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When it comes to picking the right dozer, you need to think about its size and specs, but there are also several other factors that come into play. This may include cab comfort and visibility, whether it’s available with low ground pressure configuration, attachments or blades they’re compatible with, and what technology is available to make an operator more efficient on the job.
Whether you’re renting a dozer or deciding which one to buy, this blog will compare the different features across the best bulldozer brands like Caterpillar, John Deere, CASE, Komatsu, and Liebherr. However, it’s important to note that not every model will come with the features mentioned below. It may be best to contact a DOZR representative when renting to help you make an informed decision.
Click to go to the following bulldozer manufacturers:
Caterpillar Dozer Features
John Deere Dozer Features
CASE Dozer Features
Komatsu Dozer Features
Liebherr Dozer Features
Caterpillar Bulldozer Features
With dozers ranging in small, medium, and large sizes, Cat dozers are one of the most common brands and can be used for several kinds of projects. The strength of Cat bulldozers, especially on their newer models, is the improved fuel economy, easy maintenance of the undercarriage, and better grade control technology.
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With features like Slope Assist, Stable Blade, and Slope Indicate, equipment operators will be more efficient and adapt to different job sites. For example, Slope Indicate provides the operator with real-time information on the optimal use of the slope and angle of the blade.
Caterpillar D4K Dozer with an equipment operator pushing dirtCaterpillar D4K Dozer with an equipment operator pushing dirt
Technology like Blade Load Monitor allows the operator to see how efficiently they are pushing aggregate on each pass and see if there are any adjustments that can be made. Meanwhile, their Cat Grade Control technology creates a 3D model of the site which allows for automatic blade position based on tilt, angle, and height to help create the desired grade.
Some of the smaller dozers like the D2 also have Sealed and Lubricated Tracks to increase longevity. Their models from the Cat D1 to D8 are also configurable with LGP, giving you a wide range of customization.
The cabs are continuously being innovated with every new model to create more visibility and comfort with AC and heating. Able to be customized to the operator’s preference, the controls are easy to use and allow them to have more confidence in getting the job done.
John Deere Bulldozer Features
Another prominent construction equipment manufacturer is John Deere. With mostly small and medium-sized models, they don’t compete in size with other brands on this list but they still have great technology and features that make getting the job done easier.
Most John Deere dozers have key features and technology are EcoMode, SmartGrade™, and John Deere WorkSight. EcoMode helps optimize fuel consumption for their bulldozers. This includes adjusting engine speed and matching the optimal hydraulic power with the needs of the workload.
John Deere 700k Bulldozer sitting idle on a construction siteJohn Deere 700k Bulldozer sitting idle on a construction site
SmartGrade™ uses sensors to provide feedback to the operator about blade position, tilt, slope, and grade in real time to increase efficiency. And WorkSight is a telematics suite to get real-time information about the machine’s performance.
Their dozer cabs also have some great features. These include air conditioning and heating to allow operators to work in all types of conditions, ergonomic seats that can be adjusted to the operator’s preference, and safety features like rollover protection structures (ROPS) and falling object protection structures (FOPS). They also have several mirrors and large windows to provide great visibility. John Deere dozers also come available with either LGP or standard tracks.
CASE Bulldozer Features
Like John Deere, CASE focuses mostly on small and medium-sized dozer models. But what they may like in size, they make up for in power and features.
The current CASE M models, of which there are six, are designed with visibility as a top priority. With their sloped hood, glass windows, and low-profile undercarriage, CASE dozers help their operators get a 360 view of the work they’re doing. These models also feature a hydrostatic drive system that helps increase torque when pushing a heavier load and reduce torque when moving a light load. This helps the dozers work with the precise amount of power needed at all times.
One of the key features is their SiteControl CoPilot technology. This software uses the power of advanced sensors to give feedback to the operator on blade position, slope, grade, and more to reduce the risk of errors and increase efficiency. They also have Automatic Blade Control which allows the operator to adjust the blade’s height, tilt, and angle to get consistent results on the grade.
Lastly, their models also can come with a Power-Pitch Blade, patented by CASE. These blades can tilt forward and backward, allowing operators to get more optimal angles on grading, backfilling, or material handling projects. All case models can come equipped with either standard or LGP track configurations.
Komatsu Bulldozer Features
A competitor to Caterpillar and Liebherr in terms of their size, Komatsu dozers are used for a variety of applications including construction, quarrying, and mining. Made for strength and power, the features Komatsu bulldozers come with only make their machines better.
Komatsu has a wide selection of models available equipped with LGP or standard tracks, or their intelligent Machine Control technologies (iMC). The name of the equipment denotes these features.
Komatsu 39EX Dozer pushing dirt on a projectKomatsu 39EX Dozer pushing dirt on a project
For example, the Komatsu D37 EX-24 vs the Komatsu D37 PXi-24. The E denotes that the machine has standard ground pressure while the P resembles that it is LGP. The lowercase “i” in the name reflects that the machine has iMC features.
The added benefits of having a Komatsu dozer with iMC include being able to program 3D designs directly into the equipment. This helps operators improve their grading and pass efficiency. This is especially helpful when your operators may have a little less experience. Other benefits of iMC include increasing lift efficiency, better tilt steering, and better blad positioning.
Komatsu dozers also come with better hydrostatic transmissions. This allows for great control and traction and when partnered with LGP configurations, makes them easy to operate on a wide range of terrains. They also have cabs with ROPS and great visibility.
Liebherr Bulldozer Features
Liebherr is another crawler dozer brand with powerful machines used for a wide variety of heavy-duty applications. With their 700 Series of bulldozers, also known as Generation 8, they have advanced technology and features in line with others on this list.
With their Advanced Blade Control, operators can perform tasks with efficiency and precision. Able to tilt and angle the blade to the desired specs, their dozers can get the job done. And with 2D and 3D sensors, the blades can be optimized to the specific measurement and make earthmoving projects easy.
Equipped with their Hydrostatic Travel Drive, Lieherr’s dozers also have excellent traction and maneuverability across many different types of terrain. This helps provide more control and safety for the operator. With the Electric Monitoring and Control Systems technology, real-time feedback is provided to the operator about the machine’s performance and condition as well. This helps the operator know what could be improved and also assists in reducing the chance of downtime and breakdowns.
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Lastly, their cabs have great 360-degree visibility and are designed with comfort for the operator. Made to be ergonomic, the operator chair is extremely comfortable and the cabs are spacious and sound-insulated, providing a quieter working environment.
As can be seen, when it comes to comparing bulldozer brands, there is no wrong answer. At the end of the day, it may just come down to brand preference and familiarity. More and more manufacturers are making the above technology and cab comfort a priority.
It also may solely depend on how much aggregate and material you need to move on a given project. If that’s the case, make sure to read our full bulldozer size chart and specs blog! We hope this has helped determine which dozer brand you should pick for your next project. Check out the DOZR Marketplace to find dozer rentals near you.