Compare/Caterpillar D8L SA Special Application vs Caterpillar D9

Caterpillar D8L SA Special Application vs Caterpillar D9

Verdict: Caterpillar D8L SA Special Application vs Caterpillar D9

The Caterpillar D8L SA Special Application and the Caterpillar D9 are both tractors — here is how they stack up on the figures that matter. Caterpillar D8L SA Special Application leads on rated power with 400 hp against 286 hp. Caterpillar D9 is the lighter machine (29,948 kg vs 77,692 kg), which helps on soft ground and transport, while the heavier model carries more ballast for traction-limited draft work. Caterpillar D8L SA Special Application is the newer design (1984 vs 1955). In short: choose the Caterpillar D8L SA Special Application for outright pulling power, or the Caterpillar D9 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

400 hp

286 hp

Confidence

40%

Guide price

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Overview

Manufacturer

CaterpillarReference

liquid-cooled V-8Reference

Gear 1 used for pull test.Reference

Drive

crawlerReference

Final drives

double-reduction planetaryReference

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Variants

D8L

bulldozerReference

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Engine

298.3 kWReference

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Drawbar (claimed)

249.8 kWReference

171.5 kWReference

Displacement

18.0 LReference

24.1 LReference

Bore/Stroke

137 x 152 mmReference

159 x 203 mmReference

Power

298.3 kWReference

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Fuel system

direct injectionReference

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Air cleaner

dryReference

—

Rated RPM

1900Reference

1240Reference

Starter

electricReference

2-cylinder gas pony engineReference

Starter volts

24Reference

6Reference

Oil capacity

166.6 LReference

—

Coolant capacity

92.7 LReference

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Engine (net)

—

213.3 kWReference

Drawbar (tested)

—

188.1 kWReference

Power (net)

—

213.3 kWReference

Compression

—

15.5:1Reference

Max power

—

188.1 kWReference

Transmission

Gears

3 forward and reverseReference

3 forward and 2 reverseReference

Clutch

wet discReference

Capacities

Fuel

715.4 LReference

—

PTO & Hydraulics

Hydraulic system

88.9 LReference

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Type

power shiftReference

torque converterReference

Capacity

88.9 LReference

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Pressure

172.4 barReference

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Valves

4Reference

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Pump flow

113.6 lpmReference

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Dimensions

Weight

77692 to 80820 poundsReference

29948 kgReference

Length

546 cmReference

Shipping weight

35241 kgReference

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Operating weight

36659 kgReference

29948 kgReference

Ground clearance

45 cmReference

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Gauge

254 cmReference

228 cmReference

Steering wheel

289 cmReference

—

Height

—

266 cmReference

Electrical

Charging system

alternatorReference

—

Charging amps

50Reference

—

Batteries

2Reference

—

Battery volts

12Reference

—

Battery AH

172Reference

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Caterpillar D8L SA Tracks

Width

345 cmReference

304 cmReference

Length on ground

321 cmReference

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Area on ground

5.9 m²Reference

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Caterpillar D8L SA Height

Cab

360 cmReference

—

Exhaust

378 cmReference

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Test results

Max pull

—

25730 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.