Why UAE Buyers Prefer CAT D8R and Komatsu D155A

Heavy construction in the UAE has always followed a clear pattern. When projects get larger, timelines get tighter, and ground conditions get tougher, contractors shift toward proven crawler dozers with a long operational track record. 

Over the past two years, one trend has become difficult to ignore. UAE buyers are actively sourcing Caterpillar D8R dozers and Komatsu D155A dozers, especially in the used and auction markets.

This is not driven by hype or short-term pricing fluctuations. It is a calculated response to jobsite realities across infrastructure, oil and gas, quarrying, and large-scale earthmoving. 

Before looking at specs and comparisons, it helps to understand why these two bulldozers continue to dominate buyer shortlists in the GCC.

Why crawler dozers still dominate UAE earthmoving projects

Tracked dozers distribute weight over a larger surface area, making them ideal for soft sand, reclaimed land, and uneven subgrades. Unlike wheel-based machines, crawler dozers maintain traction under heavy loads and extreme temperatures.

In UAE conditions, contractors typically need dozers that can handle:

• Long push distances without overheating.
• Continuous blade work in sand and rocky soil.
• High ambient temperatures exceeding 45°C
• Minimal electronic complexity for easier field repairs

This explains why mid-to-large crawler dozers like the CAT D8R and Komatsu D155A are still preferred over newer, sensor-heavy alternatives.

CAT D8R dozer overview: why it still holds value

The Caterpillar D8R crawler dozer has earned a reputation that few machines can match. Even though production ended years ago, demand remains strong across the UAE and wider Middle East.

Key technical specifications of CAT D8R

While exact configurations vary, most CAT D8R units share these characteristics:

• Blade capacity: 8.56 cu m
• Blade width: 4.0 m
• Blade types: Semi-U, U-blade, straight blade.
• Operating weight: ~40 tons.
• Engine: Caterpillar 3406C diesel.
• Net power: ~305 hp.
• Undercarriage: Standard or LGP.

What matters most is not the numbers alone. The 3406 engine is known for mechanical simplicity and exceptional durability. Parts availability across the UAE remains strong due to Cat machines long-standing regional presence.

Buyers often cross-check machine history using technical specifications and expert reviews on Makana, which helps confirm configurations before bidding.

Komatsu D155A dozer overview

The Komatsu D155A crawler dozer offers a balanced combination of pushing power, fuel efficiency, and structural strength.

Key technical specifications of Komatsu D155A

• Blade capacity: 8.87 cu m
• Blade width: 3.0 m
• Blade types: Semi-U and U-blade
• Operating weight: ~41 to 43 tons
• Engine: Komatsu SAA6D140E
• Net power: ~354 hp
• Transmission: Torque converter drive

Compared to the D8R, the D155A delivers slightly higher power output and blade capacity. This makes it attractive for bulk earthmoving and quarry overburden removal. 

Buyers researching Komatsu machines can also check OEM data from Komatsu’s official website.

CAT D8R vs Komatsu D155A: technical comparison

Engine and power delivery

What this means in practice: The Komatsu delivers stronger torque earlier, which helps in heavy pushes at low speed. The CAT maintains stable power across higher RPM ranges, useful for longer cycles and consistent blade control.

Operating weight and ground pressure

The CAT’s LGP configuration spreads weight more effectively, which is why it is often chosen for soft soils and large pads.

Hydraulics and blade control

CAT’s higher hydraulic flow supports smoother blade response, especially during fine grading and slope work.

What CAT performance studies claim about D8 vs D155 productivity

According to Caterpillar-published performance studies comparing the CAT D8 with the Komatsu D155, the following differences were reported under tested jobsite conditions:

• Overall Productivity: The Cat D8 demonstrated up to 20% more productivity than the D155 in tested applications.
• Dozing Efficiency: Caterpillar claims the D8 outperformed the D155 in dozing efficiency in every head-to-head test conducted.
• Steering Performance: In pioneering applications where turning under load is critical, the D8 was reported to be up to 64% better in steering performance than the Komatsu.
• Blade Capacity: The D8 features the largest Semi-Universal (SU) blade in its class, offering 9% more capacity than the D155's blade, which allows for more material moved in fewer passes. You can learn more about Bulldozer blades and their applications.
• Transmission Efficiency: The D8's four-speed fully automatic transmission is credited with delivering more power to the ground and improving fuel efficiency compared to the D155's system.
• Financial Return: Beyond immediate productivity, Caterpillar studies claim the D8 yields approximately 60% more resale value after five years of ownership compared to the D155.

