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In between the 400--hp pure production dozers and the under 100--hp finish models lies the mid--size dozers. The role of these units continues to evolve with advances in controls and drivetrain technology.

“These dozers have not traditionally been used for fine grading,” says Brett Errthum, John Deere. “But more contractors today are finding they can be used for fine grading.”

This is driving a trend toward extended track models. “Customers are asking for better grading capability,” notes Errthum. “The easiest way for us to do that is to put a longer track on it.”

Speed And Fine Grading Critical

Rodman Excavating, Frisco, TX, relies on mid--size dozers for fine grading. The company owns 45 dozers, including 31 185--hp John Deere 850s, a few John Deere 750s, plus five Caterpillar D8s, four D9s and one D10. “We really don’t have a use for the small fine--grade dozers,” says Les Foster, senior vice president -- operations.

The John Deere 850s are popular with Rodman Excavating due to the hydrostatic transmission, which is unique in this dozer size class. The hydrostatic transmission matches Rodman’s applications — cutting swales and fine grading building pads. “It cuts them very quickly. Then we can fine grade the pad very quickly,” says Foster.