Small Dozer under 10,000 lbs ... do they exist?

[TSO]

Have you looked at Ritchie Specs to see if the differences are obvious when you compare the different variations?

Yeah, there are small differences in things like weight, but functionally, I can't tell.

Nice truck !

 

[4570Man]

Have you looked at Ritchie Specs to see if the differences are obvious when you compare the different variations?

The Ritchie Specs show a D3 with a 6 way blade to weigh over 30,000 pounds. Most other places show between 14,000-18,000.

 

[bcp]

D3, from:
Cat | D3K2 Track-Type Tractor | Caterpillar


Weights
Operating Weight – XL 17465.0 lb
Operating Weight – LGP 18442.0 lb
Operating Weight – LGP, 762 mm/30 in 18896.0 lb
Note Specs are for machine equipped with dozer blade, canopy ROPS, back-up alarm, operator, coolant, lubricants and full fuel tank.

 

[TSO]

OK ... So, comparing a komatsu D21 (under 9k lbs) to a JD 350 (under 11K lbs) .... And then comparing them both to a 8000lb skid steer with dozer blade...

Which, omitting cost, would be the better small dozer for grading (pitch grades for inspection) small properties under 2 acres, and considering I don't want to buy another truck at this point and want to trailer it behind my F450...?

The factors to consider would be efficiency, machine capabilities, and repair/maint ability? Can you still get parts for each?

 

[GManBart]

Yeah, there are small differences in things like weight, but functionally, I can't tell.

Nice truck !

Thanks!

This might help (other than the fact that there's really no way to put an 8-9K dozer on a 10K trailer and not be over 10K):


http://www.alaskaexcavators.com/Komatsu_Dozer_Models.htmKOMATSU DOZER MODELS - EXPLAINED - EQUIPMENT DIRECT, INC

The Komatsu D20 and D21 small dozer line is the only light substantial dozer currently manufactured as new by a major equipment company. The weight on these dozers ranges 8,000-9,000 # depending on options. They can be hauled on a 10,000 GVW trailer behind a pickup with a class 4 or 5 hitch. They are an excellent dozer choice for someone who has a homestead type property and wants to put in their own improvements, a remote site work machine capable of building an airstrip, a residential contractor that needs to work around tight spaces or just someone who always wanted a dozer to play with. They will do a lot of work, you just have to take your time. For this size dozer you basically have few purchase choices other than older JD and Case 350 models or the Komatsu. Komatsu company, while not well known in Alaska is a huge construction machinery company with worldwide distribution. They have a huge line of dozers from largest made to smallest and parts are readily available. These are fantastic little bulldozers and we have dozens of testimonials to their use and efficiency. The dozers we obtain for sale come in 2 basic models and track configurations.

There are 2 model numbers that show transmission type.

D20 = direct drive transmission. This is a standard shift, where you operate a foot clutch and shift with a lever mounted on the floor. Very similar to a standard shift truck and same benefits. Simple, long lasting and more power to the running gear. Very durable and idea for remote location use. The 3rd forward speed is very fast for overland travel.

D21 = power shift transmission or hydrostatic. This allows shifting without using a clutch. You still have to shift to change direction and speed, but the lever is mounted on the side by armrest. There is still a clutch if you need it for close in work. 2 forward speeds /2 reverse. U pattern with neutral in the center forward. This provides a more open cab design than the direct drive models. Faster operation is one benefit.

There are 2 letter designations after the model number that show track type

A Model = Standard track width. On the factory "A" model the shoes are a 12" single grouser with 5.1 psi ground pressure. Blade width is just over 7'. On the models that we convert the shoes, we install a slightly wider 13.5" single grouser for 4.75 psi ground pressure.

P Model = wide track. On the factory "P" model the shoes are 20" pyramid or swamp type shoes with 3.4 psi ground pressure. Some have grouser bar welded to the top for additional traction. These are an excellent low ground pressure pad and are self cleaning and will run in snow without plugging. They are rough riding on rocky ground, do not provide as much traction as the single grouser shoes and tend to break in hard ground applications. Blade width on the "P" model is 8'-4" and angles to 8'.

We can convert the "P" models to an "A" model by changing out the track shoes to an improved 13.5" single grouser shoe or the factory spec 20" single grouser shoe. The 13.5" shoe increases the ground pressure to 4.75 psi but you have the advantage of increased traction, keep the larger blade of a "P" model and the tracks are more offset from the machine providing a wider stance and more stability. We believe this modification gives you an excellent machine/track combination and is only available from us. We have the shoe plates and bolts in stock to do whatever you prefer.

