Best bulldozers under $250,000

Overview

The 2021 Cat D8T Crawler Dozer, powered by a C15 ACERT engine compliant with EU Stage III standards, has proven to be a reliable workhorse over approximately 7,600 operational hours. Manufactured in Brazil, this dozer boasts a net power of 354 hp (264 kW) and an operating weight of around 87,860 lbs (39,853 kg), making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.

What's new

The 2021 D8T model introduced several updates aimed at boosting productivity and efficiency. Notably, the dozer features up to 18% better dozing efficiency and up to 10% fuel savings, allowing operators to move more material with each liter of fuel. Additionally, the largest Semi-Universal blade in its size class enables up to 13% more material per pass, enhancing overall productivity. ​

The integration of advanced Cat GRADE technology options provides operators with tools to achieve precise grading results, reducing the need for rework and increasing job site efficiency. The cooling system has been upgraded to handle extreme conditions, ensuring optimal performance in both hot and cold environments. These enhancements collectively contribute to a more efficient and user-friendly machine.​

Efficiency and performance

In practical applications, the D8T demonstrates robust performance across various terrains. Its improved dozing efficiency and larger blade capacity allow for effective material handling, reducing cycle times. However, some operators have observed that fuel consumption is higher compared to newer models equipped with advanced fuel-saving technologies. Routine maintenance is straightforward, with easily accessible service points, contributing to reduced downtime and operational costs.​

In-cabin and interior features

The D8T's cab is designed with functionality in mind, offering standard features such as an air-ride suspension seat and adjustable armrests. However, operators have noted that the cab could benefit from ergonomic enhancements, especially during extended shifts. The in-dash display provides real-time machine data, aiding in operational efficiency, but there is room for improvement in terms of user interface and customization options.​

Safety features

Safety remains a priority in the D8T design, with features like enhanced visibility due to large single-pane windows and a tapered hood. The machine is equipped with standard lighting packages that extend the productive workday into low-light conditions. Additionally, the robust build and reliable braking system contribute to a secure operating environment.​

In comparison

When compared to its predecessors and competitors, the 2021 D8T stands out with its improved dozing efficiency and larger blade capacity. However, it falls short in terms of operator comfort and fuel efficiency when compared to newer models that have incorporated advanced ergonomic designs and fuel-saving technologies. Despite these areas for improvement, the D8T's durability and performance make it a competitive choice in the heavy-duty dozer market.​

Verdict

The 2021 Cat D8T Crawler Dozer earns a solid 4-star rating, reflecting its reliability, enhanced productivity features, and robust performance. While there is room for improvement in operator comfort and fuel efficiency, the D8T remains a dependable choice for heavy-duty applications, offering a balance between power and functionality.​

Since 2005, the Caterpillar D6 line has evolved from the reliable D6T, known for its Tier 4 interim C9.3 ACERT engine, four‑speed fully automatic transmission, and integrated Cat Connect/GRADE tech, all wrapped up in an elevated‑sprocket undercarriage, to the game‑changing D6 XE electric‑drive model. The D6T dominated the medium‑dozer class with world‑class versatility, fuel‑saving automation (up to 30 %), and upgraded operator comfort; the D6 XE then disrupted the segment by ditching gears entirely, delivering up to 35 % better fuel efficiency, as much as 50 % more productivity, lower maintenance costs, and reduced CO₂ emissions, raising the bar on performance and sustainability.

• D6T: automatic, efficient, tech-rich dozer
• D6 XE: electric drive, lean maintenance
• Fuel savings, productivity, emissions improvements

Overview

Komatsu’s D275 crawler dozer family is a star bulldozer that shines when the dirt is heavy and the shifts are long. The -5/-5E0 generation brings a torquey 6-cyl, a calmer cab, and Komatsu’s SIGMADOZER blade option to push more per pass. SL widens the shoes for soft ground; WH armor-ups for landfill duty. If you need production, not pageantry, this family delivers.

What’s new

• Power & weight bump: older D275A-2 was ~410 hp; -5E0 is ~449 hp and ~51.5 t, with updated cab, electronics, and PCCS joystick.
• SIGMADOZER blade option (vs SU): redesigned profile rolls material center-mass and cuts spill, Komatsu pegs it at ~15% more production.
• Auto torque-converter lockup and smarter shifting for better fuel per m³ moved.

Performance & efficiency

Real-world takeaway: the -5E0 pushes hard in rip-and-doze work, and lockup clutch keeps it from wasting revs on long carries. Operators often point to steady power and good track-on-ground feel; the platform weight helps it bite. (Plenty of footage shows D275s keeping pace with D9-class tractors in heavy cut/fill.)

For productivity per pass, the SIGMADOZER + mass combo is the secret sauce; Komatsu’s claim is marketing, but it lines up with the outcomes crews report in soft to medium soils.

Maintenance & ownership

Daily service points are grouped; KOMTRAX helps track fuel, hours, and alerts. K-Bogie and wedge-ring track links are designed to extend undercarriage life and simplify pin/bushing turns. Watch cooling health and transmission/converter pressures, field threads flag overheating when pressures go missing. Budget hard for UC on high-abrasion sites.

In-cabin & interior

Hex-cab with big glass, pressurization, and proper damping. PCCS palm joystick is easy to live with on 10- to 12-hour shifts. It’s not a luxury lounge, but it’s quieter and less punishing than older gens: exactly what you want in a 50-ton pusher.

Safety features

ROPS/FOPS cab, strong sightlines from the low-profile hood, and predictable hydrostatic steering. WH units add guarding/striker bars, sealed chassis, and protection for pivots and finals; right kit for landfill hazards.

In comparison

Cat D9T: ~306 kW (410 hp) and ~48.3 t typical operating weight; SU blade ~13.5 m³. The D275 brings a touch more grunt and mass (and SIGMADOZER capacity up to 14.6 m³), while Cat counters with massive dealer footprint and resale. Pick Komatsu for pure push and soft-ground SL options; pick Cat if your site lives on dealer uptime and Grade ecosystem.

Cat D8T (one size down): ~39.8 t and ~264 kW (354 hp), cheaper to run, nimbler, but not a D275 peer on production.

Verdict

The D275A earns a solid 4.5 stars. If your job is “move a mountain and be back for dinner,” the D275 in -5E0 trim is a buy. SL earns its keep in swampy or low-bearing sites; WH is the right answer for trash work. Keep cooling right and plan UC spend, and it’ll print cubic meters.
Owner feedback: generally positive on shove and comfort; occasional drivetrain heat/pressure troubleshooting in the wild.