Head to head
Caterpillar D3 vs Hitachi 33U
The Caterpillar D3 is the bigger machine by 5,875kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Operating weight: the Caterpillar D3 is the bigger machine by 5,875kg.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar D3 | Hitachi 33U | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 9362kg (20,640lb) | 3,487 kg |
| Engine power | 77.6kW (104hp) | - |
| Blade capacity | 2.19m3, or 2.34m3 with LGP tracks | - |
| Engine | Cat C3.6 | - |
| Width | - | 1,550 mm |
| Rated power ISO 9249 | - | 21.2 kW (28.4 HP) at 2,400 min-1 (rpm) (net) |
| Fuel tank | - | 42.0 L |
Sources: Caterpillar D3, Hitachi 33U. Figures vary by model year and options, so check with the supplier before you commit.
Buy or hire the D3 if...
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 5,875kg
Caterpillar's smallest crawler dozer, used for fine grading, landscaping and confined-site work where a full-size dozer won't fit. Common in UK plant hire fleets alongside mini excavators.
Listed by
- B & T Plant Hire - Gravesend
- B & T Plant Hire Ltd - Morden
Buy or hire the 33U if...
A compact tracked excavator from Hitachi's smaller size class, used for groundworks, drainage and landscaping jobs too tight for a larger machine. It is bought and sold through the used plant market rather than as a current Hitachi catalogue model.
Listed by
- Plant Sales Northern Ireland | P & A Plant Sales - Ballynahinch
Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar D3 and the Hitachi 33U?
The Caterpillar D3 is the bigger machine by 5,875kg. The Caterpillar D3 is a small crawler dozer; the Hitachi 33U is a mini excavator, approximately 3 tonne class.
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