APPLYING THE ABOVE:

D21P - is a powershift wide track
D20P - is a direct drive wide track
D21A - is a powershift narrow track
D20A - is a direct drive narrow track

The only other model designation is the -5, -6 or -7
Models ending in -5 are pre 1985
Models ending in -6 are 1985-1992
Models ending in -7 are 1992 or newer
There are also some -7 models produced after 1997 that have a single lever blade control and the 2 speed in the directional joystick

The -7 models are different in that they have the latest refinements. The most significant is the option of having a single lever (or joystick) steering control. They are also quieter, have full engine side covers and turn off with the key. The -7 models are quicker and are typically the high end contractor models.
All can be outfitted with a Roll Over Protection System canopy to replace the fiberglass rain canopy. We stock all steel canopies. (ROPS INFO).
Click here to download the Komatsu D21-7 brochure

Click here for operation and maintenance tips

THE D31 IS THE LARGER BROTHER OF THE D21- Weighing in at close to 16,000# there are no direct drive D31 models, all are powershift. The "P" models are a 24" wide pad with 9' blade, the "A" models are a standard pad approx 13" and 7.5' blade. They are all powershift and the D31-18 models are lever steer, the D31-20 are typically single lever joystick steering. We can convert the "P" and "A" models to 16" track width if desired.

EXAMPLES BELOW OF DOZER MODELS

 

[GManBart]

The Ritchie Specs show a D3 with a 6 way blade to weigh over 30,000 pounds. Most other places show between 14,000-18,000.

I haven't said anything about a D3.

 

[TSO]

Thanks!

This might help (other than the fact that there's really no way to put an 8-9K dozer on a 10K trailer and not be over 10K):

http://www.alaskaexcavators.com/Komatsu_Dozer_Models.htmKOMATSU DOZER MODELS - EXPLAINED - EQUIPMENT DIRECT, INC

The Komatsu D20 and D21 small dozer line is the only light substantial dozer currently manufactured as new by a major equipment company. The weight on these dozers ranges 8,000-9,000 # depending on options. They can be hauled on a 10,000 GVW trailer behind a pickup with a class 4 or 5 hitch. They are an excellent dozer choice for someone who has a homestead type property and wants to put in their own improvements, a remote site work machine capable of building an airstrip, a residential contractor that needs to work around tight spaces or just someone who always wanted a dozer to play with. They will do a lot of work, you just have to take your time. For this size dozer you basically have few purchase choices other than older JD and Case 350 models or the Komatsu. Komatsu company, while not well known in Alaska is a huge construction machinery company with worldwide distribution. They have a huge line of dozers from largest made to smallest and parts are readily available. These are fantastic little bulldozers and we have dozens of testimonials to their use and efficiency. The dozers we obtain for sale come in 2 basic models and track configurations.

There are 2 model numbers that show transmission type.

D20 = direct drive transmission. This is a standard shift, where you operate a foot clutch and shift with a lever mounted on the floor. Very similar to a standard shift truck and same benefits. Simple, long lasting and more power to the running gear. Very durable and idea for remote location use. The 3rd forward speed is very fast for overland travel.

D21 = power shift transmission or hydrostatic. This allows shifting without using a clutch. You still have to shift to change direction and speed, but the lever is mounted on the side by armrest. There is still a clutch if you need it for close in work. 2 forward speeds /2 reverse. U pattern with neutral in the center forward. This provides a more open cab design than the direct drive models. Faster operation is one benefit.

There are 2 letter designations after the model number that show track type

A Model = Standard track width. On the factory "A" model the shoes are a 12" single grouser with 5.1 psi ground pressure. Blade width is just over 7'. On the models that we convert the shoes, we install a slightly wider 13.5" single grouser for 4.75 psi ground pressure.

P Model = wide track. On the factory "P" model the shoes are 20" pyramid or swamp type shoes with 3.4 psi ground pressure. Some have grouser bar welded to the top for additional traction. These are an excellent low ground pressure pad and are self cleaning and will run in snow without plugging. They are rough riding on rocky ground, do not provide as much traction as the single grouser shoes and tend to break in hard ground applications. Blade width on the "P" model is 8'-4" and angles to 8'.

