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Caterpillar 438D vs Caterpillar 446B

Verdict: Caterpillar 438D vs Caterpillar 446B

The Caterpillar 438D and the Caterpillar 446B are both backhoe loaders — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Caterpillar 446B leads on rated power with 110 hp against 98 hp. Caterpillar 438D is the lighter machine (7,749 kg vs 8,891 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Caterpillar 438D holds more fuel (127.9 L vs 124.9 L) for longer stints between fills. Caterpillar 438D is the newer design (2001 vs 1993). In short: choose the Caterpillar 446B 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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Fit & specs
Caterpillar 438D Backhoe Loader
Caterpillar
85
Fit score
Best match
Clear
Caterpillar 446B Backhoe Loader
Caterpillar
85
Fit score
Best match
Clear
Rated power
98 hp
110 hp
Confidence
40%
40%
Guide price
Overview
Manufacturer
CaterpillarReference
CaterpillarReference
liquid-cooledReference
liquid-cooledReference
Engine
Fuel tank
127.9 LReference
124.9 LReference
Engine (gross)
73.1 kWReference
82.0 kWReference
Engine
70.1 kWReference
76.1 kWReference
Displacement
4.4 LReference
4.4 LReference
Bore/Stroke
105 x 127 mmReference
105 x 127 mmReference
Power
70.1 kWReference
76.1 kWReference
Power (gross)
73.1 kWReference
82.0 kWReference
Rated RPM
2200Reference
2200Reference
Starter type
electricReference
electricReference
Transmission
Transmission
power shuttleReference
auto-shiftReference
Gears
4 forward and reverseReference
4 forward and 3 reverseReference
PTO & Hydraulics
Type
LSPC, closed centerReference
LSPC closed centerReference
Pressure
227.9 barReference
223.9 barReference
Total flow
163.1 lpmReference
177.9 lpmReference
Dimensions
Wheelbase
210 cmReference
223 cmReference
Weight
7749 kgReference
8891 kgReference
Length
576 cmReference
765 cmReference
Width
239 cmReference
243 cmReference
Height
373 cmReference
419 cmReference
Height (cab)
290 cmReference
286 cmReference
Operating weight
7749 kgReference
8891 kgReference
Ground clearance
32 cmReference
33 cmReference
Backhoe & Loader
Dig depth
191.1 to 232.0 inchesReference
205.5 to 257.0 inchesReference
Attachment overview
Caterpillar Backhoe
Backhoe type
Caterpillar BackhoeReference
Caterpillar BackhoeReference
Digging depth
485 cmReference
521 cmReference
Digging depth (extended stick)
589 cmReference
652 cmReference
Reach from pivot
563 cmReference
660 cmReference
Reach from pivot (extended stick)
666 cmReference
786 cmReference
Loading height
371 cmReference
431 cmReference
Loading height (extended stick)
427 cmReference
489 cmReference
Bucket force
6673 kgReference
6896 kgReference
Bucket force (extended stick)
6614 kgReference
6873 kgReference

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.

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