Head to head
Caterpillar D3 vs Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip
The Caterpillar D3 has 53kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026
Key differences
- Engine power: the Caterpillar D3 has 53kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar D3 | Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 77.6kW (104hp) | 24.8kW (33.2 bhp) @ 2800rpm |
| Engine | Cat C3.6 | Yanmar 3TNV88 |
| Operating weight | 9362kg (20,640lb) | - |
| Blade capacity | 2.19m3, or 2.34m3 with LGP tracks | - |
| Payload | - | 3000 kg |
| Heaped capacity | - | 1680 litres |
Sources: Caterpillar D3, Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip. 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 53kW more power
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 3 Tonne Front Tip if...
A mid-size front tip dumper for groundworks, drainage and general muck shifting on UK sites where a 3 tonne payload is enough. Sits between the 1 tonne hi-tip and the 6 tonne dumpers in the Thwaites range.
Full 3 Tonne Front Tip specifications →Common questions
What is the difference between the Caterpillar D3 and the Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip?
The Caterpillar D3 has 53kW more power. The Caterpillar D3 is a small crawler dozer; the Thwaites 3 Tonne Front Tip is a 3 tonne front tip site dumper.
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