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New Dozer Models, Upgrades on the Way for 2023

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New dozers are out or on the way in 2023 for contractors looking for small to midsize models.

Case Construction Equipment is updating three of its M Series models with complete redesigns of internal components. Develon, formerly Doosan Infracore, has a new larger model out following the debut of its first ever dozer in 2022. And Dressta has rolled out the smallest dozer to its lineup.

Cat is adding more standard technology to its small and mid-size dozers. Komatsu is also upgrading the tech for its line. And Tigercat is out to prove its new forestry dozer is a good choice for construction contractors as well.

In this report, we also present models from John Deere and Liebherr.

Case

CASE 850M dozer pushingThe Case 850M has 112 net horsepower and an operating weight of up to 23,250 pounds for the LGP with ROPS version. Options include drawbar, three-shank ripper, winch, center rock guard and front counterweight. Blade widths of 104 to 124 inches are available with SAE capacities of 2.16 to 2.62 cubic yards. Speed, steering and direction of travel are controlled by a single lever.Case Construction Equipment“We have a product update on our 650M, 750M and 850M, and those updated models will start arriving in dealerships in October 2023,” says Jeremy Dulak, product manager, dozers, Case Construction Equipment.

The updated machines will be hard to discern visually from existing models; even the “M” in the model names will remain. But the changes are significant.

Electrical and hydraulic routings have all been completely redesigned. “The starting point was not to attain piecemeal improvements,” he says, “but to create a clean-sheet design.”

The main chassis harness now uses a braided design for greater durability. It is also anchored to the frame better. The goal was anchor points every 12 inches, and the final product is close to that goal.

All connectors have retention plates; P clamps and weld links are used for mountings. Strategic jumper harnesses are used to facilitate service and repair, if needed.

With hydraulics, zip ties were eliminated as were stacked fittings; there is a significant reduction in potential leak points. A main manifold that was more or less centrally located has now been split up and distributed, resulting in better access to lines and fittings and shorter hose runs.

Blade control has been improved. The 650M still uses mechanical blade control but has improved valving for 20% less effort. It remains mechanical because some operators prefer the feel of mechanical controls and because the 650M is not considered a production-class machine.

The 750M and 850M now have electrohydraulic controls for better control, improved blade response, reduced operator fatigue and blade shake. Machine control is available from the factory with a choice of several Leica packages, or the customer can order the dozer with the Universal Machine Control option, which configures the machine to easily accept the customer’s preferred brand and type of machine control.

Other improvements include a standard rearview camera on cab models, standard LED lighting, a Bluetooth radio, new slam latches on all access panels for greater convenience and security and the same blade pitch control design as used in larger models to improve familiarity.

Caterpillar

Cat D6XE dozer pushing dirtThe electric-drive Caterpillar D6 XE has up to 35% better fuel efficiency and moves up to 10% more material per hour than the 2014-2016 three-speed Cat D6T. The LGP VPAT design with 36-inch centered shoes delivers only 5 psi of ground pressure. The D6 XE is Remote Control Ready from the factory with external connection for dealer installation of the Cat Command system. A center-mount, 10-inch touchscreen and wider air suspension seat are among the features to ensure operator comfort.CaterpillarAt this point, all Cat small and medium dozers are Next Gen models except the D8. In 2024 all but the D8 will have Stable Blade Generation 2 as standard. All but the D4 will be Remote Control Ready. All will have Slope Indicate as standard equipment.

ARO, the Attachment Ready Option, simplifies the addition of common options and attachments. ARO has been an available option on all small- and mid-size dozers; in 2024 it will become standard on D4, D5, D6 and D7. Cat will begin downplaying the ARO designation and will focus more on Cat Assist. Base models will be Cat Assist with ARO; the next tier will be Cat Grade with 3D and Assist.

The suite of features with Assist includes Slope Assist; Steer Assist; Blade Load Monitor, which automatically compensates for ground conditions to optimize blade carrying capacity; Traction Control, which has Normal and Low-Slip modes; and Auto Carry, which works in conjunction with Traction Control and activates automatically when the operator has loaded the blade to its optimal pushing capacity. Features are configurable. Auto Carry has a load factor from 80 to 105 to better match underfoot conditions. Steer Assist has a straight-line mode; it’s especially helpful when slot dozing on a side slope or when backing up during trap dozing. Steer Assist 3D will follow a curve.

