Compare/Caterpillar D5B SA Special Application vs Caterpillar RD8

Caterpillar D5B SA Special Application vs Caterpillar RD8

Verdict: Caterpillar D5B SA Special Application vs Caterpillar RD8

The Caterpillar D5B SA Special Application and the Caterpillar RD8 are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Caterpillar D5B SA Special Application leads on rated power with 120 hp against 104 hp. Caterpillar RD8 is the lighter machine (15,195 kg vs 22,900 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Caterpillar D5B SA Special Application is the newer design (1977 vs 1935). In short: choose the Caterpillar D5B SA Special Application for outright pulling power, or the Caterpillar RD8 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

120 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)

89.5 kWReference

—

Drawbar (claimed)

67.1 kWReference

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Displacement

10.5 LReference

20.4 LReference

Bore/Stroke

121 x 152 mmReference

146 x 203 mmReference

Power (net)

89.5 kWReference

—

Rated RPM

1900Reference

1000Reference

Starter

electricReference

—

Starter volts

24Reference

—

Oil capacity

76.7 LReference

—

Coolant capacity

34.1 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

6 forward and 4 reverseReference

6 forward and 2 reverseReference

Clutch

—

dry discReference

Capacities

Fuel

280.1 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

137.9 barReference

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Pump flow

87.1 lpmReference

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Dimensions

Weight

22900 to 23320 poundsReference

15195 kgReference

Length

388 cmReference

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Shipping weight

10387 kgReference

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Operating weight

10577 kgReference

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Gauge

187 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 D5B SA Tracks

Width

234 cmReference

50 cmReference

Length on ground

217 cmReference

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Area on ground

2.0 m²Reference

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Caterpillar D5B SA Height

Hood

175 cmReference

—

ROPS

276 cmReference

—

Exhaust

299 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.