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The Komatsu D21A-5 and Its Development History
The Komatsu D21A-5 is part of Komatsu’s long-standing D20/D21 series of compact crawler dozers, introduced in the 1970s and refined through the 1980s. Komatsu, founded in 1921 in Japan, became one of the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturers, known for its durable and operator-friendly machines. The D21A-5 was designed for light-duty earthmoving, grading, and land clearing in tight spaces, particularly appealing to small contractors, farmers, and landowners. With a weight under 8,000 lbs and a width of around 5 feet, it fits on a standard equipment trailer and can be towed by a medium-duty truck, making it ideal for remote or restricted-access jobsites.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
Typical features of the D21A-5 include:
Performance in Light Clearing and Grading
For tasks like clearing brush, small saplings under 4 inches in diameter, and light grading, the D21A-5 performs admirably. However, when it comes to removing trees with deeper root systems or working in rocky terrain, its limitations become apparent. Operators have noted that while it can surprise with its agility and traction, it lacks the mass and torque to consistently uproot trees over 6 inches in diameter without significant prep work.
Some users have developed techniques to improve performance:
Many D21A-5 units on the market are decades old, and condition varies widely. Machines may appear clean in photos but hide rusted undercarriages, worn sprockets, or patched sheet metal. Buyers have reported traveling hundreds of miles to inspect units that turned out to be poorly maintained or cosmetically disguised.
Key inspection points include:
Prices for D21A-5 units range from $8,000 to $16,000 depending on condition, hours, and included attachments. A well-maintained late-model unit with low hours may justify a premium, while a cheaper unit may require $3,000–$5,000 in repairs. Some buyers have found better value in paying more upfront for a clean machine than investing in a lower-priced unit that becomes a money pit.
Alternative Machines and Use Cases
For those needing more pushing power or working in rocky terrain, a larger dozer in the 10,000–12,000 lb class may be more appropriate. However, for backfilling, grading, and working in confined areas, the D21A-5 remains a practical and fuel-efficient choice. It is also popular for urban construction, trail building, and hobby farm maintenance.
Final Thoughts
The Komatsu D21A-5 is a capable small dozer with a loyal following, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its strengths lie in maneuverability, transportability, and light-duty performance. For buyers considering one, a thorough inspection is essential, and expectations should be aligned with the machine’s physical limits. When matched to the right job, the D21A-5 can be a dependable and surprisingly versatile workhorse.
The Komatsu D21A-5 is part of Komatsu’s long-standing D20/D21 series of compact crawler dozers, introduced in the 1970s and refined through the 1980s. Komatsu, founded in 1921 in Japan, became one of the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturers, known for its durable and operator-friendly machines. The D21A-5 was designed for light-duty earthmoving, grading, and land clearing in tight spaces, particularly appealing to small contractors, farmers, and landowners. With a weight under 8,000 lbs and a width of around 5 feet, it fits on a standard equipment trailer and can be towed by a medium-duty truck, making it ideal for remote or restricted-access jobsites.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
Typical features of the D21A-5 include:
- Operating weight: approximately 7,800 lbs
- Engine: Komatsu 4-cylinder diesel, around 40 horsepower
- Transmission: direct drive or powershift, depending on variant
- Blade width: approximately 6 feet
- Undercarriage: standard or pyramid grousers, with narrow track options
Performance in Light Clearing and Grading
For tasks like clearing brush, small saplings under 4 inches in diameter, and light grading, the D21A-5 performs admirably. However, when it comes to removing trees with deeper root systems or working in rocky terrain, its limitations become apparent. Operators have noted that while it can surprise with its agility and traction, it lacks the mass and torque to consistently uproot trees over 6 inches in diameter without significant prep work.
Some users have developed techniques to improve performance:
- Digging around the base of larger trees to sever roots before pushing
- Using the blade to build a soil ramp for added leverage
- Clearing in winter or early spring when soil is softer and roots are less active
- Pyramid grousers: Track pads with raised triangular cleats for improved traction on soft ground.
- Gray market dozer: A machine imported outside official dealer channels, often with different specifications or parts availability.
- Direct drive: A transmission system where engine power is mechanically linked to the drivetrain without torque conversion.
Many D21A-5 units on the market are decades old, and condition varies widely. Machines may appear clean in photos but hide rusted undercarriages, worn sprockets, or patched sheet metal. Buyers have reported traveling hundreds of miles to inspect units that turned out to be poorly maintained or cosmetically disguised.
Key inspection points include:
- Undercarriage wear: chains, rollers, and sprockets are expensive to replace
- Blade structure: check for cracks or weld repairs
- Engine hours: often unknown or unreliable on older machines
- Hydraulic leaks: especially around lift cylinders and control valves
Prices for D21A-5 units range from $8,000 to $16,000 depending on condition, hours, and included attachments. A well-maintained late-model unit with low hours may justify a premium, while a cheaper unit may require $3,000–$5,000 in repairs. Some buyers have found better value in paying more upfront for a clean machine than investing in a lower-priced unit that becomes a money pit.
Alternative Machines and Use Cases
For those needing more pushing power or working in rocky terrain, a larger dozer in the 10,000–12,000 lb class may be more appropriate. However, for backfilling, grading, and working in confined areas, the D21A-5 remains a practical and fuel-efficient choice. It is also popular for urban construction, trail building, and hobby farm maintenance.
Final Thoughts
The Komatsu D21A-5 is a capable small dozer with a loyal following, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its strengths lie in maneuverability, transportability, and light-duty performance. For buyers considering one, a thorough inspection is essential, and expectations should be aligned with the machine’s physical limits. When matched to the right job, the D21A-5 can be a dependable and surprisingly versatile workhorse.