Next Gen dozers from Cat do much more, but getting the most from them requires skilled operators, notes Sam Meeker, market professional, Cat. To give greater access to the required training, Cat has the website CatOperatorTraining.com.

Develon

The DD100 was Develon’s first foray into the dozer market. The company formerly known as Doosan Infracore, has now followed up with the DD130, which will arrive at dealerships this month.

“The DD100 has been well received,” says Jake Sherman, Develon product and dealer marketing manager. “It was an excellent foundation for our newer, larger DD130.”

Cabs on both are similar; both use the same 8-inch full-color monitor and have an emphasis on visibility. Ergonomics are nearly identical. Although differing in size, rippers are the same design, with parallel linkages to maintain a consistent ripper angle as height varies.

The DD100 has both 2D and 3D systems as options; the DD130 has a 2D system with 3D coming soon. A six-way power-tilt angle blade with blade shake is standard on both.

Develon Fleet Management telematics are standard on both, and both can be optioned with Smart X-Care, a more comprehensive package where machine operation is monitored by Develon staff, and push notifications are sent to customers and their dealers for proactive maintenance and repair.

The DD130 has a larger, more powerful engine – 145.8 versus 115.3 net horsepower. The oscillating serrated track system of the DD130 improves the interface of track elements for better traction and greater accuracy in following ground contours. This results in more blade loading and carrying capacity and more precise grading.

The optional 3D machine systems include a dedicated GPS monitor that mounts below the standard monitor and provides an enhanced view of the dozer on the jobsite. 3D machine guidance reduces required operator inputs by up to 80% by activating blade movements based on GPS coordinates.

While both 3D systems, machine guidance and machine control, require GPS, the 2D system functions with no need for satellites or lasers. It controls the blade based on operator inputs to finish jobs faster and with greater accuracy, the company says.

Factors in improved visibility include an inline pre-cleaner placed under the hood, the electronic cooling system being placed at the rear of the machine, low-profile front pillars for maximum glass space in the cab and full-glass doors.

Dressta

Dressta td16n dozer on dirt roadThe Dressta TD-16N features a Cummins B6.7 engine rated at 192 net horsepower and hydrostatic drive. Operating weight is 44,555 pounds, and ground pressure is 5.1 psi on the LGP version with 30-inch shoes. A primary objective in developing the TD-16N was optimized visibility, for which the company won a Red Dot design award. The four-post mid-mount cab, steeply sloped front and rear compartments provide exceptional visibility to the blade, edges of the tracks and ripper.DresstaDressta has added the 173-horsepower TD-16N to its lineup, which includes the 232-horsepower TD-15M and 375-horsepower TD-25M.

The TD-16N’s four-post operator cabin features a center seat with a high back and headrest. The position enhances visibility and gives a view of the new 10-inch full-color touchscreen display to the right.

The full hydrostatic transmission drives the tracks independently for better traction and maneuverability without gear shifting while also reducing fuel consumption, the company says. Other standard features include a six-way blade system, three-shank ripper and rear-mounted cooling system with reversible fan.

“The Dressta brand has been part of the LiuGong family for more than a decade,” says Carlos Martinez, product manager, road machinery, LiuGong North America. “Our combined resources and close communication with customers were integral to the development of our new dozer line, including our newest model, the TD-16N.”

Komatsu

Komatsu D65PXi dozer pushing dirtThe D65PXi-18 from Komatsu is a 217-net-horsepower machine with Komatsu’s TorqFlow transmission featuring a torque converter with lockup. Palm Command Control System levers control all directional movements. Machine logic learns the terrain and operator inputs to provide nearly 100% machine control auto usage; operators can even apply automatic control without having a 3D model.KomatsuThe D65i and D85i are the workhorse machines at the core of Komatsu’s extensive line of dozers. Komatsu adopted tech from both their hydrostatic and torque converter models for these two midline models.

Tilt steering automatically tilts the blade to keep the dozer tracking straight. The cabs have Bluetooth multifunction radios. LED lighting improves visibility, especially to the rear when using a ripper.

Integrated ports make it easy to collect clean fluid samples for analysis, and the Komatsu Oil and Wear Analysis (KOWA) program makes comprehensive analysis convenient.

