Bulldozers are among the most essential and most expensive pieces of heavy equipment on any job site.
Whether you’re a small landscaping contractor eyeing your first compact dozer or a mining operation evaluating a fleet of massive D11s, understanding how much a bulldozer costs—and why—is critical to making a smart investment.
In this guide, we break down bulldozer prices across every major size class, from compact mini-dozers starting under $50,000 to gargantuan mining dozers that top $2 million.
We’ll also explore cost-per-horsepower and operating weight benchmarks so you can compare machines on an apples-to-apples basis.
Bulldozer prices range from approximately $30,000 for a compact mini-dozer to over $2,000,000 for a top-of-the-line mining-class machine. The right size class dramatically affects your total cost of ownership.
What Affects the Price of a Bulldozer?
Before diving into specific numbers, it’s worth understanding the major variables that drive bulldozer pricing:
- Size and operating weight: Heavier machines with more horsepower cost significantly more to manufacture, ship, and maintain.
- Brand: Caterpillar (CAT), Komatsu, John Deere, and Liebherr command premium prices; Shantui and XCMG offer budget alternatives.
- New vs. used: A used bulldozer typically costs 30–60% less than a new one of the same model, depending on hours and condition.
- Technology packages: GPS grade control systems (like CAT GRADE or Komatsu Intelligent Machine Control) can add $30,000–$100,000 to a machine’s price.
- Blade configuration: S-blade, U-blade, and semi-U blades vary in capacity and price.
- Undercarriage: Extended life undercarriage (XL/LGP wide gauge) costs more upfront but delivers better performance in soft soil.
Mini Bulldozers (Compact Class): $30,000 – $120,000
Mini bulldozers, often called compact track dozers, are the entry point into the crawler dozer market. They typically weigh between 3,000 and 20,000 lbs and produce 45–100 horsepower. These machines are popular with landscapers, small contractors, hobby farmers, and utility crews working in tight spaces.
Price Range at a Glance
| Model | Operating Weight | Horsepower | New Price (USD) | Used Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT D1 / D2 | 9,700–13,700 lbs | 63–84 HP | $85,000–$115,000 | $45,000–$75,000 |
| Komatsu D37 / D39 | 10,500–14,100 lbs | 78–97 HP | $90,000–$120,000 | $50,000–$80,000 |
| John Deere 450K / 550K | 13,000–18,000 lbs | 80–105 HP | $95,000–$130,000 | $55,000–$90,000 |
| Case 1650M | 16,900 lbs | 110 HP | $100,000–$130,000 | $55,000–$85,000 |
| Shantui SD13 / SD16 | 11,000–15,000 lbs | 96–160 HP | $35,000–$65,000 | $20,000–$40,000 |
Mini dozers excel at fine grading, backfilling, and clearing vegetation on smaller lots. Their compact footprint and lower ground pressure make them ideal for landscaping near structures, residential work, and confined job sites where a larger machine simply won’t fit.
Cost Per Horsepower — Mini Class
At this size class, you’re typically paying $1,100–$1,400 per horsepower new. Used machines can drop that figure to $550–$900 per HP, making them exceptionally cost-effective for lighter applications.
Medium Construction Dozers: $120,000 – $500,000
Medium bulldozers are the workhorses of the construction industry. Weighing between 20,000 and 75,000 lbs and producing 100–250 horsepower, these machines handle road building, site preparation, land clearing, pipeline work, and commercial earthmoving. The CAT D6, Komatsu D65, and Deere 700K series sit firmly in this class.
Price Range at a Glance
| Model | Operating Weight | Horsepower | New Price (USD) | Used Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT D5 / D6T | 24,000–45,000 lbs | 110–175 HP | $145,000–$310,000 | $70,000–$190,000 |
| CAT D7E / D7T | 43,000–50,000 lbs | 190–215 HP | $280,000–$420,000 | $130,000–$260,000 |
| Komatsu D65 / D85 | 38,000–57,000 lbs | 168–235 HP | $200,000–$390,000 | $100,000–$240,000 |
| John Deere 700K / 750K | 30,000–40,000 lbs | 130–180 HP | $165,000–$290,000 | $80,000–$180,000 |
| Liebherr PR 726 / 736 | 28,000–46,000 lbs | 140–210 HP | $200,000–$370,000 | $110,000–$220,000 |
| Komatsu D61i / D65i (IMC) | 32,000–38,000 lbs | 148–168 HP | $230,000–$330,000 | $130,000–$210,000 |
The medium class is where GPS-guided grade control systems become increasingly common and cost-justified. A factory-integrated system like Komatsu’s Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) or CAT Grade with 3D can reduce grading time by 30–50%, often paying for itself within a single large project.
