Caterpillar has introduced eight, new next generation Cat Skid Steer Loader (SSL) and Compact Track Loader (CTL) models. Four new Cat SSLs – the Cat 250, 260, 270, and 270 XE – mark the introduction of the next generation design to the SSL line. Meanwhile, the new Cat 275, 275 XE, 285 and 285 XE mark the expansion of the next generation design for the CTL line, joining the 255 and 265 announced in late 2023.

The largest CTLs ever produced by Caterpillar, the new Cat 285 and 285 XE compete in a new class size with greater lift height and lift and tilt breakout forces.

Maintaining the DNA of what made the Cat D3 series a leader, the next generation SSL and CTL models are a ground-up redesign that improves on the features that made the previous series popular. High performance is the standard for these next generation machines, elevating Caterpillar’s loader reputation through upgrades in engine power and torque, lift and tilt breakout forces, stability, operator comfort, and technology.

The new SSL and CTL models carry on Caterpillar’s new machine nomenclature with the elimination of the series letter designation. All next generation Cat SSLs 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.

“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,” comments 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.”

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 throughout all aspects of the work cycles. Meeting U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V emissions standards, the four new CTL models are powered by the Cat C3.6TA engine, while the 250 and 260 SSLs are powered by the Cat C2.8T and the 270 and 270 XE by the Cat 3.6TA. These new engines maintain horsepower across a wider RPM range compared to the previous engines powering the D3 series and boast significant torque increases – 13% for the 250 and 260, 35% for the 270, and 50% for the 275 and 285 – for improved working performance.

With a vertical lift design, these new next generation machines feature significant increases in lift height, breakout forces and ROC to elevate loader flexibility and performance.

The Cat 250 features a lift height of 124 in (3150 mm), 3 in (76.2 mm) more than the 242D3, a 36% increase in tilt and 26% increase in lift breakout forces, and 21% increase in ROC.

Offering a maximum lift height of 132 in (3353 mm), the 260 has 7 in (193 mm) more lift height than the 262D3 and 27% increase in tilt and 24% increase in lift breakout forces, and a 17% increase in ROC.

With 6.4 in (162 mm) more lift height than the 272D3, the 270 and 270 XE deliver a maximum lift height of 133.5 in (3391 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 (3415 mm), 8 in (203.2 mm) higher than the 299D3, plus a 37% increase in tilt breakout force and 19% increase in ROC.

Expanding the Cat SSL and CTL line into the biggest size class, the 285 and the 285 XE deliver a lift height of 146 in (3708 mm) and tilt breakout force of 13,920 lbs (6314 kg). The 285 has an ROC of 4,719 lbs (2141 kg) with counterweight while the 285 XE has an ROC of 4,816 lbs (2185 kg) with counterweight.

Their new closed-center auxiliary hydraulic system allows these machines to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard hydraulics provided. Standard hydraulic system pressure increases 5% to 3,500 psi (24130 kPa) 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 30 gal/min (113 l/min) for the 250, 260, and 270 models and 34 gal/min (129 l/min) 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 (28000 kPa) for the 250, 260, 270, 275 and 285 next generation models. Along with this, hydraulic flow is increased to 30 gal/min (113 l/min) on the 250, while flow increases to 34 gal/min (129 l/min) 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 (31000 kPa) and hydraulic flow to 40 gal/min (150 l/min).

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 heritage and leadership 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% more overall volume and 26% additional foot space. With a 2.75-in (70-mm) increase in interior width, the new cab expands footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 in (46 mm) and allows for an additional 1.5 in (40 mm) of hip room and 1.1 in (28 mm) more width between the joysticks to improve operator comfort.

Next generation loaders are equipped with either a 5-in (127-mm) standard LCD monitor or an 8-in (203-mm) 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, maintenance reminders and 32 languages. 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.

A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available for these next generation machines, 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 quickly cool the cab’s interior.

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

Technology advancements

These new SSLs 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.