Next-generation Komtrax telematics with improved monitoring yields more information about machine operation, better reporting and better integration with intelligent machine control iMC 2.0, which is available on models from D39i to D85i. IMC 2.0 uses more satellites for improved speed and accuracy, the company says.

“With iMC 2.0, we’re looking at grass-to-grade,” says Casey Zbinden, product marketing manager. “One machine can now do it all, from first pass to finish grade.”

Along with iMC, other dozer model designations are EX, PX and WX, indicating track width from narrow to wide.

Zbinden says one area of growing interest is for the waste package. Several components are optimized for waste, and Komatsu configures the machine to simplify installation of the fire suppression system preferred by the customer, which the customer must source from a third party or as a dealer-installed feature.

Tigercat

Tigercat TCi 920 dozer pushing tree debrisThe Tigercat TCi 920 is powered by an FPT N45 engine rated at 135 horsepower. The gearbox is double reduction planetary gears with brake, and final drive is two axial piston motors providing infinitely variable speed. Operating weight is 34,860 pounds. The standard blade is six-way with lift, angle and tilt, and is 10 feet 5 inches wide. Optional blades are 11 feet and 12 feet 1 inch wide.TigercatThe TCi 920 dozer was developed by Tigercat Industries in response to demand from the forestry market but is well suited to construction and other applications.

The impact-resistant belly pan, 7.5-inch pitch heavy-duty undercarriage and efficient closed-loop track drive system that make the TCi 920 durable enough for forestry also make it exceptional for land clearing and other demanding tasks.

“Because it was developed for the rigors of forestry, the 920 is more robust than the typical construction dozer,” says Chris McMillan, marketing technical writer, Tigercat.

The cab features a heated and cooled air-ride seat, ergonomic armrest-mounted joysticks and a touchscreen monitor. The cab design combined with the sloped hood and rear-mounted exhaust provide good sightlines to the blade and tracks.

For more than 30 years, privately held Tigercat Industries has produced forestry equipment. In 2022 the company launched the TCi brand to differentiate its core forestry products from future on- and off-road equipment to be developed for the construction, utility and industrial sectors.

More Models

John Deere 450 P-Tier dozer pushing dirtPowered by a John Deere PowerTech engine rated at 71 net horsepower, the John Deere 450 P-Tier dozer is one of three new P-Tier small dozers the company launched this year. The 450 features hydrostatic drive with triple reduction final drive. Operating weight is up to 19,035 pounds. Cab features include 12-volt power port with USB, radio auxiliary port and cellphone holder; a sealed switch module for access to operational settings; and an 8-inch touchscreen display.John Deere

Liebherr PR726 dozer pushing dirtThe Liebherr PR 776 Litronic was launched at this year’s ConExpo. It packs 757 horsepower, hydrostatic drive and operating weight of up to 161,354 pounds. Blade capacity is 28.8 cubic yards. The blade is designed to provide the best material rolling performance on self-bonding materials as well as high fill levels when pushing heavy masses of rock. The hydrostatic drive has infinitely variable travel speeds and continuous power flow for no interruption in traction. Intelligent engine control and load-sensing hydraulics are designed for improved performance and fuel efficiency.Liebherr

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Cat’s Next Generation 255 and 265 Get More Power, Lift Height

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Caterpillar is bidding farewell to its 259D3, 279D3 and 289D3 compact track loaders with the introduction of its new, next-generation 255 and 266 models.

The completely redesigned models debuted at media and customer events at Caterpillar’s Edwards, Illinois, Demonstration and Learning Center last week. The 255 and 265 offer improved engine performance, more lift height, a roomier cab and more standard technology than their predecessors.

“We kept the DNA of the D3 series while reimagining the possibilities of loader performance using voice of customer feedback to lead the way,” says Trevor Chase, product application specialist for Caterpillar. “Both next-generation models leverage the many benefits offered by the vertical lift design. The new Cat 255 replaces the 259D3, while the 265 replaces both the 279D3 and 289D3 machines.”

The CTLs are the last of Cat’s building and construction products to get the next-generation treatment and simplified nomenclature. The first number (2) represents the skid steer loader and compact track loader machine family; the middle number (5 or 6) designates the machine size; and the ending number (5) is the compact track loader identifier. Skid steers will be identified by a 0 end number. Additional new models will roll out in the coming months, the company says.

