Next-gen Cat compact track loaders arrive in Australia

Caterpillar’s all-new compact track loaders, comprising of the 255 and 265, feature ground up redesigns of its predecessor models, and will replace the 259D3, 279D3 and 289D3 models.

The 255 took centre stage at Caterpillar’s stand at the recent Diesel Dirt and Turf expo in Eastern Creek, NSW, where it was officially unveiled to the public.

The new loaders are also the first models in Caterpillar’s compact track loader line to sport its next-gen design and features, offering improved comfort and productivity.

“'Next gen' ties to the Caterpillar family of next generation machines, where the styling, the cab, the display, the joystick and seating have a commonality of look, feel and operation,” said Caterpillar compact track loaders marketing manager, Dante Thomas.

“The next gen is also growth. It reflects the next generation of technology, the next generation of power, performance and comfort that we're proud to introduce in these compact track loaders.”

The next-gen loaders follow a new naming convention where they are identified by the ending model number 5. The simplified nomenclature uses the middle number to represent machine size with larger numbers designating larger machines.

The 255 and 265 loaders are powered by Cat C2.8T and Cat C2.8TA engines respectively, offering 74.3hp. While the power output is the same as the previous range, Caterpillar said the torque has been given a significant boost.

“The torque has increased by 13 per cent on the 255 while on the 265, torque has increased by 43 per cent,” said Caterpillar Technical Expert, Rohan Mills.

“Customers are experiencing it, liking it and loving it as they are getting a lot more performance out of these machines.

“We've also increased the engine horsepower over a wider RPM range which means that you've got more performance in typical working applications.”

A redesigned engine compartment mounts the engine and cooling package lower into the frame for improved stability.

In addition to the power boost, Caterpillar is also promising an increase in lift height, breakout force and rated operator capacity for more productivity.

“The bucket breakout force has gone up by 36 per cent on the 255 versus its predecessor, while lift breakout force has increased by 26 per cent,” Mills said.

“And then from a rated operating capacity perspective, which is 35 per cent of the tipping load of these machines, we've increased that from 910kg up to over 1100kg, which is a 24 per cent increase.”

The lift height for the 265 is 3.35m, 193mm higher than the 289D3, according to Caterpillar; while the 265 also has 19 per cent higher tilt breakout force and 22 per cent higher lift breakout force.

Standard hydraulic system pressure has been increased to 24.1MPa, Caterpillar said. New for these next generation machines, the closed-center auxiliary hydraulic system allows the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments, including the Cat Smart Dozer Blade, with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.

For machines equipped with Standard Flow, both models are shipped from the factory outfitted as 'High Flow ready'. The High Flow functionality is easily activated via a new software enabled attachment (SEA), permitting on-machine or remote activation of increased hydraulic flow to 113l/min at the standard system pressure.

The High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 28MPa for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 113l/min for the 255 and 129l/min for the 265.  The 255 equipped with the High Flow XPS option offers customers class-leading auxiliary hydraulic performance not before available in a mid-size chassis machine, Caterpillar said.

Caterpillar has reengineered the lower machine components that results in a stronger and stiffer undercarriage for improved machine stability and less pitching when filling the bucket with material, Caterpillar said.

“We're making our undercarriage platform a little bit more stable to give us that dynamic stability by changing the way that we retain our front idler and then also stiffening our torsion suspension just a little bit,” Thomas said.

“It gives us the best of both worlds of a better ride and also the ability to carry material better as well. The combination leads to better performance.”

The 255 loader offers a new 320mm bar-tread narrow track option.

“A lot of our operators talk about their preference for a big man cab, and that's what they get when they sit in this new 255 compact track loader,” Mills explained.

“We've increased the width of the cab, the height of the cab, and we've increased the size in areas that really matter.”

Both the Cat 255 and 265 Compact Track Loaders feature a cab that is 22 per cent larger than the models they are replacing, with 26 per cent additional foot space, according to Caterpillar.

With a 70mm increased interior width, the new cab expands footwell-to-ceiling height by 46mm and allows for an additional 40mm of hip room and 28mm more width between the joysticks for improved operator comfort.

A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available for the 255 and 265 loaders, including a high-comfort seat that is both ventilated and heated. New auto temperature control plus vent outlet positioning above the operator helps the new HVAC system to quickly cool the cab’s interior.

Next generation loaders are equipped with either a 5-inch standard LCD monitor or an 8-inch advanced touchscreen monitor, depending on the technology package selected.

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, delivers advanced radio control, and supports the multicamera 270° option and 32 language choices.

The new advanced joysticks provide 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 the next-gen compact track loaders have also been made easier thanks to a low entry point, Caterpillar said. The redesign allows the operator to 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. Visibility is improved via the lower engine mounting, a 59 per cent larger rear window and bigger top window that provides a 15 per cent increase in viewable area, Caterpillar added.

Both the standard and advanced monitors offer the ability to run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe. These attachments are tied into the joysticks, and the machine automatically recognises the type of attachment and the required joystick pattern for controlling it.

The available Cat Product Link Elite system tracks machine hours, location, asset utilisation, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is remotely accessible via VisionLink. In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities and enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.

Caterpillar said the first batch of next-gen compact track loaders are arriving at dealerships soon, and urges those interested to contact their local dealership or visit Caterpillar's website for more information.