CAT D6 vs KOMATSU D71

Is the Komatsu D71 the best dozer of it's class ? We put it up against the Midweight Champ - the CAT D6 to find out.
Two great machines, one drivers view test.

Thanks to Carl, Shaun and Roly.

@DirtPerfect @RPAMEDIA

[bigwig]

We need more videos like this then the likes of Cat and Finning wouldn't be able to brainwash the Cat fans in to accepting the same outdated crap with just a new sticker on the hood

[daveshepherd]

It's nice to see someone for a change that obviously appreciates and likes CAT equipment but is experienced and open minded enough to look at other manufacturers.
Other channels should take note !

[craigross]

As a heavy diesel mechanic I've spent a lot of time in the forestry, on civil construction sites, various mine sites etc then i worked for a heavy hire company which had a large fleet which included Cat D4 - D11 and Komatsu D41 - D375 dozers. We found the Komatsu's to be more popular with our customers due to its pushing power and low centre of gravity. Both brands are good, but the komatsu's reliability and performance is second to none and I would highly recommend. As a mechanic the only thing I would say about dozers in general is they can be hard on the body and very difficult to work on with poor access to the transmission etc often having to remove very heavy seats or even whole cabs to gain access and a lot of the Komatsu models being Japanese were no exception, luckily with some of the later machines now you are able to tilt the cabs for access, a feature that john deere and liebherr adopted a long time ago. HST models are certainly becoming more efficient, reliable and popular. One thing to consider with dozers it is very important to look after and regularly service the rear end, final drives, bull gears etc as they are naturally prone to wear and failure. Really enjoying the content and commentary, keep up the good work mucker, cheers

[numscull]

As someone who used to work for Komatsu, those things were pretty amazing to work on. really accessible and really nice in general.

[not.likely]

Yes, Komatsu is on top of with this one. Operators visibility, significant cabin noise reduction, comfort, power and a bigger blade

[paulcooper]

What I like is that you are comparing apples to apples ... not a 15 yr old clapped out beast to a brand new shiny machine. The visibility in the Komatsu is astounding. How was the headroom? It looked on camera like your head was above the rear window and into the roof?
I, personally, would probably enjoy the Komatsu controls. I was never a fan of the thumb lever on the cat for blade control. It doesn't have a "natural" feel to point my thumb straight up like I'm hitchhiking while holding on to the joystick.
Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦

[donstewart]

I also have to give the D71 cab top marks. Theres actually room for your lunch kit and your thermos doesn’t end up under the seat Comfort, huge improvement in visibility and extremely quiet. Even when you are walking past the Komatsu as it’s working, it’s extremely quiet.

[-u]

We purchased a ranch this year and need to develop roads to access some of the more remote locations. I was considering the D6, but after a day of demoing, I hated the visibility and just could not warm up to it. We have a D71 coming out for a demo next week. I'm really excited, especially after watching this video. Thanks for your non-biased content.

[jonnywhitelaw]

The company I work for has a lot of Komatsu machines and we actually purchased the first D71 that was sold in the US. We have all Komatsu dozers and backhoes so I’ve actually never ran any CAT units. But after seeing this I’m happy we only have Komatsu!

[butchpemberton]

I am an oldie..72 years old....We had a family owned sand and gravel company in Prescott, Az. from 1969 to 2003...the equipment shows in Las Vegas in late 60s early 70s we would marvel at the Chinese & Japanese there crawling up, in and out of all Caterpillar equipment photographing every conceivable inch..We owned Cat, Komatsu & Terex loaders, dozers, haul truck, backhoes...And Komatsu are great machines however, the used value market price was not the best and we did for the last 15 own primarily Cat. and had buy back program with them. Enjoyed your video..Thank YOU.

[adamhensel]

We have CAT and Komatsu at work. As a mech’s point of view dealer support is critical! They both break and getting parts or tech support to get them back up should be considered as well.

[carltonholmes]

I am on a Komatsu D65 at the moment and I am impressed with it, even after operating CAT D6T’s.
Look forward to operating the D71 Sooner or later.

[charleswooters]

I'm not an operator, but I'm a transportation worker, and I absolutely love the Komatsu they easier to load on a trailer greater view and they have a more precision handling. From my mechanic friends I hear they cheaper to work on and not a engineered nightmare. They do tell me that getting cat parts are easier.

[roballan]

I worked for both cat and Komatsu each close to a decade. As for dozers. Hear me out. The Komatsu rarely have trans failures. But pretty tight for any repairs. The cat is just so much easier to repair.

[rossgray]

Did a few days in a D 71 PXI a few mths ago and thought it was an awesome machine, loved the visibility and the hydrostatic drive, and room in the cab. I usually operate a D 7R2 LGP but have spent of time on everything from D 10T to D3, TD 6 to TD 30, but the D 71 would probably be the No 1 machine for me for doing what we mainly do which is residential subdivisions here in QLD. Been on dozers since I was 16 and 73 now so have a wee bit of experience on them.

[quinnhenshaw]

D61 is phenomenal as well. We have low ground pressure and standard and I love them. Auto control is on point esp. awesome for sub-grading gravel for long roads. Komatsu makes my favorite dozers. Even the 51 has loads of power. I’m glad this guy is pulling for Komatsu

[Flatlander]

Ran a Komatsu 71 in steep mountain terrain, absolutely loved it!

[douglasmayherjr.]

Pretty impressive comparison between the Komatsu and Cat. Cat is hard to beat but I think Komatsu has got them out engineered for the moment. There are people that will only ever run cat, they are missing something pretty nice. It would be interesting to see how they hold up over the years. Thanks for the video.

[jackburgess]

I was a die hard Cat guy until I had the opportunity to operate the Komatsu D51 and D155, the visibility was second to none and that D155 was a beast, both were very smooth to operate and comfortable for the operator. I still like the Cats but I'm leaning more towards the Komatsu now. I'm really liking their excavators now as well. I was also impressed with the visibility on the 1650 Case dozer as well, it's pretty close to the Komatsu.

[dozerboy]

I have run a lot of Cats and I’m a die hard patriot but, I also appreciate a good thing when I see it. I have noticed that there is better visibility and room as well as acoustics, they’re just not as loud, the Japanese engineers have been hard at work and have produced a fine machine! I still have a lot of pride in caterpillar, even though they aren’t altogether made here in the states anymore. I would like to run a 475, I have run all the dozers except the D11 but I hear that 475 is a beast!