Caterpillar 265 compact track loader carrying a blockCaterpillarMore power and torque

Cat equipped the 255 with a C2.8T engine and the 265 with a C2.8TA engine, both at 74 horsepower. This gives the new machines a significant boost in torque – 13% for the 255 and 43% for the 256 – over their D3-Series predecessors. The engine and cooling package are mounted lower in the frame for added visibility out the rear window and stability while lifting heavy loads.

Customers attest that the added lift height makes truck loading easier. The 255 offers 10 feet 4 inches of lift height, while the 265 can reach 11 feet high.

“The lift height has made a big difference when loading trucks,” said Derrick Roger, owner of Coast to Coast Lawnscapes, who spent several months testing the 255. “You can get on top of that truck now and empty the bucket; whereas, before you would have to shake the bucket to try to get the material to fall out.”

The 255 delivers 36% more tilt breakout, 26% higher lift breakout force and a 24% increase in rated operating capacity (ROC). The 265 also delivers 19% higher tilt breakout force and 22% higher lift breakout force.

Standard hydraulic pressure has been increased to 3,500 psi, allowing the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.

If demanding attachments require additional hydraulic flow, customers can have their Cat dealer activate the high flow functionality on the machine or remotely via software update. This makes it possible for the CTLs to hit 30 gallons per minute of flow at the standard system pressure.

A High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 30 gallons per minute for the 255 and 34 gallons per minute for the 265.

The torsion suspension undercarriage delivers better operator comfort, track wear and material retention, plus the stiffer design results in smoother graded surfaces, Cat says. A new 12.6-inch bar-tread narrow track option is available on the 255.

A more spacious cab

Cat says it has increased the cab width by 2.75 inches without making the machines wider and the footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 inches. The larger cab gives operators an additional 1.5 inches of hip room and 1.1 inches more width between the joysticks.

A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available, including a ventilated and heated seat. A new automatic temperature control allows operators to set a specific temperature. Relocated vents help cool or heat the machine quickly.

The standard package includes the same 5-inch LCD monitor as the D3 Series CTLs, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and functionality for the rearview camera feed, creep, job clock, and maintenance reminders.

Customers can upgrade to a new 8-inch advanced touchscreen monitor, like the display found in Cat’s next-generation mini excavators and small loaders. It delivers advanced radio control and supports the 270-degree multicamera option. The advanced monitor pairs with the advanced joysticks for integrated control of all machine functions and adjustments.

“You can adjust the movement – or the aggressiveness or the conservativeness – of how your tracks and lift arms work through your advanced touchscreen display,” Dante Thomas, skid steer and CTL marketing manager, said. “And you can control of all of your display functions from the advanced joysticks. There are buttons with enter and select functions on those joysticks that you’re able to change any functionality that is possible.”

Cat also redesigned the entry, making the 255 and 265 easier to enter and exit. The cab door can be opened even when the lift arms are not fully lowered to the frame stops. It can be removed without tools in less than one minute.

Advanced technologies

Calling the 255 and 265 “one of the most attachment-friendly machines on the market,” Thomas says both the standard and advanced monitors can run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe.

“It has attachment recognition that when you plug the attachment into the machine, it recognizes which attachment is connected. It adjusts your joystick pattern, so it gives you intuitive and simple control,” says Thomas.

The available Cat Product Link Elite system tracks machine hours, location, asset utilization, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is remotely accessible via VisionLink. In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.

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Quick Data: 2023 Top-Selling Wheel Loaders and Auction Trends

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Quick Data is a snapshot of new and used wheel loader sales trends from Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data, TopBid auction price service and EquipmentWatch market trend reports.

Demand for wheel loaders has softened with new and used financed wheel loader sales down year-over-year from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 according to Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data.

Financed new wheel loader sales dropped 10%, while used financed wheel loader sales fell by 15% compared to the same period last year.

Cat (22.4%), Deere (21.0%) and Komatsu (12.4%) held their positions year-over-year as the top three sellers of new financed wheel loaders. Top models sold included the Deere 544 P-Tier (401), Deere 624 P-Tier (380) and the Komatsu WA270-8 (364).

