore more CASE CE dozer specs and performance details here.

6. Caterpillar dozer specs

Caterpillar's D4 to D8 dozers offer a range of technology features to help operators of varied experience levels get work done quickly and accurately. 

Cat Assist with ARO (attachment-ready option) is a suite of features that is standard on every model. This technology package includes the following features: ARO Sensors (IMUs) on the machine for GPS capability; Cat Grade with Slope Assist, which holds blade angles with no GPS; Steer Assist, which automatically keeps dozing straight; and Stable Blade, which makes finish dozing easier, as well as Slope Indicate, Blade Load Monitor, Traction Control, and AutoCarry. AutoRip, on the D7 and D8 only, automates ripper raise/lower and shank in/out.

When selecting blade types for these dozers, options include the straight blade, which is mounted perpendicular to the dozer's main axis and is ideal for general-purpose earthmoving, grading, and pushing soil straight forward, as well as other specialized blades for different applications.

The D6 XE is the world's first high-drive electric dozer. The electric drive makes this the most fuel-efficient dozer in Caterpillar's lineup, and with fewer moving parts and longer service intervals, there is an opportunity to save on maintenance time and money as well. 

The D6 XE powertrain provides up to 45 percent steering radius reduction compared to the D6. The D6 XE offers in-gear counter rotation for increased maneuverability. Cat dozers are designed with grouped service points and easy-to-access fluids and filters for an easy owning and operating experience. The cab features integrated ROPS (rollover protective structure) that provides more visibility to the work and comfortable seats with adjustments to personalize the work environment.

Explore more Caterpillar dozer specs and performance details here.