Compare/Caterpillar 430E vs Caterpillar 438D

Caterpillar 430E vs Caterpillar 438D

Verdict: Caterpillar 430E vs Caterpillar 438D

The Caterpillar 430E and the Caterpillar 438D are both backhoe loaders — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Caterpillar 430E leads on rated power with 101 hp against 98 hp. Caterpillar 438D is the lighter machine (7,749 kg vs 15,708 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Caterpillar 430E is the newer design (2006 vs 2001). In short: choose the Caterpillar 430E for outright pulling power, or the Caterpillar 438D if a tighter budget and lighter footprint matter more. Compare the full spec tables below before booking a demo.

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Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

Caterpillar

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Caterpillar

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

101 hp

98 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

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Overview

Manufacturer

CaterpillarReference

With 19.5x24 rear tires.Reference

liquid-cooledReference

Drive

4x4 MFWD 4WD optionalReference

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Steering

hydrostatic powerReference

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Variants

430E IT

Integrated Toolcarrier loaderReference

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Engine

Engine (gross)

75.0 kWReference

73.1 kWReference

Engine

76.1 kWReference

70.1 kWReference

Displacement

4.4 LReference

Bore/Stroke

105 x 127 mmReference

Power

76.1 kWReference

70.1 kWReference

Power (gross)

75.0 kWReference

73.1 kWReference

Rated RPM

1800Reference

2200Reference

Torque

473.2 NmReference

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Torque RPM

1400Reference

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Starter

electricReference

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Starter volts

12Reference

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Oil capacity

18.9 LReference

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Coolant capacity

14.4 LReference

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Fuel tank

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127.9 LReference

Starter type

—

electricReference

Transmission

Auto-ShiftReference

power shuttleReference

Gears

5 forward and 3 reverseReference

4 forward and reverseReference

Capacities

Fuel

170.3 LReference

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Front axle

6.5 LReference

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Rear axle

14.2 LReference

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Max capacity

11000 kgReference

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PTO & Hydraulics

Hydraulic system

95.0 LReference

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Type

closed center load sensingReference

LSPC, closed centerReference

Capacity

95.0 LReference

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Pressure

228.0 barReference

227.9 barReference

Total flow

162.8 lpmReference

163.1 lpmReference

Dimensions

Wheelbase

220 cmReference

210 cmReference

Weight

15708 to 16083 poundsReference

7749 kgReference

Length

736 cmReference

576 cmReference

Width

231 cmReference

239 cmReference

Ground clearance

33 cmReference

32 cmReference

Shipping

7125 kgReference

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Operating

7295 kgReference

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Height

—

373 cmReference

Height (cab)

—

290 cmReference

Operating weight

—

7749 kgReference

Backhoe & Loader

Dig depth

185 to 234 inchesReference

191.1 to 232.0 inchesReference

Dump angle

114 cmReference

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Attachment overview

Caterpillar Backhoe

Backhoe type

Caterpillar BackhoeReference

Digging depth

469 cmReference

485 cmReference

Digging depth (retracted stick)

480 cmReference

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Digging depth (extended stick)

594 cmReference

589 cmReference

2-Foot flat digging depth

467 cmReference

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2-Foot flat digging depth (retracted stick)

477 cmReference

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2-Foot flat digging depth (extended stick)

591 cmReference

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Reach from pivot

604 cmReference

563 cmReference

Reach from pivot (retracted stick)

609 cmReference

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Reach from pivot (extended stick)

723 cmReference

666 cmReference

Loading height

396 cmReference

371 cmReference

Loading height (retracted stick)

391 cmReference

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Loading height (extended stick)

452 cmReference

427 cmReference

Bucket force

7208 kgReference

6673 kgReference

Bucket force (retracted stick)

7112 kgReference

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Bucket force (extended stick)

7112 kgReference

6614 kgReference

Dipperstick force

4508 kgReference

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Dipperstick force (retracted stick)

4413 kgReference

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Dipperstick force (extended stick)

3264 kgReference

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Caterpillar 430E Height

Cab

281 cmReference

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Exhaust

274 cmReference

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Speeds

Fit score weighs budget, operation size, crop match and data confidence against the details above. It’s guidance, not advice — always confirm with a dealer demo.