doZer

selection Guide
Selecting the Right Machine
There are several major application, owning, and operating issues to consider when purchasing a dozer.
While the needs of a project will quickly narrow the scope of machines to be considered, final selection must
be based on a thorough understanding of the application needs at specific job sites. Use this guide to help in
making an informed decision.
Contents

Selection Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Product Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7
Site Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16
Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-18
Points for Consideration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Selection Process
There is no single machine that is proficient for every task on a jobsite. It is important to choose a machine that will provide the most
benefit in the particular application.

On-Site Characteristics
• 
Production requirements – Site production requirements will • Material – Material density heavily influences the tractive
drive both machine and blade selection. effort needed to keep up with production demands.
• Versatility – The right selection will be a machine able to • 
Slope requirements – The job site slope conditions can
perform many tasks around a jobsite that might normally determine whether tracks or wheels are best suited for the
require multiple machines. application.
• 
Underfoot conditions – Some job sites may require wheels • 
Need for mobility – High machine speed and maneuverability
to create higher ground pressure for applications such as may be a job site requirement if there are multiple working
compacting coal. Others may need a tracked machine to locations.
generate traction in soft underfoot conditions.

4
Product Descriptions

Wheel doZer keY PoinTs:

• High productivity in long push distances
The wheel dozer is a purpose-built machine for applications
in which speed, versatility, and high material compaction are • Mobility/high machine speed
valuable . It is capable of performing many of the same tasks • High ground pressure
as tracked dozers, but in some situations its rubber tires can
provide additional benefits . The wheel dozer incorporates a • Articulated frame/maneuverability
combination of several desired machine characteristics to • Very versatile
suit a variety of applications .
FaVoraBle siTe CondiTions:
• Its speed enables it to push smaller loads over a
longer distance . • Level, firm floor
• It performs well when long-distance dozing is required . • Multiple work locations
• It typically has shorter cycle times . • Long-distance dozing
These machine characteristics make the wheel dozer very UnFaVoraBle CondiTions:
versatile . It is commonly used in a number of applications
beyond production dozing, including loading area maintenance, • Jagged, wet floor
waste dump maintenance, haul road construction, and haul • Steep grades
road maintenance .

5
Product Descriptions

TraCk-TYPe doZer keY PoinTs:

• High productivity in short distances
The track-type dozer is the most common tool for production
dozing . Excellent traction makes it ideal for moving large • Able to work on steep grades
amounts of material and for navigating steep grades and soft • Great traction in most conditions
underfoot conditions .
The track-type dozer can be used in multiple tasks beyond FaVoraBle siTe CondiTions:
production dozing, including loading area maintenance, waste • Wet, jagged, undulating floor
dump maintenance, floor cleanup, haul road construction,
• Heavy blade loads
reclamation, and ripping .
• Steep grades

UnFaVoraBle CondiTions:
• Multiple work locations
• Long-distance dozing

6
 Dozer Selection Guide

sCooP keY PoinTs:

• High productivity in long distances
The scoop configuration, available for 824 and 834 wheel dozers
is purpose-built for wood chip and coal handling applications . • Mobility/high machine speed
The large roll-out buckets make the scoop functional for both • High ground pressure
dozing and load and carry . It is ideal for loading an elevated
hopper or feathering layers of material while stocking out on a • Articulated frame/maneuverability
stockpile . • Capable of dozing and load and carry
• Works best for light materials

FaVoraBle siTe CondiTions:

• Level, firm floor
• Multiple work locations
• Long-distance dozing
• Light materials

UnFaVoraBle CondiTions:
• Jagged, wet floor
• Steep grades
• Heavy material

7
Site Conditions
Tires vs. Tracks
GroUnd PressUre
Ground pressure is dependent on two things – the weight of the Proper track shoe size and tire type are important factors when
machine and its contact area with the ground . Wheeled vehicles equipping machines . The proper selection can influence the
generally exert more ground pressure than tracked vehicles of traction and compaction abilities of the machine . Proper tire
the same weight due to their smaller contact area . Wider tracks pressure is another important factor:
or tires increase ground contact area, decreasing ground • Over-inflation of tires reduces the amount of tread in contact
pressure . with the ground and provides less flotation . It also increases
Higher ground pressures are desired on some sites because they center tread wear and the chance of cuts and impact breaks .
generally lead to higher material compaction . Coal sites require • Under-inflation of tires will increase flotation by reducing
good compaction to avoid soft regions and spontaneous coal ground pressure; however, it can cause permanent flex breaks,
combustion . Compaction can also help keep roads, load sites, radial cracks and tread separation .
and dump sites smooth and firm for other machinery .
Radial tires are recommended for wheel dozers due to their heat
Lower ground pressures are necessary at some job sites due to dissipation capabilities . The tire manufacturer is the best source
soft underfoot conditions . In these applications, tracks provide for proper tire pressures .
much better traction than wheels .

