Who builds the biggest 'dozer of them all?
Bulldozers are large machines fitted with a massive metal plate (known as a blade) used to push large quantities of soil, sand, rubble, or other such material during construction or conversion work. In South Africa, these machines can be found on mines, construction sites and even on farms. Which is the biggest one? We take a closer look.
Blurb: The term Dozer is actually an abbreviated one which is short for bulldozer. Which company builds the biggest ‘dozer’? We explore the three biggest.
The biggest Dozer
Komatsu D575A-3SD Superdozer
Bigger is always better and the Komatsu D575A-3SD Superdozer has no equal in this regard. Bigger dozers are more efficient— they push more material per hour, and per shift, for a lower overall cost. This machine features a turbo diesel engine that develops 858kW (1150hp) at just 1800rpm. The average family sedan produces 100kW at that rpm. This specific machine has an operating weight of around 152 600kg. The average double cab Hilux weighs in at around 1 420kgs which means that you will need 107 Hilux bakkies to come close to the weight of this Komatsu.
Caterpillar D11R CD
While not as big as the Komatsu the Caterpillar D11R CD is worth a mention. Caterpillar or CAT as it is known has become a household name when it comes to earth moving machines. Like John Deere, the company specializes in a wide range of lifestyle products to match its iconic machines. The D11R CD is one such machine.
Its turbo diesel motor develops 634kW. The engine is matched with a high-efficiency torque divider and an electronically controlled power shift transmission, which will provide years of dependable service. While not as heavy as the Komatsu, the CAT is no lightweight with 112 763kg under its belt.
Komatsu D475A-5
Komatsu returns to the list with the D475A-5, another large earthmoving machine. This one is, believe it or not, the smallest on our list with a weight of only 108 390kg. It is powered by a turbo-diesel engine that develops 671kW at 1 800rpm. This specific model utilizes an automatic lock-up torque converter, which gives the operator a great combination of power and speed and both of those equal production.
Bulldozers have become a vital part in many operations such as mining and other earthmoving projects. While the three mentioned above are the three biggest, Dozers do come in all sizes for a variety of tasks, however, bigger is always better.