| 📌 Important Note: When comparing medium dozer prices, factor in the undercarriage type. A standard-gauge machine will run $15,000–$30,000 less than an equivalent LGP (Low Ground Pressure) or XL wide-gauge unit, but the latter may be essential for wet or soft soil conditions. |
Technology Premiums in the Medium Class
Integrated GPS and grade-control packages add considerably to sticker prices in this segment. Here’s a general breakdown of what these add-ons cost when factory-integrated:
- 2D laser guidance system: +$15,000–$25,000
- 3D GPS grade control (aftermarket): +$30,000–$60,000
- Factory-integrated 3D IMC (Komatsu) or CAT GRADE: +$40,000–$80,000
- Remote monitoring / telematics: Often included, or +$2,000–$5,000/year in subscription costs
Cost Per Horsepower — Medium Class
Medium construction dozers typically run $1,200–$1,600 per horsepower new. Machines with premium tech packages can push to $1,800–$2,000+ per HP. On the used market, expect $600–$1,100 per HP depending on age and condition.
Heavy & Mining-Class Dozers: $500,000 – $2,000,000+
At the top of the bulldozer world sit the behemoths of the earthmoving industry. Mining-class dozers like the CAT D10T2, D11T, and Komatsu D275 / D475 series are purpose-built for high-volume earthmoving in surface mining, large dam construction, and major infrastructure projects. These machines weigh between 80,000 and 230,000+ lbs and generate 350–900+ horsepower.
Price Range at a Glance
| Model | Operating Weight | Horsepower | New Price (USD) | Used Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT D8T | 82,500 lbs | 310 HP | $480,000–$600,000 | $200,000–$380,000 |
| CAT D9T | 110,500 lbs | 410 HP | $650,000–$820,000 | $300,000–$530,000 |
| CAT D10T2 | 148,300 lbs | 580 HP | $900,000–$1,100,000 | $500,000–$750,000 |
| CAT D11T / D11 XE | 229,800–247,000 lbs | 850–900 HP | $1,500,000–$2,100,000 | $750,000–$1,400,000 |
| Komatsu D275A-5 | 105,820 lbs | 410 HP | $700,000–$900,000 | $350,000–$580,000 |
| Komatsu D475A-8 | 218,260 lbs | 890 HP | $1,600,000–$2,000,000 | $800,000–$1,300,000 |
| Liebherr PR 776 | 185,000 lbs | 700 HP | $1,200,000–$1,600,000 | $650,000–$1,000,000 |
Mining dozers are an entirely different economic proposition than their smaller siblings. Their price is justified by productivity: a CAT D11T can move over 10,000 cubic yards of material per hour in the right application. When you’re managing a coal mine or iron ore operation, that raw pushing power directly translates into revenue.
| 💡 Pro Insight: The CAT D11 XE (Electric Drive) represents the cutting edge of dozer technology, delivering up to 35% fuel savings versus traditional mechanical drive equivalents—a significant operating cost reduction on a machine running 24 hours a day. |
Operating Costs at This Scale
Purchase price is only part of the story for mining-class dozers. At this size, operating costs can equal or exceed the machine’s purchase price over its lifespan:
- Fuel consumption: 20–60+ gallons per hour, costing $60,000–$200,000+ per year in fuel alone
- Undercarriage replacement: $80,000–$250,000 per rebuild cycle (every 3,000–5,000 hours)
- Major service intervals: $15,000–$50,000 per scheduled service
- Component rebuilds (engine, transmission): $150,000–$400,000+ over machine life
Cost Per Horsepower — Heavy/Mining Class
Heavy mining dozers typically cost $1,500–$2,300 per horsepower new. The CAT D11 XE with electric drive can reach $2,300–$2,500+ per HP. These figures reflect the engineering complexity, precision manufacturing, and scale of components involved.
