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Comparison · Bulldozer

Caterpillar D5 vs Caterpillar D6

The Caterpillar D6 is about 31% heavier than the Caterpillar D5 (22,250 vs 17,000 kg), which usually means more stability and lifting capacity but higher transport weight.

The Caterpillar D6 has about 26% more engine power (160 kW (215 hp) vs 127 kW (170 hp)).

Caterpillar D5
Caterpillar Caterpillar D5
Caterpillar D6T crawler dozer on a river project
Caterpillar Caterpillar D6
Operating weight 17,000 kg (37,500 lb)22,250 kg (49,100 lb)
Engine power 127 kW (170 hp)160 kW (215 hp)
Net power ≈127 kW (170 hp)≈160 kW (215 hp)
Blade capacity —up to ≈5.6 m³ (7.3 yd³), SU blade
Engine —Cat C9.3B
Drive —Powershift or electric drive (XE)
Emissions —EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V
Strengths
  • + Hydrostatic precision
  • + Good productivity
  • + Electric-drive D6 XE claims significantly lower fuel use
  • + Cat Grade and Assist features as factory options
  • + Huge dealer, parts and resale support
Watch-outs
  • − Less pushing power than a D6
  • − Expensive, especially in XE form with technology
  • − Electric-drive complexity requires dealer expertise
Full D5 reviewFull D6 review

Specifications are typical figures for standard configurations and may be measured differently by each manufacturer (for example net vs gross power). Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer. Build another comparison.