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Komatsu D37P-2 Dozer Overview
The Komatsu D37P-2 is a low ground pressure (LGP) crawler dozer introduced in the late 1980s, designed for land clearing, grading, and light construction. It features a wide track frame for reduced ground compaction, a hydrostatic transmission, and a Komatsu-built diesel engine producing approximately 80 horsepower. With an operating weight of around 18,000 pounds and a six-way blade, the D37P-2 is well-suited for soft terrain, forestry, and farm applications.
Komatsu Ltd., founded in 1921 in Japan, is the world’s second-largest manufacturer of construction equipment. The D37 series was developed to compete with Caterpillar’s D3 and D4 models, offering similar power and footprint but with Komatsu’s emphasis on hydraulic efficiency and operator comfort. The D37P-2 variant, with its LGP configuration, became popular in North America for working in wet or rocky conditions.
Performance and Application Suitability
The D37P-2 is often compared to the Caterpillar D3 or D4 in terms of weight and horsepower. While not as heavy as a D5, it offers excellent maneuverability and traction in hilly or uneven terrain. For farm owners clearing stumps, building roads, and working in rocky soil, the D37P-2 provides a balance of power and finesse.
Key performance traits include:
While generally reliable, the D37P-2 has a few areas that require attention:
In Tennessee, a landowner purchased a D37P-2 with near-new undercarriage and original paint for $15,000. After clearing 12 acres of brush and stumps, he noted that the machine handled hills and rocky soil well but required frequent track tension checks. He later added a root rake and found the hydrostatic drive ideal for pushing debris without stalling. The dozer paid for itself within a year through avoided rental costs and improved land value.
Recommendations for Buyers
The Komatsu D37P-2 is a capable and cost-effective dozer for farm and light construction use. While not as heavy-duty as a D5, its LGP design and hydrostatic transmission make it ideal for clearing, grading, and road building in challenging terrain. With proper maintenance and realistic expectations, it offers solid performance and long-term value for owner-operators.
The Komatsu D37P-2 is a low ground pressure (LGP) crawler dozer introduced in the late 1980s, designed for land clearing, grading, and light construction. It features a wide track frame for reduced ground compaction, a hydrostatic transmission, and a Komatsu-built diesel engine producing approximately 80 horsepower. With an operating weight of around 18,000 pounds and a six-way blade, the D37P-2 is well-suited for soft terrain, forestry, and farm applications.
Komatsu Ltd., founded in 1921 in Japan, is the world’s second-largest manufacturer of construction equipment. The D37 series was developed to compete with Caterpillar’s D3 and D4 models, offering similar power and footprint but with Komatsu’s emphasis on hydraulic efficiency and operator comfort. The D37P-2 variant, with its LGP configuration, became popular in North America for working in wet or rocky conditions.
Performance and Application Suitability
The D37P-2 is often compared to the Caterpillar D3 or D4 in terms of weight and horsepower. While not as heavy as a D5, it offers excellent maneuverability and traction in hilly or uneven terrain. For farm owners clearing stumps, building roads, and working in rocky soil, the D37P-2 provides a balance of power and finesse.
Key performance traits include:
- Wide Track Footprint: Reduces ground pressure, ideal for soft or muddy terrain.
- Six-Way Blade: Allows fine grading, ditch shaping, and slope work.
- Hydrostatic Drive: Offers smooth directional control and variable speed without gear shifting.
- Fuel Efficiency: Komatsu engines are known for low fuel consumption under moderate load.
- LGP (Low Ground Pressure): A track configuration that spreads machine weight over a larger area to prevent sinking.
- Hydrostatic Transmission: A fluid-driven system that allows infinite speed control and smooth directional changes.
- Six-Way Blade: A blade that tilts, angles, and lifts in multiple directions for versatile grading.
While generally reliable, the D37P-2 has a few areas that require attention:
- Undercarriage Wear: LGP tracks wear faster on rocky terrain. Regular inspection of rollers, sprockets, and track pads is essential.
- Hydraulic Leaks: Older units may develop leaks at blade lift cylinders or control valves.
- Parts Availability: Some components, especially electrical and cab parts, may be harder to source than Caterpillar equivalents.
- Operator Visibility: The cab design offers less forward visibility than newer models, which can affect precision grading.
In Tennessee, a landowner purchased a D37P-2 with near-new undercarriage and original paint for $15,000. After clearing 12 acres of brush and stumps, he noted that the machine handled hills and rocky soil well but required frequent track tension checks. He later added a root rake and found the hydrostatic drive ideal for pushing debris without stalling. The dozer paid for itself within a year through avoided rental costs and improved land value.
Recommendations for Buyers
- Inspect Undercarriage Thoroughly: Look for wear on track chains, rollers, and idlers.
- Test Hydrostatic Response: Ensure smooth forward/reverse transitions and blade control.
- Check for Hydraulic Leaks: Examine hoses, cylinders, and valve blocks.
- Verify Serial Number Range: Helps identify model year and parts compatibility.
- Budget for Attachments: A root rake or winch can expand the machine’s utility.
The Komatsu D37P-2 is a capable and cost-effective dozer for farm and light construction use. While not as heavy-duty as a D5, its LGP design and hydrostatic transmission make it ideal for clearing, grading, and road building in challenging terrain. With proper maintenance and realistic expectations, it offers solid performance and long-term value for owner-operators.
