Best Small Dozer for the Money

Want to find the ultimate small dozer for your homestead or urban construction business? Whether you decide to buy new or used, Papé Machinery Construction & Forestry has a great selection of quality dozers for sale. Read our guide to small dozers below to learn more about your options.

What Is a Small Dozer?

The term small is a relative one. There is no clearly defined cut off for what qualifies as a small dozer compared to a large dozer, but most in the industry agree that dozers with an operating weight of less than 30,000 lbs. falls into the small category.

For some customers, a John Deere 850K with an operating weight of 50,000+ lbs. would be too small, for others it would be way too large. The right size dozer for you will depend on your application. We recommend speaking to one of our qualified equipment experts about your needs so you can be sure you’re investing in a dozer that’s the optimal size for your intended use.

Small Dozer Applications

Small dozers are used to move material short distances. They are ideal for working in confined spaces where maneuverability is critical. Tasks like grading and sloping, backfilling, and land clearing are typical applications. Small property owners often opt for a small dozer when they have land to clear and grade.

Depending on your application, you might need more horsepower than a small dozer can offer, and you may need to consider a medium or large dozer. Wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks, and scrapers are alternatives when you need to move material longer distances.

Key Specs to Compare

Powertrain – Small dozer powertrain options include hydrostatic, torque convertor, and direct drive. A hydrostatic transmission is a great option because it matches ground speed to the load and speeds up or slows down to provide full power turns.

Track Length & Width – More track on the ground reduces ground pressure which increases stability and flotation on soft soil conditions and sloped terrain.

Attachment Options – Depending on the model, front and rear implement options will vary. Check to make sure the model you’re eyeing is compatible with the attachments you’ll need. Some common front attachments for dozers include straight blades, U blades, Angle blades, and 6-way blades. Rear-mounted implements can include rippers, scarifiers, winches, and rear mounted blades.