7 medium-duty dozers that offer better views and more control

By Jenny LescohierMay 08, 2022

Today’s construction equipment is made to move more dirt with greater ease and less fuel, and today’s dozers are right in line with those goals. Following is a roundup of some leading medium-duty machines.

Case 1150M

Operating weight: 31,134 lbs.
Engine: 127.4 net-hp FPT F4HFE613F*A002
Blade capacity: 3.77 cu. yd.

The Case 1150M delivers what the manufacturer claimed is best-in-class drawbar pull and three adjustable settings for shuttle, steering and blade sensitivity: Smooth, Moderate or Aggressive.

It’s designed for enhanced visibility and ease of maintenance, and is compatible with a full range of machine control/grade control solutions, including the all-new factory-fit machine control option, as well as Case Universal Machine Control.

A load management system further optimizes productivity and machine performance, while a selective catalytic reduction (SCR)-only emissions system ensures that all productive engine power is put toward the work.

Meanwhile, an advanced load monitoring system automatically reduces track speed (increasing torque) with a heavier load on the blade, and increases track speed (reducing torque) with a lighter load on the blade, ensuring the machine is working at optimal power and efficiency at all times.

Additional fingertip controls for Blade Shake and Fine Grading further aid performance.

Case M Series dozers are designed for improved sight lines down to the blade, the tracks and the worksite, thanks to lots of glass from floor to ceiling. A true positive-pressure cab with advanced sealing helps keep out dirt, dust and noise. And an “isolated” design further reduces cab vibration and provides a smoother ride.

See the Case 1150 in action.

Cat D4

Operating weight: 29,259 lbs.
Engine: 130-hp Cat C4.4
Blade capacity: 3.26 cu. yd.

The latest version of the Cat D4 (formerly D6K2) now offers improved sight lines, reduced operating costs and a broad choice of

Cat D4

technology features.

Caterpillar said its lower sloping hood line provides up to 30% better visibility to the area in front of the blade. The shorter sight lines mean the visual distance between the blade and the material pile is shortened by about 40%, so less time is spent backing up to get a full view of the material and the job gets done faster.

In the cab, operators will find a more comfortable seat with improved suspension and multiple adjustments for personalized comfort. An easy-to-use 10-inch touchscreen main display, now common across much of the Cat dozer lineup, puts machine settings and features in clear view. A standard High Definition rearview camera shows prominently in the main display.

The D4 also includes several standard technology features aimed at helping operators work more efficiently, regardless of experience level. The cab also offers optimal interior mounting locations that make it simple to install the grade control system of choice.

An optional technology package includes the standard technology features, plus:

Cat Grade with Slope Assist provides basic blade positioning assistance without added hardware or a GPS signal.
Factory Attachment Ready Option (ARO) provides optimal mounting locations, brackets and hardware, and simplifies installation of any brand of grade control system.

It’s also possible to add factory-integrated Cat Grade with 3D. The system uses a GPS signal to automatically adjust blade movements – both lift and tilt – as the operator follows the design plan. Antennas and receivers are housed in a low-profile roof-mounted spoiler.

With the capability of installing 3D grade systems from Trimble, Topcon and Leica, the D4 is meant to integrate simply into job sites with existing grading technology infrastructures. All Cat Grade systems are compatible with Trimble, Topcon and Leica radios and base stations.

Watch the Cat D4 do its thing.

Doosan DD100

Operating weight: 25,309 lbs.
Engine: 122-hp Doosan diesel
Blade capacity: 3 cu. yd.

Doosan is breaking into new territory in 2022 with the introduction of its first line of dozers. They’ll complement the company’s existing earthmoving offerings, as well as new products which include a brand new line of mini excavators.

To start with, the new 122-hp DD100 dozer, expected to be available in the third quarter of this year, is designed for the most demanding conditions and features a dual/single flange-type roller with several track guard options. It has an 8-in. Smart Touch display, giving operators complete control from a convenient, easy-to-read touch screen.

The new dozer also offers optimal visibility with minimized front pillars, maximum glass area and a standard rearview camera - plus LED lights and front, rear and side wiper blades.

The DD100 is powered by a Doosan engine with convenient maintenance access points and does not require the use of a diesel particulate filter to meet current emission standards.

Owners can add the 3D Machine Guidance and 3D Machine Control features as an option for greater accuracy and ease of operation.

Doosan dozer customers will notice similarities in the cabs and instrumentation between the DD100 and Doosan wheel loaders and excavators, the company said. This can provide a seamless transition for operators from one machine to the next.

Doosan announced it will introduce another dozer model, the DD130, in the first quarter of 2023.

Watch for more on the DD100 here.

Dressta TD-14

Operating weight: 34,494 lbs.
Engine: 160-hp Cummins QSB 6.7 liter Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA diesel
Blade capacity: 5.6 cu. yd. (SEMI-U)/4.2 cu. yd. (six-way)

Dressta said its TD-14 Series mid-sized dozers are designed for predictable control with maximum pushing power and adaptability.

The Standard (STD) TD-14 model delivers 160 hp with an operating weight of 16.1t, and is also available in Long Track (LT) and Low Ground Pressure (LGP) versions.

