Compare/Caterpillar D7C vs Caterpillar RD8

Caterpillar D7C vs Caterpillar RD8

Verdict: Caterpillar D7C vs Caterpillar RD8

The Caterpillar D7C and the Caterpillar RD8 are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Caterpillar D7C leads on rated power with 128 hp against 104 hp. Caterpillar RD8 is the lighter machine (15,195 kg vs 25,970 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Caterpillar D7C is the newer design (1955 vs 1935). In short: choose the Caterpillar D7C 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.

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Acreage600 acBudgetMain crop / use

Fit & specs

Caterpillar

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Caterpillar

Fit score

Best match

Clear

Rated power

128 hp

104 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

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Overview

Manufacturer

CaterpillarReference

Gear 1 used for pull test.Reference

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

Drive

crawlerReference

Steering

manual clutchesReference

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Engine

Fuel tank

321.7 LReference

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Engine

95.4 kWReference

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Drawbar (claimed)

76.1 kWReference

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Drawbar (tested)

77.3 kWReference

77.5 kWReference

Belt (tested)

90.8 kWReference

88.2 kWReference

Displacement

13.6 LReference

20.4 LReference

Bore/Stroke

146 x 203 mmReference

Power

95.4 kWReference

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Air cleaner

oil bathReference

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Rated RPM

1200Reference

1000Reference

Starter

gasoline pony engineReference

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Starter volts

6Reference

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Oil capacity

40.7 LReference

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Coolant capacity

64.4 LReference

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Belt power (max)

90.8 kWReference

88.2 kWReference

Max power

77.3 kWReference

77.5 kWReference

Transmission

Type

gearReference

Gears

5 forward and 4 reverseReference

6 forward and 2 reverseReference

Clutch

metallic wet discReference

dry discReference

Dimensions

Weight

25970 to 26930 poundsReference

15195 kgReference

Length

425 cmReference

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Height (hood)

206 cmReference

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Shipping weight

11779 kgReference

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Operating weight

12215 kgReference

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Ground clearance

39 cmReference

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Clearance (drawbar)

43 cmReference

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Gauge

187 cmReference

198 cmReference

Caterpillar D7C Tracks

Width

246 cmReference

50 cmReference

Test results

Belt fuel use (max)

36.7 l/hourReference

32.6 l/hourReference

Max pull

11923 kgReference

8979 kgReference

RD8 Serial Numbers

1935

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1H1Reference

1936

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1H247Reference

1937

—

1H1497Reference

Caterpillar RD8 Tracks

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.