Caterpillar Announces Upgraded Next-Generation Skid Steers

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Cat’s next-generation wheel skid-steer loaders include a new closed-center auxiliary hydraulic system that lets them operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the loaders’ standard hydraulics. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

Caterpillar has unveiled a new generation of skid steers that offers power, lift, cab, and technology upgrades over existing D3-series models. The eight-model lineup includes four wheeled skid steers and four compact track loaders (CTLs). All the new models feature a complete redesign with increases in engine torque, lift heights, breakout forces, and rated operating capacities (ROC).

The next-generation wheel models all have model numbers ending in “0,” while the track models have model numbers ending in “5.” All models have a vertical lift design. Read on to learn more about the new 250, 260, 270 and 270XE wheel skid steers, and check out our separate post about the new CTLs.

Engine Upgrades

The 250 and 260 are powered by Cat C2.8T turbo engines rated for 74 horsepower (55 kilowatts). The 270 and 270XE have Cat C3.6TA (turbo-after cooled) power plants rated for 111 HP (82 kW) and 134 HP (100 kW), respectively. Cat says the engines maintain horsepower across a broader range of engine speeds and provide major boosts in torque, to the tune of 13% for the 250 and 260 (221 pounds-foot; 300 newton-meters) and 35% for the 270 (370 lbf-ft; 501 N-m). The 270XE’s engine is rated for 406 lbf-ft (551 Nm) of torque.

Cat says placing the engine and cooling package lower in the frame improved machine stability and operator visibility. A 59% larger rear window and a 15% larger top window increased visibility.

Better Performance

Operators will notice impressive performance gains in the new models. The 250 adds 3 inches (76.2 millimeters) of lift height (124 in.; 3,150 mm) and 36%, 26%, and 21% increases in tilt, lift breakout force, and ROC, respectively, compared to the Cat 242D3. The 260 adds 7 in. (178 mm) of lift height (132 in.; 3,353 mm) and 27%, 24%, and 17% gains over the Cat 262D3.

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Buyers can equip the 250, 260, and 270 with a High Flow XPS factory option that increases the auxiliary hydraulic system pressure. (Photo courtesy of Caterpillar.)

The 270 and 270XE boast 6.4 in. (162 mm) more lift height and 11% and 5% bumps in tilt and lift breakout force compared to the Cat 272D3. ROC (at 50% with counterweight) across the four models ranges from 2,916 to 4,372 pounds (1,323 to 1,983 kilograms).

A Roomier Cab

Caterpillar made several cab improvements to its skid steers designed to make operators more comfortable and productive. These include lower entry points for easier entry and exit and a new auto-temperature control and HVAC system that cools the interior more quickly. There are also new mechanical and air-ride seat suspension options.

Overall, the next-gen skid steers’ cabs have 22% more volume and 26% more foot space thanks to nearly 3 in. (76.2 mm) of added interior width and a 1.8-in. (46-mm) increase in footwell-to-ceiling height. The result is more hip room and width between the machines’ new advanced control joysticks.

Tech Advances

The skid steers include a 5-in. standard monitor, but buyers can opt for an 8-in. advanced touchscreen monitor. Joystick integration lets operators control all machine functions and make adjustments without removing their hands from the controls. Both monitors can run Cat Smart Attachments, which automatically adapts the skid steer to the attachment. Operators can handle attachment operations using only the joysticks.

Where To Find Skid Steers For Rent Or Lease

Explore RentalYard.com and use the site's filters to find the best wheel skid steers for rent or lease near you.

Source: Caterpillar