Caterpillar Expands Family of Next-Gen Compact Track Loaders and Skid Steers

December 1, 2024

Matt Wolfe

Caterpillar has released a cavalcade of new compact track loaders and skid steer loaders. The new CTL models include the 275, 275 XE, 285 and 285 XE. These models join the lineup alongside the 255 and 265, which were introduced last year (www.sae.org/news/2024/02/cat-compact-loaders). The 285 and 285 XE are the largest CTLs Caterpillar has ever produced and reportedly feature greater lift height and lift and tilt breakout forces.

“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.”

The new skid steers – the Cat 250, 260, 270 and 270 XE – mark the introduction of Caterpillar’s next-generation design to the SSL line. Both the new SSL and CTL models are a ground-up redesign that builds on the features of the previous models.

Packing power

All next-generation skid steer and compact track loader models feature a redesigned engine compartment. One of the major updates is the repositioning of the engine and cooling system lower in the frame for improved stability.

The new compact track loaders are powered by Cat’s C3.6TA engine, which meets EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V emissions standards. The 250 and 260 SSLs are powered by the Cat C2.8T, while the 270 and 270 XE are also powered by the 3.6TA. Cat claims that these new engines maintain higher output across the powerband compared to the previous engines that powered the D3 series while also offering increases in peak torque.

Cat claims a 13% improvement in torque for the 250 and 260, 35% for the 270, and 50% for the 275 and 285. Max output for the C3.6TA is 134 hp (100 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) at 1500 rpm. The C2.8T has a max rating of 74 hp (55 kW) and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) at 1360 rpm.

Take me higher

One of the attributes that Caterpillar is touting for the new models is the vertical lift design that translates to significant increases in lift height, breakout forces and ROC. The Cat 250 features a lift height of 124 in (3,150 mm), 3 in (76 mm) more than the previous 242D3, a 36% increase in tilt and 26% increase in lift breakout forces, and a 21% increase in ROC.

The 260’s max lift height is now 132 in (3,353 mm), a 7-inch (193-mm) increase compared to the 262D3. The 260 also sees a 27% increase in tilt, a 24% increase in lift breakout forces and a 17% increase in ROC.

The 270 and 270 XE deliver an additional 6.4 in (162 mm) of lift for a maximum height of 133.5 in (3,391 mm) plus 11% and 5% increases in tilt and lift breakout forces, respectively. The 275 and 275 XE CTLs have a lift height of 134.4 in (3,415 mm), 8 in (203 mm) higher than the previous 299D3, plus a 37% increase in tilt breakout force and 19% increase in ROC.

The largest units in the family, the 285 and 285 XE, offer a lift height of 146 in (3,708 mm) and tilt breakout force of 13,920 lb (6,314 kg). The 285 has an ROC of 4,719 lb (2,141 kg) with counterweight while the 285 XE has an ROC of 4,816 lb (2,185 kg) with counterweight.

Hustle and flow

Cat’s optional high-flow XPS hydraulic system is available on all next-generation CTL and SSL models. The system increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi (28 MPa) and bumps hydraulic flow to 30 gal/min (113 L/min) on the 250 and 34 gal/min (129 L/min) for the 260, 270, 275 and 285 models. The XPS option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,496 psi (31 MPa) and hydraulic flow to 40 gal/min (150 L/min) on the 270 XE, 275 XE and 285 XE models.

Cat claims that equipping the 250 with the XPS option provides auxiliary hydraulic performance not available before in a mid-size SSL. High-flow functionality is activated on these machines via a software-enabled attachment that permits on-machine or remote activation of increased hydraulic flow.

The standard hydraulic system on the 250, 260, 270 and 275 sees pressure increases of 5% to 3,500 psi (24.1 MPa). The new closed-center auxiliary hydraulic system allows these machines to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard hydraulics package.

Comfort and capability

All of Cat’s new compact track loaders feature a new E-bar (equalizer bar) undercarriage that reportedly provides increased stability for grading and handling heavier loads. Cat claims that the E-bar undercarriage provides 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.

The new SSLs and CTLs also feature a larger cab with 22% more overall volume and 26% additional foot space. A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available including a high-comfort seat that is both ventilated and heated. New auto temperature control plus vent outlet positioning above the operator help the new HVAC system to cool the cab’s interior.

Operators 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% larger rear window and bigger top window providing 15% increased viewable area combine to improve operator visibility.

---