Caterpillar Drawbar Pull Chart

Selecting the correct recovery rope starts with understanding your equipment's drawbar pull. This Caterpillar Drawbar Pull Chart provides estimated pull ratings for common Caterpillar dozers and mining haul trucks to help you choose an appropriate tow rope, recovery rope, or synthetic rigging solution. Actual pulling force may vary depending on machine configuration, operating conditions, terrain, and traction. 

Caterpillar Dozer and Haul Truck Drawbar Pull Ratings


Equipment Model

Estimated Drawbar Pull

D6

56,000 lbs

D7

72,000 lbs

D8

139,000 lbs

D9

161,000 lbs

D10

225,000 lbs

D11

330,000 lbs

785D

187,000 lbs

793F

230,000 lbs

795F

295,000 lbs

797F

340,000 lbs


How to Use This Chart 

Use these drawbar pull values as a starting point when selecting a recovery rope or towing system. The rope should be chosen based on the maximum pulling force that may be generated during recovery, while also considering an appropriate safety factor. Factors such as vehicle weight, terrain, mud, grade, and recovery technique can significantly affect the load placed on the rope.

For demanding recovery operations, synthetic recovery ropes made from high-strength fibers offer excellent strength while remaining lighter and easier to handle than traditional steel cable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drawbar pull is the maximum pulling force a machine can apply to move or recover another vehicle or object. It is commonly used when selecting recovery ropes and towing equipment.
Knowing the available pulling force helps match the recovery rope to the equipment being used. A properly selected rope improves safety and reduces the risk of equipment damage.
Not always. Vehicle weight is one factor, but terrain, resistance, and the pulling capability of the recovery vehicle are equally important when selecting a rope.
No. These values are estimates and may vary based on machine configuration, attachments, operating conditions, and ground traction.
Yes. The chart includes common Caterpillar dozers and mining haul trucks used in construction, mining, earthmoving, and heavy recovery applications.