operating Weight
Ground Pressure =
Ground Contact area

oPeraTinG WeiGhT ConTaCT area GroUnd PressUre

Model kg lb m2 in2 kPa psi
814 21 713 47,877 0 .1871 290 296 42 .9
824 28 724 63,325 0 .2766 429 255 37 .0
Wheel Dozers 834 47 106 103,849 0 .3379 524 342 49 .6
844 70 815 156,120 0 .6164 955 282 40 .9
854 99 395 219,128 0 .7364 1,141 324 47 .0
D7 25 304 55,786 2 .94-6 .49 4,600-10,060 42 .0-83 .4 6 .09-11 .71
D8 38 488 84,850 3 .59-6 .20 5,565-9,746 54 .0-103 .4 7 .82-14 .98
Track-type
D9 47 900 105,600 3 .89-5 .28 6,031-8,185 92 .0-124 .8 13 .34-18 .10
Dozers
D10 66 451 146,500 4 .74-6 .22 7,321-9,635 103 .1-135 .7 14 .97-19 .63
D11 104 590 230,100 6 .31-8 .13 9,781-12,605 126 .0-162 .4 18 .29-23 .57

Track-type dozers include Low Ground Pressure (LGP) models

Wheel dozer numbers are an average of several tire options with standard tire pressure

8
 Dozer Selection Guide

UnderFooT CondiTions and TraCTion CoeFFiCienT oF TraCTion FaCTors

Conditions on the jobsite can dictate which machine is most Traction Factors
Material
suited for the application . In soft underfoot conditions, the wheel rubber Tires Tracks
dozer will experience high rolling resistance, causing sluggish
Concrete 0 .90 0 .45
performance and reduced tire life . In this condition, a track-type
dozer may be preferable . Clay loam, dry 0 .55 0 .90
Clay loam, wet 0 .45 0 .70
Traction is one of the most important factors for achieving high
productivity . Without a high level of traction, the machine will slip Rutted clay loam 0 .40 0 .70
under high loads, decreasing productivity and increasing tire or Dry sand 0 .20 0 .30
track wear . Wet sand 0 .40 0 .50
Quarry pit 0 .65 0 .55
Gravel road, loose 0 .36 0 .50
Packed snow 0 .20 0 .27
Ice 0 .12 0 .12
Firm earth 0 .55 0 .90
Loose earth 0 .45 0 .60
Coal, stockpiled 0 .45 0 .60

9
Site Conditions

MoBiliTY
The value of a machine’s speed depends on the type of application . Wheeled machines perform well at sites with multiple work
locations because of their ability to chase work around the jobsite or when long-distance dozing is required . Wheel dozers typically
have shorter cycle times than track-type tractors because they are able to return at higher speeds .
The chart below lists the maximum speeds for wheel dozers and track-type dozers with no machine load . Speeds listed depend on
rolling resistance and site conditions .

ForWard reVerse
Model # Gears km/h mph # Gears km/h mph
814 4 31 .0 19 .34 4 34 .9 21 .8
824 4 32 .1 20 .0 4 36 .6 22 .7
Wheel Dozers 834 4 35 .4 22 .0 3 21 .4 13 .3
844 3 21 .0 13 .0 3 23 .0 14 .3
854 3 21 .1 13 .1 3 23 .2 14 .4
D7 3 11 .1 6 .9 3 14 .3 8 .9
D8 3 10 .6 6 .6 3 14 .2 8 .8
Track-Type
D9 3 11 .7 7 .3 3 14 .3 8 .9
Tractors
D10 3 12 .7 7 .9 3 15 .8 9 .8
D11 3 11 .8 7 .3 3 14 .0 8 .7

Wheel dozers and track-type dozers typically doze in first gear .