Cost Per Horsepower & Tonnage: Cross-Class Comparison
One of the most useful ways to benchmark bulldozer value is to calculate the cost per horsepower and cost per ton of operating weight. This allows direct comparison across size classes and brands.
| Size Class | Typical HP Range | Avg. Cost/HP (New) | Avg. Cost/HP (Used) | Avg. Cost/Ton (New) |
| Mini / Compact | 45–100 HP | $1,100–$1,400 | $550–$900 | $60,000–$95,000 |
| Small-Medium | 100–175 HP | $1,200–$1,500 | $600–$1,000 | $55,000–$85,000 |
| Medium | 175–250 HP | $1,300–$1,700 | $700–$1,100 | $50,000–$80,000 |
| Large Construction | 250–400 HP | $1,400–$1,800 | $800–$1,200 | $45,000–$75,000 |
| Heavy / Mining | 400–900+ HP | $1,500–$2,300 | $900–$1,400 | $40,000–$65,000 |
An important insight from this data: the cost per ton of operating weight generally decreases as machines get larger, reflecting economies of scale in manufacturing. However, total capital outlay, operating costs, and financing requirements scale dramatically—which is why right-sizing your dozer to the actual job is critical.
New vs. Used Bulldozers: Which Is Right for You?
For many buyers, a well-maintained used bulldozer represents the best value proposition in the market. Here’s how to think through the decision:
| Factor | New Bulldozer | Used Bulldozer |
| Upfront Cost | Full MSRP | 30–60% below MSRP |
| Warranty | Full factory warranty | Limited or none |
| Technology | Latest systems & features | May lack modern grade control |
| Financing | Manufacturer programs (0–3%) | Higher rates typical (4–8%) |
| Maintenance History | Clean record from day 1 | Unknown variables |
| Resale Value | Strongest depreciation curve | More stable value curve |
| Best For | Long-term fleet, critical ops | Budget buyers, short-term projects |
| 📌 Smart Buying Tip: For used dozers, always pull the machine’s SMU (Service Meter Units/hours). Under 3,000 hours on a medium dozer is considered low. Request maintenance records, inspect the undercarriage carefully (the most expensive wear item), and budget for an undercarriage inspection report from a dealer. |
Bulldozer Rental Rates: When Buying Doesn’t Make Sense
For projects where you need a dozer for days or weeks rather than years, renting is almost always more economical. Here are typical daily, weekly, and monthly rental rates by size class:
| Size Class | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate | Monthly Rate |
| Mini / Compact (45–100 HP) | $350–$700 | $1,200–$2,500 | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Small-Medium (100–175 HP) | $600–$1,100 | $2,000–$4,000 | $6,000–$11,000 |
| Medium (175–250 HP) | $900–$1,600 | $3,000–$6,000 | $9,000–$16,000 |
| Large Construction (250–400 HP) | $1,400–$2,500 | $5,000–$9,000 | $14,000–$25,000 |
| Heavy / Mining (400+ HP) | $2,500–$5,000+ | $9,000–$18,000+ | $25,000–$50,000+ |
Rental rates vary significantly by region, season, and availability. Major rental companies like United Rentals, Sunbelt, and BlueLine maintain fleets primarily in the mini-to-medium range. For large mining-class machines, rental is less common—these are typically acquired directly through OEM dealers or major equipment lessors.
Bulldozer Brands: Premium vs. Budget Options
The bulldozer market is dominated by a handful of major brands, each with distinct positioning on the price/quality spectrum.
- Caterpillar (CAT): The global benchmark for quality and dealer support. Generally the most expensive option, but resale values are strongest in the market. Excellent parts availability worldwide.
- Komatsu: CAT’s closest rival in quality and price. Komatsu’s Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) is widely considered the best factory-integrated grade control in the industry.
- John Deere: Highly competitive in the small-to-medium range. Strong dealer networks in North America. Slightly lower resale than CAT/Komatsu but often lower initial prices.
- Liebherr: European engineering with hydrostatic drive systems (no torque converter). High quality but less dealer presence outside Europe and Australia.
- Shantui / XCMG (China): Budget-priced options that cost 40–60% less than comparable Western brands. Quality has improved significantly but resale values remain low and parts support can be inconsistent outside China.
Financing Your Bulldozer Purchase
Very few buyers pay cash for heavy equipment. Here’s an overview of common financing approaches:
- Manufacturer financing (CAT Financial, Komatsu Financial): Often the most competitive rates, especially on new equipment. Programs can include 0% for 12–24 months on select models.
