Caterpillar is enhancing its compact equipment roster with a new compact track loader and micro excavator.
The Cat 253 compact track loader is equipped with a redesigned undercarriage. The new 301 CR micro mini excavator can access tight jobsites with a retractable undercarriage machine width to 73 cm and a folding rollover protective structure (ROPS).
A new addition to the OEM’s lineup, the Cat 253 compact track loader builds on the foundation of the 259D3 CTL, providing a blend of power and compact size that fits between the existing 249D3 and a 255.
With similar operational specs as the 259D3, the 253 is equipped with a redesigned undercarriage that features rigid, frame-mounted axles combined with the next generation one-piece undercarriage frame. The undercarriage design enhances traction and stability in varied conditions, with a focused improvement in grading performance. As well, two fixed configuration choices are available, and customers can customize the machine through purpose-built kits, ensuring flexibility without complexity.
The new CTL is powered by an electronically controlled Cat 3.3B turbo diesel engine that meets Tier 4 Final and Stage V emission standards.
The Cat 253 comes standard with 38-cm C-Pattern tracks. The standard flow performance package offers a 75.7 litre per minute flow rate at 3,336 psi. A high flow performance package is available in applicable regions, increasing hydraulic flow to 112 litre per minute while maintaining 3,336 psi.
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The 253 is also built with a one-piece sealed and pressurized cab with adjustable joystick pods to provide a clean and quiet operating environment with excellent attachment visibility for all-day operator comfort.
Standard features such as dual self-level, return-to-dig/attachment positioner and float allow operators to efficiently perform repetitive tasks. Creep and two-speed are standard for speed control.
The new 253 CTL will be commercially available in the second half of 2026 in North America, with expansion into other regions in 2027.
Micro excavator
The Cat 301 CR micro mini excavator replaces the Cat 300.9D in the Caterpillar line up. The new micro excavator features a compact radius design and shares the same engine platform with several other Cat compact models for familiarity and ease of service.
It provides the market with a single configuration that boasts a 1.8-metre dig depth.
The 1-ton platform offers several new features, including seat-mounted pilot controls, higher travel speeds with two-speed, folding rollover protective structure (ROPS), first and second auxiliary hydraulic options, a new gauge cluster and improved stability.
Increasing the 301 CR’s versatility, Caterpillar has introduced a manual coupler and a new A13 auger for the 1-ton platform machine. These items pair with an existing B1 hammer and Caterpillar’s range of trenching and clean-up buckets to deliver excellent flexibility for the operator.
Caterpillar is expected to begin selling the new 301 CR micro mini excavator in early 2027.
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