[Watch: “A Really Solid Machine” – Test Run of Komatsu’s WA475-10 Wheel Loader]

Cat (28.5%) and Deere (22.9%) also snagged the No. 1 and 2 positions for the highest number of financed used units sold, with Case (14.7%) claiming the third spot. On the date we examined the data, the top-selling models were the Case 321F (340), Cat 926M (164) and the Case 621G (159). 

During this period, there were more buyers of new loaders in Florida (955) than in any other state. Buyers of new wheel loaders were also prevalent in Texas (893) and Illinois (665). Those states were also top buyers of used financed machines, with 712 units sold in Texas, 413 in Florida, and 412 in Illinois.

EDA data is compiled from state UCC-1 filings on financed construction equipment. EDA continually updates this data as information comes in from each state.

[Related Content: A Rundown of the Latest Wheel Loaders for 2023]

Used Wheel Loader Market

Used wheel loader prices rose 10.1% for the 12-month period from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023, according to Randall Reilly’s EquipmentWatch market trend data.

The average price for a used wheel loader was $137,465 in July 2022 compared to $151,367 in July 2023. The average age of used wheel loaders fell slightly during the period, dropping from 8.8 years to 8.3 years.

EquipmentWatch Used wheel loader price and age chartEquipmentWatchThe average age and price were calculated on 153,356 resale listings during the period in the EquipmentWatch database.

Over the last 12 months, prices for used wheel loaders have in general increased, with the largest gains in October 2022 (6.5%) and February 2023 (2.9%).

EquipmentWatch defines fair market value (FMV) as the monetary value of an asset that can be expected in a transaction with a single seller and single buyer, neither of whom is under any compulsion or time restriction to complete the transaction. FMV for heavy equipment is most closely associated with the private resale market, as opposed to the public auction market.

Wheel Loader Auction Prices

Caterpillar also dominated the auction charts, accounting for 18 of the top 20 wheel loaders sold in terms of price for the 12-month period of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Deere and Komatsu were the only other manufacturers to appear on the list.

The top auction price spot went to a 2021 Cat 966M with 2,188 hours. It sold for $400,000 at a Ritchie Bros. auction in Orlando, Fla., on September 21, 2022. The second-highest price paid was $315,000 for a 2019 Cat 980M with 7,836 hours at another Ritchie Bros. sale in Atlanta, on December 1, 2022. Rounding out the top three was a 2018 Deere 944K with 8,941 hours. It sold for $290,00 at a J.M. Wood Auction Co. sale in Montgomery, Ala., on March 21, 2023.

In total, there were 358 wheel loaders sold at auctions tracked by Top Bid during this time, with an average price of $99,747. (This does not include any units sold for less than $5,000.)

EDA, Top Bid and EquipmentWatch are owned by Randall Reilly, parent of Equipment World.

[Related Content: Heavy Equipment Auctions Set for Second Half of 2023

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Video: A closer look at Rokbak articulated dump trucks

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Volvo Construction Equipment bought Terex’s off-road truck line in 2014, and six years later, it rebranded its articulated haulers under the Rokbak name.

On this episode of The Dirt, we hear from Paul Douglas, Volvo vice president of rigid haulers, who explains the differences between the old Terex line and the Rokbak trucks. He also gives a hint at some of the new things coming from Rokbak, including redesigned cabs and replacing the current trucks with new models. There’s also the possibility of a new size truck to hit the market.

Rokbak, as with other construction equipment brands, is working toward a zero-emissions future. On this episode, he explains where the articulated dump truck market is heading in terms of alternative fuel. He adds that customers will see big changes in emissions and engines in the next five years, with the ultimate goal of reaching zero emissions within 10 years.

So to learn more about Rokbak and what the brand has in store for the future, check out this episode of The Dirt.  

Equipment World serves up weekly videos on the latest in construction equipment, work trucks and pickup trucks – everything contractors need to get their work done. Subscribe and visit us at equipmentworld.com!

In This Episode:

  • 00:00 – Rokbak Articulated Haulers
  • 00:30 – Is Rokbak More Reliable Than Terex?
  • 03:22 – Brand New Cab
  • 06:10 – More Changes to Upcoming Rokbak Trucks
  • 09:20 – What Will Rokbak Do in the Next 2-5 Years?
  • 11:24 – What Alternative Fuel Will Rokbak Haulers Use in the Future?
  • 14:53 – Final Thoughts

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