Bulldozers are machines designed to push and excavate with heavy blades. There are many types of bulldozers, ranging from compact mini dozers to massive crawlers.
ACCO’s super bulldozer is the biggest bulldozer in the world. However, due to the ACCO being non-operational, the Komatsu D575A-3 SD dozer is presently the biggest in operation.
Bulldozers are manufactured by various construction equipment suppliers, including Caterpillar and Volvo. As such, bulldozers come in many sizes and specifications. But when you need the most power, size always wins. The following list details the five largest bulldozer models in the world.
1. ACCO Super Bulldozer
Vista del Super-Bulldozer Acco by Hosdo under CC 3.0
Here’s a fact: the world’s biggest bulldozer has never been used.
Built by the Umberto ACCO company, the ACCO Superdozer is the largest crawler bulldozer in the world. Made from Caterpillar and custom adapted parts, the ACCO Super Bulldozer was initially destined for Libya’s land development program in the early 1980s.
However, worldwide trade embargoes on Libya made it all but impossible to do business with the country. As such, the dozer was never shipped and was left to sit in storage. It has never left its hometown in Italy and has never been put to its intended use.
Today, it is preserved as an educational display in the same town in which it has forever dwelt.
- Length: 40 feet
- Width: 23 feet (blade width)
- Height: 10 feet (ripper)
- Weight: 183 tons
- Horsepower: 1,350 (twin engines, combined output)
- Manufacturer: Umberto Acco (Caterpillar parts)
- Country of Origin: Italy
2. Komatsu D575A-3SD
Komatsu D575 ‘Superdozer’ by Michael Thomson under CC 2.5
In terms of operational dozers, the Komatsu D575A-3SD is the current champion. Manufactured by Komatsu, this monster’s size drives its major benefit: reduced operating costs. The sheer size of this machine allows larger loads to be pushed per hour.
Utilizing a Super Dozer blade, the D575A can carry larger loads with efficiency and control. With a powerhouse engine boasting 1,150 hp, few loads will withstand this dozer.
- Length: 38.5 feet
- Width: 24.3 feet
- Height: 16 feet
- Weight: 153 tons
- Horsepower: 1,150
- Manufacturer: Komatsu Ltd.
- Country of Origin: Japan
3. Caterpillar D11 Dozer
Caterpillar D11 Dozer by David Drew under CC 3.0
Next up is the Caterpillar D11 Large Dozer. As the name implies, this machine is big. The D11 produces an additional 250 hp over the next largest CAT model. This equates to an 8% increase in productivity and fuel efficiency, and the increased efficiency delivers 5% savings on maintenance and repair costs.
When you’re moving heavy loads, bigger is truly better.
- Length: 35.8 feet
- Width: 11.8 feet
- Height: 15.5 feet
- Weight: 124 tons
- Horsepower: 850
- Manufacturer: Caterpillar
- Country of Origin: USA
As of now, Caterpillar offers three large dozers, of which the D11 is the largest. (There is not yet a D12 model.) The other two large CAT dozers are the 600 hp D10T2 and the 452 hp D9.
- The D10 is a 77-ton machine featuring a strengthened frame. Its high torque rise system generates an additional 21% of torque at full power. This gives it a clear advantage when digging through rugged terrain.
- The D9, is slightly smaller at 55 tons. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in efficiency. Its blade has a capacity of 21.7 cubic yards, and its torque converter boasts a 5% boost to fuel efficiency. Featuring a 4% reduction in maintenance costs and a 3% reduction in overall costs, the D9 is ready to work in nearly every setting.
4. John Deere 1050K Dozer
Fourth on the list is the John Deere 1050K Crawler Dozer. Boasting 350 hp, the 1050K can fit a 32 cubic-yard-capacity blade.
A hydrostatic transmission system cuts down on material loss while cornering and allows automatic adjustments of torque and speed. This allows for active adjustment of digging and ripping conditions — without stopping the action.
- Length: 22 feet
- Width: 13 feet
- Height: 11.5 feet
- Weight: 48 tons
- Horsepower: 350
- Manufacturer: John Deere
- Country of Origin: USA
5. Liebherr PR 764 Litronic Dozer
Photo by Liebherr
The fifth dozer on the list manages to pack in more power and operating weight on a frame smaller than the 1050K. The Liebherr PR 764 Litronic Dozer is a 50-ton crawler with a blade capable of moving up to 22.2 cubic yards per load.
The PR 764 features an assortment of blade and loader styles. Therefore, it is suitable for jobs ranging from heavy excavation to industrial wood chipping. Equally at home at coal mines, power plants, and construction settings, the PR 764 is as versatile as it is powerful.
- Length: 17 feet
- Width: 10.6 feet
- Height: 13 feet
- Weight: 49.5 tons
- Horsepower: 422
- Manufacturer: Liebherr
- Country of Origin: Germany
How To Choose the Right Size Bulldozer
When choosing the right size bulldozer, you first need to know what type of bulldozer is best for the job. Different machines work best on specific job sites. Likewise, certain worksite requirements or material needs will require specialized attachments.
Consider if you’re working on heavy rubble or loose earth. If so, will you need additional equipment, such as graders or shank rippers?
The largest dozers will almost always be crawler-types, capable of producing power over 250 hp. They feature heavy plates for heavy-duty excavation and material moving. However, their size (as illustrated above) limits the areas where they can work.
Crawler dozers are best suited for heavy workloads in open spaces. With a machine so large, construction safety is always of utmost importance.
At the other end of the spectrum, mini bulldozers trade power and size for speed and handling. These machines typically have 70 to 90 hp engines. Their small size and ease of handling allow them to work in confined areas.
A middle ground between these sizes is wheel bulldozers. These machines feature a heavy frame upon a wheeled chassis. Capable of greater maneuverability than crawler dozers, they can handle heavier loads than mini dozers.
Their wheels allow tighter steering than crawler dozers. In addition, as the tires are less damaging than tracks, they can work on projects on sensitive surfaces such as stadiums.
BigRentz offers crawler bulldozer rental in a variety of sizes. While you won’t be able to rent the world’s largest bulldozer, BigRentz has plenty of fantastic options. From 70 hp mini dozers to large 249 hp crawlers, the bulldozers available from BigRentz are perfect for most common construction needs.
Conclusion
Bulldozers are robust, versatile machines. As specialized heavy equipment, they are capable of excavation, grading, and more. Choosing a suitable bulldozer for the job will require plenty of thought. Bulldozers come in a range of sizes to suit various worksite conditions and project specs
Massive bulldozers are usually used for the most demanding jobs. Typically, they work on expansive projects over rough terrain. The largest bulldozers generally are employed on projects where they will see extensive use to keep costs as low as possible.
If you need to rent earthmoving equipment, BigRentz offers location-based rates on equipment ranging from bulldozers to excavators. Visit now to browse the selection and request a quote for your chosen equipment.