We can convert the "P" models to an "A" model by changing out the track shoes to an improved 13.5" single grouser shoe or the factory spec 20" single grouser shoe. The 13.5" shoe increases the ground pressure to 4.75 psi but you have the advantage of increased traction, keep the larger blade of a "P" model and the tracks are more offset from the machine providing a wider stance and more stability. We believe this modification gives you an excellent machine/track combination and is only available from us. We have the shoe plates and bolts in stock to do whatever you prefer.

APPLYING THE ABOVE:

D21P - is a powershift wide track
D20P - is a direct drive wide track
D21A - is a powershift narrow track
D20A - is a direct drive narrow track

The only other model designation is the -5, -6 or -7
Models ending in -5 are pre 1985
Models ending in -6 are 1985-1992
Models ending in -7 are 1992 or newer
There are also some -7 models produced after 1997 that have a single lever blade control and the 2 speed in the directional joystick

The -7 models are different in that they have the latest refinements. The most significant is the option of having a single lever (or joystick) steering control. They are also quieter, have full engine side covers and turn off with the key. The -7 models are quicker and are typically the high end contractor models.
All can be outfitted with a Roll Over Protection System canopy to replace the fiberglass rain canopy. We stock all steel canopies. (ROPS INFO).
Click here to download the Komatsu D21-7 brochure

Click here for operation and maintenance tips

THE D31 IS THE LARGER BROTHER OF THE D21- Weighing in at close to 16,000# there are no direct drive D31 models, all are powershift. The "P" models are a 24" wide pad with 9' blade, the "A" models are a standard pad approx 13" and 7.5' blade. They are all powershift and the D31-18 models are lever steer, the D31-20 are typically single lever joystick steering. We can convert the "P" and "A" models to 16" track width if desired.

EXAMPLES BELOW OF DOZER MODELS

Awesome, thx

 

[DavesTractor]

I've also been trying to stay under 26001 GCWR

With an F450, which is an awesome towing rig, staying under 26001 GCWR makes most of the F450's capacity wasted. You could easily haul a 25,900 GVWR tandem dually gooseneck and comfortably put 16k on the deck and be under your axle or GVWR limits. But your gross combined would be near 40k, you would have to be tagged for that I'd assume (I am not up on Michigan DOT rules, just guessing), but that isn't so hard and it sure opens up the possibilities. Just a thought.

 

[GManBart]

With an F450, which is an awesome towing rig, staying under 26001 GCWR makes most of the F450's capacity wasted. You could easily haul a 25,900 GVWR tandem dually gooseneck and comfortably put 16k on the deck and be under your axle or GVWR limits. But your gross combined would be near 40k, you would have to be tagged for that I'd assume (I am not up on Michigan DOT rules, just guessing), but that isn't so hard and it sure opens up the possibilities. Just a thought.

That would require a Class A CDL. If the trailer is over 10K, and the combined is over 26K, there's no way around it.

From Michigan Secretary of State:

Who Needs a CDL?
Any Michigan resident who intends to operate the following commercial vehicles is required to have a commercial driver license:
Single Vehicles - Having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)* of 26,001 pounds or more.

Combination Vehicles - Towing a trailer or other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more when the gross combination weight rating (GCWR)** is 26,001 pounds or more.

Vehicles:
Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver)
Carrying hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding
*Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the recommended maximum total weight of the vehicle and load as designated by the vehicle manufacturer. The GVWR label is usually found on the driver side door post of the power unit and on the front left side of the trailer. The GVWR should not be confused with the elected gross vehicle weight (GVW) which is declared by the vehicle owner for registration purposes.

**Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) means the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a combination vehicle. In the absence of a label, the GCWR can be calculated by adding the GVWR of the power unit to the GVWR of the vehicle(s) or trailer(s) being towed.

 

[DavesTractor]

That would require a Class A CDL. If the trailer is over 10K, and the combined is over 26K, there's no way around it.

I agree, but it isn't that big of a deal to get a Class A CDL. If you have an F450 and a lot of equipment, it's nice to legally be able to haul heavier loads. I can put my Takeuchi TL130 track loader and my TL125 mini-excavator, both at the same time, on my tandem dually gooseneck behind my Dodge 3500 dually and haul them to a job legally. If I tried to stay under 10k on trailer weight, I'd probably not even be able to haul just the TL130 legally as it weighs a little over 8k as equipped and a light duty 10k trailer would probably weigh over 2000 lbs. A small trailer is just very limiting.

I certainly understand the concept of wanting to stay under the CDL threshold, stay out of the scales, avoid the medical certificate, etc. It is a hassle no doubt.