CAT D6 vs D7 vs D8 in Salalah — Bulldozer Comparison 2025
CAT D6 vs D7 vs D8 in Salalah
CAT D6 vs D7 vs D8 in Salalah — Bulldozer Comparison 2025
Salalah, Oman’s coastal hub, is known for its Port of Salalah, industrial zones, and municipal projects. Contractors in Dhofar often face the critical choice of whether to buy a CAT D6, D7, or D8 bulldozer. Each machine offers unique strengths for the city’s diverse projects — from housing in Taqah, to highways in Mirbat, to heavy reclamation at Port of Salalah.
This 2025 guide compares the three Caterpillar bulldozers in specifications, costs, applications, and transport factors, giving Salalah contractors the insights they need to choose the right model.
CAT D6 vs D7 vs D8 in Salalah
Why CAT Bulldozers Are Salalah’s First Choice
Proven durability in Oman’s coastal humidity and sandy soil.
High resale value vs Komatsu or Shantui bulldozers.
Operator familiarity — most Dhofar operators are CAT-trained.
Advanced technology — CAT® Grade Control and Assist for precision.
👉 CAT bulldozers dominate Salalah’s heavy equipment market.
cat-d6-vs-d7-vs-d8-salalah CAT D6 vs D7 vs D8 in Salalah | Bulldozer Comparison 2025 Compare CAT D6, D7 & D8 bulldozers in Salalah. Specs, horsepower, pricing, transport & applications for housing, roads & Port of Salalah projects in 2025.
CAT D6 vs D7 vs D8 — Specifications
CAT D6 — Compact & Versatile
Horsepower: ~215 hp
Operating Weight: ~23 tons
Blade Capacity: 5–6.5 m³
Best For: Housing in Taqah, utilities in Awqad, light municipal projects.
Transport: Simple — no permits needed for local moves.
👉 The D6 is favored for housing and small-scale city projects.
CAT D6 vs D7 vs D8 in Salalah
CAT D7 — Balanced for Civil Works
Horsepower: ~265 hp
Operating Weight: ~28 tons
Blade Capacity: 6–7.5 m³
Best For: Roads in Mirbat, industrial estates in Raysut.
Transport: Requires multi-axle trailers; may need permits.
👉 The D7 is Salalah’s most common bulldozer, versatile for roads and infrastructure.
CAT D8 — Heavy-Duty for Mega Projects
Horsepower: ~335 hp
Operating Weight: ~39 tons
Blade Capacity: 8–10 m³
Best For: Port of Salalah expansion, landfill, and industrial reclamation.
Transport: Needs escorts and permits for highway routes.
👉 The D8 is chosen for Salalah’s toughest industrial and port jobs.
Applications in Salalah
Housing & Real Estate (Taqah, Awqad) CAT D6 vs D7 vs D8 in Salalah
Best Model: CAT D6
Compact, fuel-efficient, and affordable for residential areas.
Roads & Highways (Mirbat, Mughsail) CAT D6 vs D7 vs D8 in Salalah
Best Model: CAT D7
Strong enough for grading highways but mobile for quick transport.
Port & Industrial Projects (Port of Salalah, Raysut)
Best Model: CAT D8
Handles reclamation, stockpiling, and large earthworks.
Municipal & Landfill Works CAT D6 vs D7 vs D8 in Salalah
Best Model: CAT D8 with guarding packages.
Price Comparison in Salalah (2025)
CAT D6: OMR 42,000 – 65,000
CAT D7: OMR 60,000 – 95,000
CAT D8: OMR 80,000 – 120,000
💡 Certified-used bulldozers save 30–40% compared to new.
Ownership Costs Compared CAT D6 vs D7 vs D8 in Salalah
Fuel Consumption:
D6 → ~20–25 liters/hr
D7 → ~25–30 liters/hr
D8 → ~30–35 liters/hr
Undercarriage (UC):
D6 → lowest UC cost.
D7 → moderate UC wear.
D8 → UC = up to 50% of total ownership cost.
Maintenance:
Larger dozers require frequent checks of hydraulics and cooling systems.
Transport in Salalah
D6: Local transport without special permits.
D7: Needs multi-axle trailers, permits for highways.
D8: Requires escorts for long-distance transport within Dhofar.
👉 Transport adds 5–12% to bulldozer budgets in Salalah.
CAT Dozer Technology in 2025
Grade Control (3D): Precision earthmoving with fewer passes.
Assist Functions: Automated blade tilt, lift, and slope control.
Fuel Efficiency Packages: Lower fuel burn by 10–15% in Oman’s climate.