The Caterpillar D3 Dozer has a long-standing legacy in the world of small to mid-size crawler tractors, tracing its roots back to 1972 with the launch of the original Caterpillar D3 and D3 LGP. Built exclusively in Japan and powered by a 62 hp Caterpillar 3204 engine, the first-generation D3 set the foundation for a durable and highly maneuverable machine tailored for fine grading and light-to-medium earthmoving tasks.
Dimensions
| Length w/ Blade | 144.9 in (3680 mm) |
| Length w/o Blade | 109.1 in (2770 mm) |
| Height to Hood | 68.1 in (1730 mm) |
| Height w/o Stack | 72.8 in (1850 mm) |
| Height w/ Stack | 94.9 in (2410 mm) |
| Height to Top of ROPS | 107.1 in (2720 mm) |
| Width Over Tracks | 70 in (1780 mm) |
| Width Over Blade | 94.9 in (2410 mm) |
| Track Gauge | 56 in (1420 mm) |
| Length of Track on Ground | 72.4 in (1840 mm) |
| Drawbar Height | 15.4 in (390 mm) |
| Ground Clearance | 13.6 in (345 mm) |
Dozer Blade
| Blade Type | Straight Blade (Standard) | PAT Blade (Optional) |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Width | 94.9 in (2410 mm) | 95 in (2413 mm) |
| Digging Depth | 14 in (356 mm) | 14 in (356 mm) |
| Max Blade Lift | 34 in (860 mm) | 34 in (860 mm) |
| Angling, Left / Right | – | 25°/25° |
| Tilt | – | 8.5 in (216 mm) |
Ripper
| Type | Parallelogram ripper |
| Number of Shanks | Up to 5 |
| Overall Machine Length, Tip of Blade to Beam Raised | 140.2 in (3560 mm) |
| Overall Machine Length, Tip of Beam lowered | 133.1 in (3380 mm) |
| Maximum Penetration | 10 in (254 mm) |
| Ripper Weight (with 3 teeth and hydraulic cylinder) | 710 lb (322 kg) |
Undercarriage
| Track Gauge | 56 in (1420 mm) |
| Standard Shoe Size (single grouser) | 12 in (305 mm) |
| Ground Contact Area | 1740 in2 (1.12 m2) |
| Ground Pressure | 7.9 psi (54.47 kPa) |
| Number of Shoes Per Side | 36 |
| Number of Track Rollers Per Side | 5 |
| Track Adjuster | Hydraulic track adjusters standard |
| Seal of Track | Sealed Track extends pin and bushing life |
| Grouser Height | 2 in (51 mm) |
| Optional Shoes | 12 in (305 mm), triple grouser 14 in (356 mm), triple grouser 16 in (406 mm), single grouser |
Engine Details
| Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine Make | Caterpillar |
| Engine Model | CAT 3204 |
| Displacement | 318 cu in (5.2 L) |
| Bore | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Stroke | 5.0 in (127 mm) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Horsepower | 62 hp (46 kw) |
| Power Measured @ | 2400 rpm |
| Torque Rise | 25% |
| Fuel System | Direct injection |
| Lubrication System | Pressure lubrication with full-flow filtered and cooled oil |
| Air Cleaner | Dry-type air cleaner with primary and secondary element |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
Operational Specs
| Operating Weight | 14300 lb (6500 kg) |
| Shipping Weight | 12700 lb (5800 kg) |
| Operating Voltage | 12 V |
| Alternator | 40 amps |
| Battery | 12 V, 172 Ah |
| Starter | 12 V, 5.4 hp (4 kw), Cat 4N241 |
| Cab (Optional) | Operator protective cab |
| Canopy (Optional) | Canopy with ROPS |
| Operator Seat | Adjustable seat |
| Working Lights | 2x front lights + 1x rear light |
Transmission
| Type | Planetary power shift transmission with on-the-go shifting |
| Torque Converter | Single-stage torque converter integral with power shift transmission |
| Number of Gears | 3F / 1R |
| Max Forward Speed | 7.0 mph (11.3 km/h) |
| Max Reverse Speed | 3.2 mph (5.1 km/h) |
| Final Drives | Single-reduction final drive gears |
| Steering | Steering and braking controlled by a foot pedal for each track |
| Service Brakes | Third pedal brakes both tracks, locks down for parking. Clutches are spring-actuated, hydraulically released, multiple discs |
Hydraulic System
| Type | Open center hydraulics. The four optional hydraulic systems |
| Hydraulic System w/ 2 Valves | Mechanical angle and power tilt blade |
| Hydraulic System w/ 3 Valves | Power angle and power tilt blade |
| Hydraulic System w/ 3 Valves | Mechanical angle and power tilt blade and ripper |
| Hydraulic System w/ 4 Valves | Power angle and power tilt bulldozer and ripper |
| Pump Flow | 14.5 gal/min (55 L/min) |
| Relief Valve Setting | 2500 psi (17237 kPa) |
| Drive (constant power) | Geared from auxiliary engine timing gear train |
| Control Valve Type | Spool-type control valves |
| Control Valve Positions (Lift Cylinders) | Raise, lower, hold, float |
| Control Valve Positions (Tilt Cylinder) | Left, right, hold |
| Control Valve Positions (Angle Cylinders) | Left, right, hold |
| Control Valve Positions (Ripper Cylinder) | Raise, lower |
| Hydraulic Oil Filtration | Full flow filter |
Service Refill Capacities
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 gal (113.6 L) |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 3 gal (11.4 L) |
| Cooling System Capacity | 6.5 gal (24.6 L) |
| Transmission Oil Capacity | 4.5 gal (17 L) |
| Bevel Gear Capacity | 4 gal (15.1 L) |
| Final Drives Capacity (each side) | 2.5 gal (9.5 L) |
| Hydraulic Tank Capacity | 8 gal (30.3 L) |
| Hydraulic System Capacity (w/ tank) | 15 gal (56.8 L) |
Serial Numbers & PIN Location
Serial Number Plate is located on the right hand side of the cylinder block, on the right hand side of the firewall in the operator’s compartment and on top of the bevel gear case under the seat.
Over the decades, the D3 evolved through numerous series and design improvements – from the D3B and D3C models to the D3C LGP Series II and III, as well as the D3C XL Series II, offering enhanced balance, flotation, and blade control. Subsequent models like the D3G XL and LGP (Tier 2) and the D3K and D3K2 further refined the platform with increased operator comfort, electronic controls, and more efficient powertrains.
The line culminated in the release of the Caterpillar D3 Next Gen in 2020, marking nearly five decades of continuous innovation in the small dozer category. This modern iteration delivers advanced technology, improved visibility, and enhanced grade control systems, continuing the D3’s reputation for performance, agility, and jobsite versatility.