These claims are presented in Caterpillar comparison materials, including the following reference: Cat D8T Productivity Pays vs. Komatsu D155AX-8.

Note: All figures above are based on Caterpillar-conducted studies and should be evaluated alongside real-world inspections, operating conditions, and total cost of ownership. 

Where Caterpillar D8R and Komatsu D155A fit in modern UAE projects

Despite newer models entering the market, these dozers remain common in:

• Highway and interchange construction
• Oilfield access roads
• Quarry stripping operations
• Large-scale site grading

In projects like industrial zone expansion near Jebel Ali, contractors prioritize uptime over novelty. This reinforces demand for machines with predictable behavior and known maintenance cycles.

Buyers looking to align machine selection with project scope often use Makana’s comparison tools to evaluate blade capacity, weight, and operating cost side by side. 

Why UAE buyers prefer used CAT D8R and Komatsu D155A units

This preference is not purely budget-driven. Several operational factors play a role.

1. Proven performance in extreme heat

Modern emission-compliant dozers often require careful thermal management. Older-generation machines like the D8R and D155A were engineered for mechanical reliability rather than emissions optimization.

Contractors report fewer heat-related shutdowns and simpler cooling systems that tolerate dust and sand better.

2. Lower electronic complexity

Both machines rely on mechanical systems rather than advanced ECUs. This allows:

• Faster on-site troubleshooting
• Reduced downtime
• Lower dependency on dealer-only diagnostics
  This advantage becomes critical in remote desert projects.

3. Strong resale value

Used heavy equipment buyers think ahead. Machines with strong resale demand protect capital better. The D8R and D155A consistently attract bidders in heavy machinery auctions, especially when backed by certified inspections. 

Makana’s unreserved auctions provide clear price discovery, which reinforces market confidence.

Where to find CAT D8R bulldozer in the UAE?

If you are looking for a reliable CAT D8R bulldozer in the UAE, the most practical starting point is a platform that offers active stock, regular restocking, and auction access in one place.

Makana maintains a constantly refreshed inventory of CAT crawler dozers, covering a wide working range from Caterpillar D6R for mid-duty earthmoving, through Caterpillar D8R, and up to Caterpillar D8T for heavier push applications. 

This allows buyers to compare blade setups, undercarriage conditions, and configurations side by side instead of committing to the first available unit.

You can browse current availability directly under crawler dozers for sale or narrow your search through the Caterpillar machines section to focus only on CAT-built dozers.

In addition to direct listings, many buyers source CAT D8R bulldozers through unreserved auctions. Makana’s auctions regularly feature crawler dozers, giving buyers access to transparent pricing, documented inspections, and competitive bidding. 

This combination of live stock, continuous restocking, and auction options is why many UAE contractors rely on Makana when sourcing CAT D8R and related crawler dozers.

How auctions influence sourcing decisions in the UAE

The rise of structured heavy machinery auctions has reshaped how buyers source crawler dozers. Platforms like Makana auctions offer:

• Transparent bidding without reserve pricing.
• Detailed inspection reports.
• 3D equipment tours.

Recent auctions such as The Earthmoving Lineup have seen strong participation from UAE contractors looking for D8R and D155A units. If you are new to auction buying,

Makana’s guide on 7 steps to join makana.com auctions successfully outlines the full process step by step.

Before bidding or purchasing, buyers should follow a structured evaluation process. Makana’s +75 point inspection reports simplify this process by documenting each critical area in detail.

These inspections often use diagnostic tools like the Jaltest V9 system, which adds another layer of verification. 

Exploring used crawler dozers on Makana allows buyers to compare real machines rather than theoretical specs.