Compare/Caterpillar D4E SA Special Application vs Caterpillar RD8

Caterpillar D4E SA Special Application vs Caterpillar RD8

Verdict: Caterpillar D4E SA Special Application vs Caterpillar RD8

The Caterpillar D4E SA Special Application and the Caterpillar RD8 are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Caterpillar RD8 leads on rated power with 104 hp against 97 hp. Caterpillar RD8 is the lighter machine (15,195 kg vs 18,450 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Caterpillar D4E SA Special Application is the newer design (1984 vs 1935). In short: choose the Caterpillar RD8 for outright pulling power, or the Caterpillar D4E SA Special Application if a tighter budget and lighter footprint matter more. Compare the full spec tables below before booking a demo.

Tune the fit score

Tell us about your operation

Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

Caterpillar

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Caterpillar

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

97 hp

104 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

—

Overview

Manufacturer

CaterpillarReference

liquid-cooled inlineReference

Diesel 6-speed crawlerMay 19 - 25, 1936Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 257 fileReference

Drive

crawlerReference

Engine

Engine (net)

72.3 kWReference

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Drawbar (claimed)

55.2 kWReference

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Displacement

7.0 LReference

20.4 LReference

Bore/Stroke

121 x 152 mmReference

146 x 203 mmReference

Power (net)

72.3 kWReference

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Fuel system

direct injectionReference

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Rated RPM

2000Reference

1000Reference

Starter

electricReference

—

Starter volts

24Reference

—

Oil capacity

18.9 LReference

—

Coolant capacity

30.3 LReference

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Drawbar (tested)

—

77.5 kWReference

Belt (tested)

—

88.2 kWReference

Belt power (max)

—

88.2 kWReference

Max power

—

77.5 kWReference

Transmission

Gears

5 forward and reverseReference

6 forward and 2 reverseReference

Clutch

—

dry discReference

Capacities

Fuel

238.5 LReference

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PTO & Hydraulics

Hydraulic system

22.7 LReference

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Type

gearReference

Capacity

22.7 LReference

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Pressure

82.7 barReference

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Pump flow

81.8 lpmReference

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Dimensions

Weight

18450 to 19050 poundsReference

15195 kgReference

Length

335 cmReference

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Shipping weight

8368 kgReference

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Operating weight

8641 kgReference

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Gauge

152 cmReference

198 cmReference

Steering wheel

193 cmReference

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Electrical

Charging system

alternatorReference

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Charging amps

35Reference

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Battery volts

12Reference

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Caterpillar D4E SA Tracks

Width

40 cmReference

50 cmReference

Length on ground

182 cmReference

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Area on ground

1.5 m²Reference

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Caterpillar D4E SA Height

ROPS

269 cmReference

—

Exhaust

287 cmReference

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RD8 Serial Numbers

1935

—

1H1Reference

1936

—

1H247Reference

1937

—

1H1497Reference

Caterpillar RD8 Tracks

Test results

Belt fuel use (max)

—

32.6 l/hourReference

Max pull

—

8979 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.