MaXiMUM 1sT Gear sPeeds
The maximum machine speeds for these gears are shown here .
Model km/h mph Actual dozing speeds for each gear will decrease depending
814 5 .7 3 .58 on blade load and other application characteristics .
824 6 .1 3 .8
Wheel Dozers 834 6 .8 4 .2
844 7 .0 4 .4
854 6 .8 4 .3
D7 3 .7 2 .3
D8 3 .4 2 .1
Track-Type
D9 3 .9 2 .4
Dozers
D10 4 .0 2 .5
D11 3 .9 2 .4

Track-type dozers are able to doze Wheel Dozer and Track Dozer Travel Times in 1st Gear
larger loads than wheel dozers during
180
each pass due to their superior traction .
160
Wheel dozers are able to compensate by
Travel Time (sec)

140
using superior machine speed for lower Track-Type dozer
120
travel times, often resulting in higher 100
productivity during long-distance dozing 80
operations . Travel times displayed in 60
Wheel dozer
the chart are based on machine run-out 40
speeds and should be used only as a 20
reference . Actual travel times depend on 0
application characteristics and conditions . 0 30 (100) 61 (200) 91 (300) 122 (400) 152 (500) 183 (600)
Distance (ft)

10
 Dozer Selection Guide

ProdUCTion
The following simulated comparisons of the 834H and D9T, two equivalently sized dozers, illustrate the advantages of the track and
wheel dozers in different working conditions .
Both comparisons assume the machines are working in a coal stockpile with a material density of 1600 lb per loose cubic yard .

CoMParison 1: Production per Hour vs. Grade

The impact of grade

Production (tons/hour)
The chart below shows production for both the 800
wheel and track dozers at grades of 0%, 5% and 10%
at a push distance of 200 ft . It demonstrates that the 600
speed of the wheel dozer gives it an advantage on Track-Type dozer
flat ground and the superior traction of the track 400
dozer makes it more productive on a grade .
200

0
Wheel dozer
Flat 5% Uphill 10% Uphill

Grade

CoMParison 2: d9T at 21 CYd 834h at 14.5 CYd

The impact of push distance Push distance
(16 m3) (11 m3)
This chart shows production in cubic yards per hour for 100 ft 1097 951
various push distances . The D9T U-blade has a 21 cubic 200 ft 638 595
yard (CYD) capacity (16 m3), while the 834H U-blade has a
300 ft 448 432
14 .5 CYD capacity (11 m3) . The production capability of
both machines decreases with increasing push distance, 400 ft 346 338
but the rate of decrease is higher for the track-type dozer . 500 ft 281 278
Therefore, in spite of the larger blade capacity of the 600 ft 237 236
track-type dozer for a given blade type, after a certain 700 ft 204 205
push distance it will not show an advantage over the
wheel dozer .

soUnd leVels
In some markets, regulations may require noise reduction at the sound pressure Model sound level
jobsite or during certain time periods of the day . Wheel dozers, levels: all
834H 81 dB
with their lower sound levels, may be the machine of choice to measurements
comply with these regulations, in lieu of track-type dozers . at 15 m away D9T 87 dB
from machine in 844H 82 dB
accordance with D10T 92 dB
SAE J88 854K 83 dB
D11T 96 .5 dB

11
Site Conditions

aPPliCaTion CoMParison
The chart below provides general guidelines for choosing between a wheel dozer and a track-type dozer for various jobsite
applications and conditions . These guidelines are based on which machine has been found to be most economical and effective in
each category . An authorized Cat® dealer or industry representative is the best source to determine which machine is best suited for
an application .

Factor Condition Wheel dozer Track-Type dozer

Machine Function Slot dozing
Push-off
Reclamation
Backfill
Stockpile coal
Stockpile maintenance
Blast cleanup
Road maintenance
Utility
Dense ripping
Soft ripping
Underfoot Type Concrete
Quarry pit
Coal, stockpiled
Wood chip
Underfoot Condition Level and firm
Jagged
Wet
Uneven or undulating
% Grade Less than 10
10-20
20-30
Over 30
Distance to Move Material* Short
Medium
Long
Machine Travel Around Site* Low
Medium
High
Require Compaction Pressure 1040-1200 kg/m2 (213-246 lb/ft2)
960-1160 kg/m2 (197-238 lb/ft2)

Yellow – Highly Recommended

Light Yellow – Recommended
Grey – Not Recommended

*Dependent on applications and site characteristics

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 Dozer Selection Guide

Applications

MininG/QUarrY and aGGreGaTe aPPliCaTions

In addition to production dozing, dozers can contribute other essential functions to mining and quarry applications such as:
• Loading-area cleanup around shovels and loaders
• Dump maintenance
• Haul road construction and maintenance
• Blast cleanup
• Reclamation
• Ripping soft overburden
The following dozer/truck model sizes are recommended for pushing dumped material over a berm (target is a 2-3 pass cleanup
procedure) . The chart assumes a portion of the material will be deposited over the edge during the dumping process .

Wheel doZer TraCk doZer TrUCk load siZe (Tons)

834 D9 773/777 60-100
844 D10 777/785 100-150
854 D11 785/789/793 150-240
13
Applications

Road Maintenance
The condition of work roads is very important in all types of worksites. Rough roads cause stress and fatigue on almost all
components of the machine.
A critical benefit of maintaining smooth roads is increased tire life. This saves money over time by decreasing overall operating and
maintenance costs.

