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Head to head

Caterpillar D3 vs Kubota U36-4

The Caterpillar D3 has 60kW more power and is the bigger machine by 5,607kg.

Last reviewed 13 September 2026

Caterpillar D3
Caterpillar D3 - image: Peterson Cat
Kubota U36-4
Kubota U36-4 - image: Kubota (U.K.) Limited

Key differences

Specifications side by side

Caterpillar D3Kubota U36-4
Operating weight9362kg (20,640lb)3755 kg
Engine power77.6kW (104hp)17.8 kw
Blade capacity2.19m3, or 2.34m3 with LGP tracks-
EngineCat C3.6-
Dig depth-3410 mm
Width-1700 mm

Sources: Caterpillar D3, Kubota U36-4. 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 60kW more power
  • you want one that is the bigger machine by 5,607kg

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

Full D3 specifications →

Buy or hire the U36-4 if...

A zero-tail swing digger for builders, utility firms and hire fleets working beside walls, fences and live traffic. Common for trenching, foundations and drainage on urban sites.

Full U36-4 specifications →

Common questions

What is the difference between the Caterpillar D3 and the Kubota U36-4?

The Caterpillar D3 has 60kW more power and is the bigger machine by 5,607kg. The Caterpillar D3 is a small crawler dozer; the Kubota U36-4 is a 3.5 tonne zero-tail swing compact excavator.

GetBrent is an independent directory and is not a dealer for, nor affiliated with, either manufacturer. Model and brand names are the trademarks of their owners.