Skip to content
WorksiteMachines

Comparison · Bulldozer

Caterpillar D6 vs John Deere 850L

The Caterpillar D6 is about 7% heavier than the John Deere 850L (22,250 vs 20,750 kg), which usually means more stability and lifting capacity but higher transport weight.

The John Deere 850L has about 5% more engine power (168 kW (225 hp) vs 160 kW (215 hp)).

Beyond the numbers, compare local dealer support, parts availability and resale value for Caterpillar and John Deere in your region: over the life of a machine they often matter more than small specification differences.

Caterpillar D6T crawler dozer on a river project
Caterpillar Caterpillar D6
John Deere 850K LGP crawler dozer (predecessor of the 850L)
John Deere John Deere 850L
Operating weight 22,250 kg (49,100 lb)20,750 kg (45,700 lb)
Engine power 160 kW (215 hp)168 kW (225 hp)
Net power ≈160 kW (215 hp)≈168 kW (225 hp)
Blade capacity up to ≈5.6 m³ (7.3 yd³), SU blade—
Engine Cat C9.3BJohn Deere PowerTech 9.0 L
Drive Powershift or electric drive (XE)Dual-path hydrostatic
Emissions EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V—
Blade —PAT or SU, up to ≈5 m³ (6.5 yd³)
Strengths
  • + Electric-drive D6 XE claims significantly lower fuel use
  • + Cat Grade and Assist features as factory options
  • + Huge dealer, parts and resale support
  • + Dual-path hydrostatic drive gives full power to both tracks while turning
  • + SmartGrade factory machine control option
  • + Excellent visibility to the blade
Watch-outs
  • − Expensive, especially in XE form with technology
  • − Electric-drive complexity requires dealer expertise
  • − Primarily sold in the Americas
  • − Hydrostatic systems require careful maintenance of fluids and filters
Full D6 reviewFull 850L 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.