Tire Cost/Hr Better roads

drive lower cost/hr

3,000 6,000
Tire Life (Hr)

Construction Applications
While the track-type dozer is the most commonly used dozer in
construction applications, wheel dozers can be used in
construction for land reclamation and site clearing. Its versatility
reduces the number of machines required to complete varying
tasks on a jobsite:
• It complements other machines by performing tasks like push-
loading scrapers.
• Its long wheelbase provides superior stability to perform fill
spreading and mild grading.
• Its speed and mobility allow it to travel around the site quickly,
making crews more productive.

14
 Dozer Selection Guide

Stockpile Applications
The versatility of the dozer is represented well in stockpiling
applications. Different machine and blade options allow it to be
configured to accommodate a variety of industries and functions.
• Coal-fired utility plants
• Ports
• Paper/pulp mills
• Biomass manufacturing
A job site may have a need for wheel dozers, track dozers,
scoops or a combination of the three. Typically all three can
handle the application and machine selection is determined by
the required production levels and push distances. Longer push
distances are best done with a wheel dozer; feathering material
or loading an elevated hopper requires a scoop; and short push
distances and work on grades are better suited to a track dozer.

15
Applications

Coal-Fired UTiliTies
Track-type dozers and coal scoops are commonly used as Emergency
production machines in coal-fired utility plants to manage a Coal
continuous supply of coal and as a utility machine for other jobs Stockpile
around the worksite . Most plants receive their coal via train,
delivered at regular intervals .
Coal Doze: Day 1
Unload
eXaMPle 4-daY CYCle Stockpiles Hopper Train
day 1 Doze: Day 2-4
• Coal is unloaded from train into a pile above hopper
• Coal is transported from hopper to crusher via conveyor
• Excess coal is dozed into the coal stockpile

days 2-4 Power Plant Crusher

• Coal is dozed from the stockpile to the hopper as required
• Loose coal around hopper is dozed in

Coal CoMPaCTion
Compaction increases a material’s density . Higher compaction if not sufficiently maintained . The compaction processes
generally decreases air volume and increases shear strength removes surplus air from the coal and significantly decreases
and stiffness . Compaction of coal is primarily dependent on the spontaneous combustion .
coal type, moisture content, and amount of compactive energy Soft spots in the coal stockpile can also form if the coal is not
(pressure, vibration, etc .) applied to the ground . Higher ground well maintained, causing the machine to lose traction during
pressures generally lead to higher compaction . However, heavy dozing . “Feathering” spreads the material into small lifts
materials with too little or too much moisture can result in poor or layers to prevent large regions of loose coal from developing
compaction . and to allow each layer to be thoroughly compacted . Some sites
Sufficient compaction of coal is important for a variety of also compact the coal on the sides of the stockpile by “rolling,”
reasons, especially if a low-grade (low Btu) coal is used . or driving up and down the sides .
Low-grade coal has a tendency to spontaneously combust

16
 Dozer Selection Guide

Blades
doZer Blades
A large selection of blades is available to suit any dozing or utility requirements . Choosing the right blade for the application is
important to ensure high productivity and efficient operation . If the blade is too large for the application it can cause excessive strain
on the machine, poor visibility, and tire slippage . A blade too small for a specific application will cause low productivity .
The following list of options will guide in selecting the optimum blade for the operation .

Wheel doZer Blade CaPaCiTies – m3 (yd3)

814 824 834 844 854
Straight 2 .66 (3 .5) 4 .67 (6 .11) 7 .9 (10 .3) – –
Semi-U – 6 .88 (9 .0) 10 .1 (13 .2) 16 .1 (21 .1) 25 .4 (33 .1)
Heavy-Duty Semi-U – – – 16 .1 (21 .1) 25 .4 (33 .1)
U-Blade – 6 .88 (9 .0) 11 .1 (14 .5) 20 .0 (26 .2) –
Heavy-Duty U-Blade – 6 .88 (9 .0) – – –
Coal U-Blade 10 .7 (14 .0) 16 .1 (21 .0) 22 .2 (29 .0) 30 .7 (40 .2) 44 .7 (58 .2)
26 .8 (35) 45 .8 (60)
Coal Scoop – – –
13 .4* (17 .5)* 22 .9* (30)*
Woodchip U-Blade – 24 .0 (31 .4) 30 .1 (40 .5) – –
41 .3 (54 .0) 53 .5 (70 .0)
Woodchip Scoop – – –
20 .6* (27 .0)* 26 .7* (35 .0)*

