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Caterpillar D3 vs Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip

The Caterpillar D3 has 22kW more power.

Last reviewed 13 September 2026

Caterpillar D3
Caterpillar D3 - image: Peterson Cat
Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip
Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip - image: Molson Group

Key differences

Specifications side by side

Caterpillar D3Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip
Engine power77.6kW (104hp)55.4 kW (74 hp) @ 2200rpm
EngineCat C3.6Deutz TCD 3.6 L4
Operating weight9362kg (20,640lb)-
Blade capacity2.19m3, or 2.34m3 with LGP tracks-
Payload-9000 kg
Heaped capacity-4600 litres

Sources: Caterpillar D3, Thwaites 9 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 22kW 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

Full D3 specifications →

Buy or hire the 9 Tonne Front Tip if...

A 9 tonne front tip dumper for high-volume earthworks, civils and quarry style haulage where a bigger payload cuts the number of trips.

Full 9 Tonne Front Tip specifications →

Common questions

What is the difference between the Caterpillar D3 and the Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip?

The Caterpillar D3 has 22kW more power. The Caterpillar D3 is a small crawler dozer; the Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip is a 9 tonne front tip site dumper with cab.

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