CAT CLASS: HQ-10224

200-300 hp Dozer

The 200-300 hp dozer class represents the D7/D8 segment: heavy-production machines built for land clearing, substantial cut-and-push work, and full-scale earthmoving operations. With operating weights from 17,400 to 40,000 kg and engines delivering 160 to 287 hp, these dozers handle the bulk of large-site grading, dam construction, and major infrastructure projects. This size sits between the 130-200 hp machines used for mid-range grading and the 300+ hp ultra-heavy dozers reserved for mining and quarry work.

Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class: capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Engine power	160-287 hp	Sufficient power for heavy cutting, ripping hardpan, and pushing loaded scrapers across long hauls.
Operating weight	38,360–88,185 lb (17,400–40,000 kg)	Mass provides drawbar pull and traction for deep cuts and sustained pushing in difficult ground.
Blade capacity	3-6 m³ (typical)	Large blade volumes move significant material per pass, accelerating mass excavation and land clearing.

How to choose

The 200-300 hp class is appropriate for large-scale earthmoving where production targets demand heavy cutting power and high blade capacity: highway construction, reservoir excavation, and mine-site development. When grading operations involve lighter cuts, finish work, or moderately sized sites, the 130-200 hp Dozer class offers adequate power with lower operating costs and easier transport. For ultra-deep cuts, large-scale mining overburden removal, or quarry benching, the 300+ hp Dozer class provides the drawbar pull and mass required for those extreme conditions.

What this size handles

Highway corridor mass grading with 1-2 m cuts over kilometers of alignment
Reservoir and dam foundation excavation requiring sustained heavy pushing
Large residential subdivision rough grading and land clearing of timber and stumps
Airport runway subgrade preparation and heavy compaction support
Pipeline right-of-way clearing and trench spoil management across cross-country routes
Quarry access road construction and bench development in fractured rock

Safety & operation

ROPS/FOPS-certified cabs standard; operator must maintain visibility around the blade and rear counterweight during maneuvers
Ground-bearing pressure and operating weight require assessment of subsurface conditions to prevent slope failure or undermining
Blade and ripper hydraulics operate under high pressure; lockout/tagout procedures mandatory during service and attachment changes
Spotter or signalperson recommended when working near utilities, structures, or other equipment due to limited rear visibility

Transport & logistics

Heavy lowboy or multi-axle hydraulic trailer required; machines in this class exceed legal road limits without permits
Combined transport weight typically 25,000-50,000 kg, requiring Class 8 tractor and escort depending on jurisdiction
Track removal or transport-configuration procedures common for machines approaching 40,000 kg to meet axle-weight regulations

Power & supply

Diesel fuel consumption 20-40 liters per hour under load; bulk on-site fuel storage or scheduled tanker deliveries typical for extended operations
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) required for Tier 4 Final / Stage V emissions compliance on newer models
Cold-weather operations may require block heaters or auxiliary pre-heat systems for reliable starting below -10°C

Frequently asked

What differentiates a 200-300 hp dozer from smaller classes?

This class combines higher drawbar pull, larger blade capacity, and mass sufficient for sustained heavy cutting and land clearing: jobs where a 130-200 hp machine would cycle excessively or lack traction in difficult ground.

Which brands manufacture models in this horsepower range?

Current production includes models from XCMG, Dressta, and Case, covering the spectrum from 160 to 287 hp with operating weights spanning 17,400 to 40,000 kg.

When does a project require moving up to the 300+ hp class?

Ultra-deep cuts exceeding 3 meters, large-scale mining overburden stripping, or quarry production benching typically justify the 300+ hp class due to the extreme drawbar forces and production rates those applications demand.

Compare popular models

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Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.

Model	Operating weight	Max dig depth	Max reach	Engine power
Case 2050M	44,562 lb (20,213 kg)	-	-	215 hp
Dressta TD-15M	52,250 lb (23,700 kg)	-	-	225 hp
Dressta TD-20M	-	-	-	248 hp
XCMG DL350	65,036 lb (29,500 kg)	-	-	277 hp
XCMG D5AT	38,360 lb (17,400 kg)	-	-	-
XCMG D260(EU Stage Ⅲ)	52,470 lb (23,800 kg)	-	-	-