Caterpillar has unveiled eight new next gen compact loaders, including four skid steers and four compact track loaders.
The new 250, 260, 270 and 270 XE skid steers mark the introduction of the next generation design to the skid steer line.
The new Cat 275, 275 XE, 285 and 285 XE mark the expansion of the next generation design for compact track loaders, joining the 255 and 265 announced in 2023.
The new Cat 285 and 285 XE compete in a new class size with greater lift height and lift and tilt breakout forces and are the largest compact track loaders ever produced by Caterpillar.
“We are excited to launch the next generation design for our skid steer loader line and expand the performance capabilities to more compact track loader models,” said Trevor Chase, Senior Product Consultant and new Product Introduction Lead for Caterpillar. “Their increased power, lift height, breakout forces, rated operating capacity (ROC) and multiple high-flow auxiliary hydraulic system options give customers a flexible, high-performance machine to get the job done.”
D3 DNA
Maintaining the DNA of what made the Cat D3 series a leader, the next generation skid steer and CTL models are a redesign that improves on the features that made the previous series popular.
The machines feature upgrades in engine power and torque, lift and tilt breakout forces, stability, operator comfort and technology.
New Caterpillar nomenclature
The new models carry on Caterpillar’s new machine nomenclature with the elimination of the series letter designation. All next generation Cat skid steers are now identified by an ending model number of 0, while all CTLs have a model number ending in 5. Simplifying nomenclature, the middle number represents machine size with a larger number designating a larger machine.
A new performance benchmark
All next generation Cat SSL and CTL models feature a redesigned engine compartment that places the engine and cooling package lower into the frame for improved stability, giving the operator confidence in handling heavy loads. Meeting Tier 4 Final and Stage V emissions standards, the four new CTL models are powered by the Cat C3.6TA engine, while the 250 and 260 skid steers are powered by the Cat C2.8T. The 270 and 270 XE are equipped with the Cat 3.6TA. These new engines maintain horsepower across a wider rpm range compared to the previous engines powering the D3 series. The engines also deliver significant torque increases, including 13 per cent for the 250 and 260, 35 per cent for the 270, and 50 per cent for the 275 and 285.
With a vertical lift design, these new next generation machines feature significant increases in lift height, breakout forces and rated operating capacity (ROC) to elevate loader flexibility and performance.
Improved lifting capabilities
The Cat 250 features a lift height of 315 cm, about 7.5 cm more than the 242D3, a 36 per cent increase in tilt and 26 per cent increase in lift breakout forces and 21 per cent increase in ROC.
Offering a maximum lift height of 335 cm, the 260 has 19 cm more lift height than the 262D3 and 27 per cent increase in tilt and 24 per cent increase in lift breakout forces, and a 17 per cent increase in ROC.
With 16 cm more lift height than the 272D3, the 270 and 270 XE deliver a maximum lift height of 340 cm plus 11 per cent and 5 per cent increases in tilt and lift breakout forces, respectively.
The 275 and 275 XE CTLs have a lift height of 341 cm, 20 cm higher than the 299D3, plus a 37 per cent increase in tilt breakout force and 19 per cent increase in ROC.
The 285 and the 285 XE deliver a lift height of 370 cm and tilt breakout force of 6,314 kg. The 285 has an ROC of 2,141 kg with counterweight while the 285 XE has an ROC of 2,185 kg with counterweight.
Hydraulic system
The new closed-centre auxiliary hydraulic system allows the machines to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard hydraulics provided. Standard hydraulic system pressure increases 5 per cent to 3,500 psi in the next generation models. Cat 250, 260, 270 and 275 machines equipped with standard hydraulic flow are shipped from the factory outfitted as high flow ready.
High flow functionality is activated simply via a new software enabled attachment (SEA), permitting on-machine or remote activation of increased hydraulic flow to 113 litres per minute for the 250, 260, and 270 models and 129 litres per minute for the 275 at standard hydraulic system pressure.
Also available, the High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi for the 250, 260, 270, 275 and 285 next generation models. Along with this, hydraulic flow is increased to 113 litres per minute on the 250, while flow increases to 129 litres per minute for the 260, 270, 275 and 285 models. Equipping the 250 with the High Flow XPS option gives customers auxiliary hydraulic performance not available before in a mid-size chassis SSL. Equipped for maximum hydraulic capability, the High Flow option for 270 XE, 275 XE and 285 XE loaders increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,496 psi and hydraulic flow to 150 litres per minute.
E-bar undercarriage
The four next generation CTL models feature a new E-bar (equalizer bar) undercarriage that provides increased stability for grading and handling heavier loads. The E-bar undercarriage harnesses Caterpillar’s experience with track type tractors to provide a hybrid undercarriage solution. It delivers the benefits of a rigid-style undercarriage design when lifting heavy loads or using heavy attachments like mulchers and dozer and grader blades, while simultaneously providing the benefits of an oscillating undercarriage when encountering uneven terrain or obstacles.
Upgraded operator comfort
All next generation Cat SSLs and CTLs feature a larger cab design with 22 per cent more overall volume and 26 per cent additional foot space. With a 7 cm increase in interior width, the new cab expands footwell-to-ceiling height by 46 mm and allows for an additional 4 cm of hip room and 28 mm more width between the joysticks to improve operator comfort.
Next generation loaders are equipped with either a 13-cm standard LCD monitor or a 20-cm advanced touchscreen monitor, depending on the selected technology package. Like the advanced display on the D3 series, the standard monitor features Bluetooth connectivity and supports functionality for rearview camera feed, creep, job clock, and maintenance reminders.
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The advanced touchscreen monitor provides a higher level of control over standard monitor functionality, offers advanced radio control, and supports side cameras and 32 language choices. The new advanced joysticks enable integrated control of the advanced touchscreen monitor, so all machine function control and adjustments can be made without the operator removing their hands from the controls.
Entering and exiting next generation loaders is much easier thanks to their low entry points. The operator can now open the cab door without the lift arms being fully lowered to the frame stops.
A simplified two-step door removal process allows operators to quickly remove it without tools. The machines’ lower engine mounting, 59 per cent larger rear window and bigger top window providing 15 per cent increased viewable area combine to improve operator visibility.
New Caterpillar tech
The new skid steers and CTLs offer the next level of integrating machine and technology. Both standard and advanced monitors provide the ability to run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe. Attachment operation is integrated into the joysticks, and the machine automatically recognizes the type of attachment and the required joystick pattern for controlling it.
Available Cat Product Link Elite tracks machine hours, location, and asset utilization, provides fault code details, and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health with data remotely accessible via VisionLink.
Additionally, Product Link Elite provides Remote Flash and Remote Troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.
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