Compare/Caterpillar D8 vs Caterpillar RD8

Caterpillar D8 vs Caterpillar RD8

Verdict: Caterpillar D8 vs Caterpillar RD8

The Caterpillar D8 and the Caterpillar RD8 are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Caterpillar D8 leads on rated power with 115 hp against 104 hp. Caterpillar RD8 is the lighter machine (15,195 kg vs 16,565 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Caterpillar D8 is the newer design (1937 vs 1935). In short: choose the Caterpillar D8 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

115 hp

104 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

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Overview

Manufacturer

CaterpillarReference

Diesel 6-speed crawlerOctober 11 - 16, 1940Link: Nebraska Tractor Test 357 fileReference

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

Drive

crawlerReference

Engine

Fuel tank

215.7 LReference

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Engine

85.8 kWReference

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Drawbar (tested)

82.1 kWReference

77.5 kWReference

Belt (tested)

95.4 kWReference

88.2 kWReference

Displacement

20.4 LReference

Bore/Stroke

146 x 203 mmReference

Power

85.8 kWReference

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Rated RPM

850Reference

1000Reference

Belt power (max)

95.4 kWReference

88.2 kWReference

Max power

82.1 kWReference

77.5 kWReference

Transmission

Type

gearReference

Gears

6 forward and 2 reverseReference

Clutch

—

dry discReference

Dimensions

Weight

16565 kgReference

15195 kgReference

Length

472 cmReference

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Height

213 cmReference

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Gauge

198 cmReference

D8 Serial Numbers

1937

1H1500Reference

1H1497Reference

1938

1H2727Reference

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1939

1H3906Reference

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1940

1H5729Reference

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1941

1H7693Reference

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Caterpillar D8 Tracks

Width

256 cmReference

50 cmReference

Test results

Belt fuel use (max)

32.6 l/hourReference

Max pull

11887 kgReference

8979 kgReference

RD8 Serial Numbers

1935

—

1H1Reference

1936

—

1H247Reference

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.