Head to head
Caterpillar D3 vs Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip
The Caterpillar D3 has 22kW more power.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026


Key differences
- Engine power: the Caterpillar D3 has 22kW more power.
Specifications side by side
| Caterpillar D3 | Thwaites 9 Tonne Front Tip | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine power | 77.6kW (104hp) | 55.4 kW (74 hp) @ 2200rpm |
| Engine | Cat C3.6 | Deutz TCD 3.6 L4 |
| Operating weight | 9362kg (20,640lb) | - |
| Blade capacity | 2.19m3, 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
- B & T Plant Hire - Gravesend
- B & T Plant Hire Ltd - Morden
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.
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.
