Head to head
Caterpillar D3 vs SANY SY26U
The Caterpillar D3 has 63kW more power and is the bigger machine by 6,702kg.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Caterpillar D3 has 63kW more power.
- Operating weight: the Caterpillar D3 is the bigger machine by 6,702kg.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar D3 | SANY SY26U | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating weight | 9362kg (20,640lb) | 2,660 kg |
| Engine power | 77.6kW (104hp) | 14.6 kW at 2,400 rpm |
| Blade capacity | 2.19m3, or 2.34m3 with LGP tracks | - |
| Engine | Cat C3.6 | - |
| Dig depth | - | 2,810 mm |
| Transport width | - | 1,550 mm |
Sources: Caterpillar D3, SANY SY26U. 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 63kW more power
- you want one that is the bigger machine by 6,702kg
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 SY26U if...
The SANY SY26U is a 2.6 tonne mini excavator positioned as a value alternative to the established Kubota, JCB and Takeuchi machines in the same size class, sold in the UK through a small number of appointed dealers. SANY's UK presence is newer and thinner than the market leaders, so buyers weigh the lower purchase price against a less mature parts and resale network. It is more often bought outright by owner-operators than stocked in volume by the large national hire fleets.
Full SY26U specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar D3 and the SANY SY26U?
The Caterpillar D3 has 63kW more power and is the bigger machine by 6,702kg. The Caterpillar D3 is a small crawler dozer; the SANY SY26U is a a 2.6 tonne mini excavator.
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