Today’s dozers are moving beyond mere power and precision. All the featured machines have ample horsepower to move heavy loads and the fine control necessary for precision grading. But many are now offering other features to entice prospective owners—from better fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness to more comfortable cabins and easier controls. Today’s dozers are moving beyond mere power and precision. All the featured machines have ample horsepower to move heavy loads and the fine control necessary for precision grading. But many are now offering other features to entice prospective owners—from better fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness to more comfortable cabins and easier controls.

Engines are now cleaner and more fuel efficient. John Deere’s 850K, Caterpillar’s DT8 and Komatsu’s D65-17 line all meet Interim Tier IV emissions standards. The DT8 and D65-17 dozers also managed to cut fuel consumption by 6% and 5%, respectively.

The new dozers also have a lot to offer the operator. The Case 1650L gives the operator a direct line of sight to the cutting edge, and he can enjoy a quieter and more comfortable ride since the cab is isolated from the main frame. Similarly, the 850K has viscous cab mounts that almost cut noise in half. The cab also is roomier and has larger doors, making entering and exiting the vehicle much easier. Thumb controls also help reduce fatigue. Arguably the most important part of a dozer—the blade—hasn’t been forgotten, either. Komatsu and John Deere have a power-angle-tilt option, which allows operators to quickly set the desired blade pitch.

Engines are now cleaner and more fuel efficient. John Deere’s 850K, Caterpillar’s DT8 and Komatsu’s D65-17 line all meet Interim Tier IV emissions standards. The DT8 and D65-17 dozers also managed to cut fuel consumption by 6% and 5%, respectively.

The new dozers also have a lot to offer the operator. The Case 1650L gives the operator a direct line of sight to the cutting edge, and he can enjoy a quieter and more comfortable ride since the cab is isolated from the main frame. Similarly, the 850K has viscous cab mounts that almost cut noise in half. The cab also is roomier and has larger doors, making entering and exiting the vehicle much easier. Thumb controls also help reduce fatigue.

Arguably the most important part of a dozer—the blade—hasn’t been forgotten, either. Komatsu and John Deere have a power-angle-tilt option, which allows operators to quickly set the desired blade pitch.

Precise grading

With a 144-hp, 6.7-L turbocharged engine and electronically controlled variable-displacement, dual-path hydrostatic transmission, the Case 1650L is powerful, yet still equipped for fine grading. An eight-roller undercarriage with a hunting tooth sprocket also makes grading precise and easy. The operator has excellent visibility, with a direct line of sight to the cutting edge, and the cab is isolated from the main frame to cushion against noise and vibration. The dozer also keeps 120 in. of track on the ground with maximum shoe widths of 24 in.

Clean power

Depending on the configuration, John Deere’s 850K dozer can deliver either 187 or 205 hp at 1,800 rpm for better low-end performance and quicker recovery. It uses EGR technology with exhaust filters and a 6.8-L IT4 diesel engine to meet 2011 EPA emissions regulations. The particulate filters are usually cleaned automatically during routine operation, but filter access is easy, should it need servicing. The 850K features viscous cab mounts, reducing noise by 45%, and the cab has more room and larger doors. A power-angle-tilt configuration has four positions to quickly set the desired blade pitch.

Stronger than ever

Caterpillar’s new D8T dozer retains the differential steering for infinitely variable turning control with full power to both tracks, and it has a suspended undercarriage for optimum traction in uneven terrain. The new model has an Enhanced Auto-Shift system that can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 6%. A new cooling system incorporates a single-unit coolant radiator, hydraulic-oil cooler and air-to-air after-cooler that is easily serviced. Also, a ROPS-mounted air-conditioning condenser is protected in high-debris applications. The Cat C15 Acert engine also meets Tier IV interim emissions standards.

Maximum control

The new line of D65-17 crawler dozers from Komatsu are powered by 8.9-L Tier IV interim engine that is 5% more efficient than the older model. It features the Sigmadozer blade for heavy dozing and finishing operations. A six-way power-angle-tilt blade also is available for light and medium dozing. Komtrax technology also sends operating information to a secure website. Komatsu’s ergonomically designed Palm Command Control System (PCCS) gives operators maximum control, and thumb push buttons simplify transmission gear shifting. It also comes with a rotary bushing system that doubles the undercarriage life.

Huge dozer

Liebherr’s PR 764 Litronic dozer, which weighs 52.5 tons, is the biggest hydrostatically driven crawler in the world. It works on a 422-hp diesel engine that drives the crawler with four variable displacement pumps and engines each in a closed circuit. Easily accessible maintenance flaps, a tippable cabin and a centrally positioned maintenance module make service quick and easy. Gear changes do not interrupt power delivery because the diesel engine runs continuously in the optimum rev range, which also helps save fuel.

Extra solid

The Dressta TD15M Extra crawler dozer sits solidly in the mid-size category and is designed to do everything from heavy-duty pushing to fine grading with GPS blade control. It is available in four track versions: standard, long track, wide track and low ground pressure, and features an 8.3-L, fuel-efficient engine meeting emission requirements and delivers 190 net hp. Operating the TD15M Extra is easy with a pilot-control system, excellent visibility and a single-lever joystick control that also manages the transmission speeds.

Maximum toughness

Featuring blade-angle forces up to 31,000 lb and blade-angle torque up to 85,250 ft-lb, the New Holland D85B and D95B crawler dozers can perform the toughest earthmoving jobs. These state-of-the-art machines maximize productivity with outstanding power and smooth, responsive hydraulic control. The optional variable-pitch blade adjustment makes it easy to adjust the blade angle between the 52° carrying angle and the 60° cutting angle.