Head to head
Caterpillar D3 vs Kubota U17-3a
The Caterpillar D3 has 66kW more power and is the bigger machine by 7,662kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Caterpillar D3 has 66kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Caterpillar D3 is the bigger machine by 7,662kg.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar D3 | Kubota U17-3a | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 9362kg (20,640lb) | 1,700kg |
| Engine power | 77.6kW (104hp) | 11.3kW |
| Blade capacity | 2.19m3, or 2.34m3 with LGP tracks | - |
| Engine | Cat C3.6 | - |
| Dig depth | - | 2,460mm |
Sources: Caterpillar D3, Kubota U17-3a. 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 has 66kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 7,662kg
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 U17-3a if...
A step up from a micro excavator for landscaping and groundworks contractors who need more dig depth and breakout force while still fitting through a standard gate or gap. Common on garden and small drainage jobs.
Listed by
- McGovern Plant Hire - Hounslow, Cranford
- Compact Plant Sales - Farnham
- Beaver Tool Hire - Isleworth, Twickenham
- Standard Plant Hire - Keston
- HG Plant Sales - Maldon, Langford
Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar D3 and the Kubota U17-3a?
The Caterpillar D3 has 66kW more power and is the bigger machine by 7,662kg. The Caterpillar D3 is a small crawler dozer; the Kubota U17-3a is a 1.7 tonne mini excavator.
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