08-22-2025, 12:06 PM
Big Cat Born for Soft Ground
The Caterpillar D5N LGP (Low Ground Pressure) was produced between approximately 2003 and 2006, serving as a high-flotation variant of the popular Cat D5 series—the first D5 arriving way back in 1939. Its wide, smooth-tracking design enabled work on marshy, sandy, or delicate terrains where traditional dozers would bog down.
Heart of the Machine
At its core spins a Cat 3126B HEUI inline-6 engine—a turbocharged, aftercooled powerplant that meets EU Stage II / EPA Tier 2 emission standards. With electronic fuel injection and air inlet heating, it offers efficient cold starts and smooth performance. The net power clocks in at around 120–121 hp (90 kW).
Sized to Perform
The D5N LGP balances size with functionality. Key dimensions include:
Undercarriage & Blade
Equipped with 30-inch single-grouser shoes and eight rollers per side, the undercarriage provides a generous 6,135 in² of ground contact, which translates to a low pressure of 4.7–4.93 psi—ideal for fragile soil. The standard blade is a VPAT (Variable-Pitch Angle Tilt) measuring 11 ft wide, with a capacity of 2.7 to 3.4 yd³ depending on layout.
Performance and Control
A powershift transmission offers three forward and reverse gears, delivering top speeds up to around 6.2 mph forward and 6.9 mph reverse. In first gear, drawbar pull reaches a hefty 50,600 lb, tapering as speed increases.
Built for Comfort and Maintenance
Featuring Cat’s famous elevated sprocket design, the D5N LGP offers smoother rides and improved durability. The HEUI engine adds emissions compliance and turbochargers for performance, while Auto-shift and Finger Tip Control technology provide fluid steering and productivity. Larger service panels, remote filters, and cab-mounted air-precleaner monitors simplify routine maintenance.
Market Snapshot
Between 2003 and 2006, the D5N LGP filled a niche where machines needed flotation without sacrificing power. Today, used models range widely in price—typically $29,000 to $65,000, depending on hours and condition. Listings show units with 10,000+ operating hours, still running reliably with 121 hp engines.
Brief Production Run
Despite its technical edge, the D5N had a relatively short production span—making it somewhat rare. YouTube enthusiasts have even dubbed it the “shortest run production dozer.”
Why It Matters Today
The Caterpillar D5N LGP (Low Ground Pressure) was produced between approximately 2003 and 2006, serving as a high-flotation variant of the popular Cat D5 series—the first D5 arriving way back in 1939. Its wide, smooth-tracking design enabled work on marshy, sandy, or delicate terrains where traditional dozers would bog down.
Heart of the Machine
At its core spins a Cat 3126B HEUI inline-6 engine—a turbocharged, aftercooled powerplant that meets EU Stage II / EPA Tier 2 emission standards. With electronic fuel injection and air inlet heating, it offers efficient cold starts and smooth performance. The net power clocks in at around 120–121 hp (90 kW).
Sized to Perform
The D5N LGP balances size with functionality. Key dimensions include:
- Length with blade: ~16.6–16.7 ft; without blade: ~12.3 ft
- Width over tracks: ~9.0–9.1 ft
- Height to cab top: ~10 ft
- Track-on-ground length: ~8.6 ft
- Ground clearance: ~1.4 ft
Undercarriage & Blade
Equipped with 30-inch single-grouser shoes and eight rollers per side, the undercarriage provides a generous 6,135 in² of ground contact, which translates to a low pressure of 4.7–4.93 psi—ideal for fragile soil. The standard blade is a VPAT (Variable-Pitch Angle Tilt) measuring 11 ft wide, with a capacity of 2.7 to 3.4 yd³ depending on layout.
Performance and Control
A powershift transmission offers three forward and reverse gears, delivering top speeds up to around 6.2 mph forward and 6.9 mph reverse. In first gear, drawbar pull reaches a hefty 50,600 lb, tapering as speed increases.
Built for Comfort and Maintenance
Featuring Cat’s famous elevated sprocket design, the D5N LGP offers smoother rides and improved durability. The HEUI engine adds emissions compliance and turbochargers for performance, while Auto-shift and Finger Tip Control technology provide fluid steering and productivity. Larger service panels, remote filters, and cab-mounted air-precleaner monitors simplify routine maintenance.
Market Snapshot
Between 2003 and 2006, the D5N LGP filled a niche where machines needed flotation without sacrificing power. Today, used models range widely in price—typically $29,000 to $65,000, depending on hours and condition. Listings show units with 10,000+ operating hours, still running reliably with 121 hp engines.
Brief Production Run
Despite its technical edge, the D5N had a relatively short production span—making it somewhat rare. YouTube enthusiasts have even dubbed it the “shortest run production dozer.”
Why It Matters Today
- For Soft Conditions: Its wide tracks and low ground pressure make it ideal for sensitive surfaces—mud, marsh, snow, and soft dirt.
- For Vintage Value: Its rarity and Cat legacy ensure strong collector and operator interest.
- For Cost Efficiency: Offers modern functionality in a used-machine price bracket that often beats newer compact dozers.