* Lift and carry capacity

TraCk TYPe TraCTors Blade CaPaCiTies – m3 (yd3)

d7 d8 d9 d10 d11
Straight 5 .89 (7 .70) – – – –
Semi-U 6 .86 (8 .98) 8 .7 (11 .4) 13 .5 (17 .7) 18 .5 (24 .2) 27 .2 (35 .5)
U-Blade – 11 .7 (15 .3) 16 .4 (21 .4) 22 (28 .7) 34 .4 (45)
Coal U-Blade 14 .8 (19 .4) 21 .4 (28) 36 .7 (48) 52 (68) 75 (98)
Woodchip U-Blade 24 .3 (31 .8) 28 .3 (37) 45 .9 (60) 75 (98) –
Landfill U-Blade 18 .1 (23 .7) 23 .7 (31) – – –

anaToMY oF a doZer Blade

spill Guard

sidebar
Protectors

Moldboard

replaceable
Cutting edges angled “Wings” 17
Blades

doZer Blade oPTions

straight Blade U-Blade Coal U-Blade

• Small side shields • Two angled faces to increase • Extended top guard for
• Ideal for site cleanup, general work, load retention increased capacity
and spreading fill • Ideal for mining, quarry, and • Ideal for coal or other light materials
aggregates or construction • 30-degree wing angles for good
• 30-degree wing angles load retention

semi-U heavy duty semi-U Coal/Woodchip scoops

• Increased size of side shields • Wear plates on sides • Extended top guard for
increases load retention • Additional liners on moldboard increased capacity
• Exceptional spreading characteristics • Ideal for very abrasive materials • Ideal for lighter materials
• Ideal for construction or general work • 25-degree wing angles • 30-degree wing angles
• 25-degree wing angles • Blade floor to allow material
to be carried

Wheel doZer aTTaChMenTs aVailaBle

• secondary steering – Ground-driven pump provides steering • Crankcase guard – Provides additional protection in the
power in case of failure of primary steering system crankcase area
• roading fenders – Provides fender extensions to prevent mud • no-spin differential – For poor underfoot conditions
build-up on rear stairways and handrails where tires are likely to experience significant slippage .
• sound suppression – Additional insulation around the sides Rear axle only .
and bottom of engine compartment to reduce sound levels • high-speed oil change – Provides remote port and
• Fast fuel system – Provides fast fueling capability in addition components for high-speed oil change
to the standard fill • axle oil cooler – Recommended for long downhill grades
• engine brake – Provides machine braking outside of the or any demanding braking applications
service brakes by de-stroking the engine power output

18
 Dozer Selection Guide

Points for Consideration

MaChine seleCTion
Purchasing a new machine is a serious investment . There are many factors to consider when selecting a machine to ensure the
optimum machine is chosen for the application . Following are several questions to consider in proper machine selection .

ProdUCTion reQUireMenTs VersaTiliTY

• What are the production requirements of the jobsite? • Will multiple job functions be required for this machine?
• Are there cyclic surges in production requirements? • Will blade selection or machine option configurations
(Daily, monthly, annually) assist machine versatility?
• Will the machine be primarily used for production,
MoBiliTY
utility, or both?
• How much travel around the worksite will the machine
FaCiliTY liMiTaTions or reQUireMenTs be required to do?
• Is high ground pressure and compaction desired? • What distances will the machine be required to travel?
• Is the size or shape of a stockpile restricted?
CoMPaTiBiliTY
• Are there any physical space limitations?
• Does the machine need to be compatible or sized to other
redUndanCY machines on site?

• If a machine requires service, is a backup machine • Is there an advantage to having machines using similar
available to cover its function? parts on site?

• Would this machine be capable of backing up several

machine types?

CUsToMer MoTiVaTion
There are certain characteristics that customers value in every
piece of machinery . The fundamental objective in purchasing
a machine is to meet or exceed jobsite requirements and
customer expectations .
Machines purpose-built for specific applications can reduce
effort needed for extensive tasks . The versatility and mobility of
scoops and wheel loaders give them ability the ability to function
as a utility machine for an entire fleet . The track-type dozer’s
superior traction and durability in harsh conditions give it high
productivity in short distances . Working together, these machines
maximize productivity and profit for the entire operation .

19
Cat machine Solutions
The success of your operation has a lot to do with selecting the
proper machine. Cat dozers offer an established reputation for
quality with the best results at the lowest cost.
First-hand knowledge and experience in analyzing field data
and site conditions can greatly increase efficiency and improve
production. Caterpillar and your Cat dealer are ready to help you
make the best choice for your business.

For additional information relating to Cat dozing equipment,

visit https://mining.cat.com.

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