- Equipment loans through banks/credit unions: Typically 5–10 year terms on heavy iron. Rates vary from 5–12% depending on creditworthiness and collateral.
- Equipment leasing: Preserves capital and may offer tax advantages (consult your accountant). Operating leases allow equipment returns at term end; finance leases build toward ownership.
- SBA loans: For small businesses, SBA 7(a) or 504 loans can provide favorable terms for equipment with long useful lives.
| 💡 Rule of Thumb: For a $200,000 dozer financed over 60 months at 7%, expect monthly payments of approximately $3,960. Always compare the true cost of financing across lenders before committing. |
Total Cost of Ownership: Looking Beyond the Sticker Price
The purchase price of a bulldozer is only the beginning. Savvy equipment buyers evaluate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which includes all costs over the machine’s useful life. Here’s a rough breakdown for a medium construction dozer (CAT D6T / Komatsu D65, ~$280,000 new) over 10,000 operating hours:
| Cost Category | Estimated Total Cost | % of TCO |
| Purchase Price | $280,000 | ~30% |
| Fuel (avg. 5.5 gph @ $4.50/gal) | $247,500 | ~27% |
| Undercarriage (2 rebuilds) | $90,000 | ~10% |
| Routine Maintenance & Filters | $60,000 | ~7% |
| Major Component Repairs | $85,000 | ~9% |
| Operator Labor (not machine cost) | Varies | — |
| Insurance & Licensing | $25,000 | ~3% |
| Financing Costs (7% / 5yr) | $55,000 | ~6% |
| Residual Value (subtract) | -($85,000) | ~-9% |
| Estimated TCO | ~$757,500 | 100% |
This analysis reveals an important truth: over 10,000 hours, the purchase price represents only about 30% of what you’ll actually spend operating a medium dozer.
Fuel, undercarriage, and maintenance dwarf the initial investment, which is why diesel efficiency ratings and undercarriage quality deserve as much scrutiny as horsepower numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a brand new CAT D6 bulldozer cost?
A new Caterpillar D6T in standard configuration typically costs between $280,000 and $370,000. With factory-integrated 3D grade control and premium packages, prices can reach $420,000 or more.
What is the cheapest bulldozer you can buy new?
The most affordable new bulldozers from major Western brands start around $85,000–$95,000 for compact models like the CAT D1/D2 or Komatsu D37.
Chinese-manufactured machines from Shantui can be found new for as little as $30,000–$45,000, though long-term support and parts availability vary.
Is it better to buy or rent a bulldozer?
If you need a dozer for more than 6 months of the year consistently, buying typically makes more financial sense.
For seasonal or project-based work, renting avoids capital outlay, maintenance costs, and the risk of technological obsolescence.
Many contractors do both—owning a core machine and renting additional capacity during peak periods.
How much does a used bulldozer cost?
Used bulldozer prices vary enormously by age, hours, and condition. As a general rule, expect to pay 40–70% of new price for a machine with 2,000–5,000 hours in good condition.
Machines with over 8,000 hours may sell for 20–35% of new price but should be evaluated carefully for component life remaining.
What bulldozer size do I need for my project?
For residential landscaping and small grading: a compact 45–80 HP dozer is usually sufficient. For road building and commercial site prep: a medium 150–250 HP machine handles most work efficiently.
For large earthworks, mining, or heavy ripping: 300 HP and above, selected by your project’s estimated volume and material type.
Matching Dozer Size to Budget and Application
Bulldozer pricing spans an enormous range—from under $50,000 for a compact machine to over $2 million for the largest mining dozers.
The right choice depends on matching horsepower, operating weight, and technology to your specific application, while keeping total cost of ownership—not just sticker price—at the center of your analysis.
Key takeaways from this guide: mini and compact dozers offer the most accessible entry point for smaller contractors and landscapers; medium construction dozers are the most versatile and widely-used class; heavy mining dozers deliver unmatched productivity but require substantial capital and operational infrastructure.
Across all classes, cost per horsepower ranges from roughly $1,100 to $2,300 new, with used equipment offering compelling value for budget-conscious buyers.
Whether you’re buying, renting, or financing, understanding the full price picture across size classes empowers you to make a smarter, more confident decision for your business.
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