Design concepts utilized in the TD-14M Extra include the use of a one-piece main frame, two-speed steering drive and a three-point track mounting system.

Standard Semi-U Blade design combines the penetration ability of a straight blade with the increased capacity provided by short wings, Dressta said. It is used for heavy-duty applications such as mining and road construction.

The six-way blade allows the operator to make immediate compensations for sloping terrain, the type of work being done and material being dozed.

An adjustable parallelogram multi-shank ripper offers 26-inch penetration in tough materials and can be used with up to three shanks adjusted to two vertical positions.

The TD-14 is powered by a heavy-duty, direct-injection, in-line, six-cylinder, four-stroke Cummins QSB 6.7 litre Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA diesel engine which is turbocharged and Charge Air Cooled (CAC), developing 160 hp Net at rated engine speed of 1,800 rpm.

The transmission system automatically matches speed to load conditions for optimal push power, preventing driveline shock, multiplying the torque required while delivering six forward and six reverse speeds.

The modular-design drivetrain incorporates the engine, torque converter, transmission, steering drive and final drives. Components are designed to be removed and re-fitted without oil loss for maximum machine uptime.

A two-speed steering module on Dressta dozers maintains power to both tracks at all times, providing improved traction to push loads through turns.

John Deere 700L

Operating weight: 30,900 lbs.
Engine: 135-hp, six-cylinder, 6.8-liter John Deere
Blade capacity: 4.4 cu. yd.

John Deere’s 700L dozer is designed to provide more power, comfort and visibility over the previous K Series, with refreshed electro-

John Deere 700L

hydraulic controls.

The 700L has 8 ft., 2 in. of track on the ground and is available in three levels of undercarriage: heavy-duty sealed and lubricated track (SALT), extended life undercarriage, and max life undercarriage.

The extended life undercarriage comes with a very hard coating on the bushings that provides about 50% more life than a standard sealed and lubricated track, according to Deere. Max Life provides that hard coating on the bushing as well as larger track links.

The 700L is available in XLT (extra long track) or LGP (low ground pressure) configurations.

A new cab is designed to increase visibility and make the operator more comfortable. It’s 17% larger than the K-Series model and has door openings that are 14% larger.

The new cabs can also be equipped with optional automatic temperature control and a rear view camera.

Watch the 700L in action here.

Komatsu D51PX-24

Komatsu D51EX/PX-24

Operating weight: 31,438 lbs.
Engine: 131-hp Komatsu SAA4D107E-3 EPA Tier 4 Final emissions certified engine
Blade capacity: 4.4 cu. yd.

Powered by a Tier 4 Final engine and electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission that together burn up to 13% less fuel, the Komatsu D51EX/PX-24 is meant for precise, high-speed grading.

The PX model, with its high-capacity, high-wear-resistant, HST dozer blade, offers up to 15% more production.

The Standard Parallel Link Undercarriage System (PLUS) has rotating bushings, which help reduce undercarriage wear, especially while traveling in reverse at high speeds.

The Komatsu-designed HST allows for Quick-Shift or variable-speed selection. The HST consists of dual-path closed-circuits, with two variable displacement piston pumps and two variable displacement travel motors.

Hydrostatic steering eliminates steering clutches and brakes, assisting with smooth, powerful turns, while fully electronic control provides complete and smooth automatic shifting. Engine speed is controlled using an electronic fuel control dial.

A high wear-resistant power angle, power tilt dozer blade with adjustable blade pitch is available on the D51EX/PX-24. The hydraulic blade tilt and angling function expands versatility and productivity in a variety of applications.

The D51EX/PX-24 incorporates Komatsu’s superslant nose design which aids blade visibility for improved machine control and increased efficiency and productivity.

Komatsu recently announced its intelligent Machine Control 2.0 is now available on its D51i-24 and D61i-24 dozers, enabling even operators with limited experience to be efficient and productive.

Watch the D51PX-24 here.

Liebherr PR 716 Litronic

Operating weight: 29,100 lbs.
Engine: 126-hp Liebherr 4-cylinder Tier 4-Final diesel
Blade capacity: 3.6 cu. yd.

The Liebherr PR716 Litronic crawler dozer is part of the company’s “Generation 6” crawlers, which includes six models with operating

Liebherr PR 716 Litronic

weights from 14.3 to more than 80 tons.

Liebherr features free-turning bushings on its PR 716 Litronic dozer, which extends service life when on soft, abrasive ground, such as sand. Chain links and rollers are designed with additional wear material for extended service life. In areas with impact loads, such as rock, Liebherr offers its lubricated-for-life chains.

XL and LGP undercarriage versions are available to match the needs of each customer. LGP undercarriages are designed for soft ground conditions and for finish grading.

All Generation 6 crawler tractors feature an electronic drive management system with an ECO mode setting which is ideal for light and medium-duty applications, the company said.

The proactive power control, which temporarily increases the engine power based on current requirements, is activated when pushing heavy material. As well as responding more rapidly, the machines offer a significant increase in pulling power, and a higher reverse speed, according to Liebherr.

The hydrostatic drive keeps the engine speed at a constant level, while all drive components and the intelligent Liebherr engine management system adapt to speed to reduce fuel consumption.

Watch the Liebherr PR 716 in action.