Compacttrack loaders (CTLs) are one of the most commonly used pieces of construction equipment. Similar to skid steers, they are capable of lifting, digging, moving, grading, and much more. And, when equipped with the right compact track loader attachments, they become one of the most versatile machines, which is why there are several compact track loader brands.
Tracked skid steers, like their wheeled counterparts, have a variety of sizes and specifications, which can make it difficult for contractors to find the best one for their project. This guide provides a complete overview of compact track loaders and their sizes and dimensions. We've broken down models by their brand and have included the specifications that matter the most including rated operating capacity (ROC), operating weight, engine power, lift height to the pin, length, and width.
ASV's compact track loaders provide a wide variety of model sizes and options. With two of the smallest models, the ASV RT-25 and RT-40 are the only CTLs with ROCs under 1,000 pounds, while also making the RT-135 which has an ROC over 4,000 pounds. This makes them the best option for small, confined projects with limited space, as well as large-scale projects. The high-output, heavy-duty, and forestry models provide more power, stability, and lifting power for more demanding projects.
Well known for their skid steers, Bobcat also makes a wide variety of compact track loaders. With ROCs ranging from 1,490 pounds to 3,800 pounds, Bobcat's CTLs don't have the same variety as other brands like ASV but are very reliant and can be used on small, medium, and large-scale projects.
The CASE B-series of machines offers a re-imagined operator interface to simplify operation and put more control in the hands of the driver. Their selection of models has industry-leading lift heights to go along with excellent ROC, making them machines capable of any type of material handling, loading, or earthmoving project. With great cab visibility and horsepower, CASE compact track loaders have the strength and performance to handle any job you can imagine. They have both radial and vertical lift path machines as denoted by the "R" and "V" in the model name.
One of the most popular and recognizable brands in construction, CAT equipment is always high-performing and reliable. CAT compact track loaders are designed to maximize their useful life and are great for use in landscaping, road work, agriculture, or general construction. If you're looking for the highest capacity loader you can find, CAT is the way to go, as their 299D3 XE Land Management provides the best ROC on the market while weighing 4,000 lbs less than the heaviest models from CASE and New Holland.
Although they are new to the compact track loader world, Develon has been manufacturing and supplying construction equipment for years. Previously known as Doosan, Develon decided to enter the CTL market in North America with the DTL35. With 116 horsepower, the DTL35 can be used for excavating and heavy-duty grading. The "TL" in the name stands for tracked loader.
With the same parent company as Manitou, GEHL and Manitou models have machines with similar performance but different model names. GEHL has multiple smaller models with five having ROCs between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds, and only one model classifying as a large-framed loader. They have both radial and vertical lift machines as marked by the "R" and "V" in the model name, respectively, depending if you need a machine for earthmoving or for lifting loads.
Similar to Develon, Hyundai only recently joined the compact track loader market with the HT100V. As the only CTL in their portfolio, the HT100V is a medium-sized track loader with a vertical lift path, as denoted by the "V". The machines are built on the same chassis as their HS120V skid steer, but with more technology to protect the undercarriage from damage.
JCB compact track loaders have exceptional visibility and engines that require very little maintenance. Although their selection of machines is not that big, they have three large-sized machines, making them great choices for heavy-duty projects. They're also the only brand that has a teleskid, a cross between a telehandler and compact track loader, with both the 2TS-7T and 3TS-8T. This gives it more reach and versatility because of the telescopic functionality and the highest-reaching compact track loaders on the market.
John Deere is the only brand with exclusively vertical-lift compact track loaders, at least for brands that have multiple models. Providing medium and large-framed loaders that have rated operating capacities of up to 3,700 lbs, these machines are designed to work comfortably in tight spaces. John Deere also manufactures over 100 attachments for CTLs and skid steers so you can adapt your loader to perform a wide array of tasks without worrying about attachment compatibility.
Kato, most known for their excavators, also has a compact track loader in their product portfolio. The CL35 is a small to medium-sized loader with standard specifications of its size including a lift height of 119 inches and 62 horsepower.
While they have fewer models than other brands featured in this guide, Kubota is one of the most popular CTL brands in North America. With ROCs ranging from 2,100 pounds to 3,200 pounds, they fit well within the industry standards for their size. Their equipment is practical, versatile, and maneuverable, making them adaptable to any environment. The numbers in the model name denote the horsepower and generation of the models, respectively. All of their models have vertical lift paths.
With a range of small and medium-framed machines covering both radial and vertical lifts, as denoted by the "R" and "T" in the machine's name, Manitou compact track loaders offer a compact design that's great for both construction and agriculture. Manitou CTLs are also compatible with a variety of compact track loader attachments that can be switched out within minutes to support all sorts of applications. Manitou's one drawback is that, along with GEHL, they only have machines with ROCs up to 3,200 pounds while many other brands have up to 4,000 pounds.
New Holland has a wide range of CTL models suitable for all types of projects. With ROCs ranging from 1,890 pounds up to an industry-leading 4,340 pounds, they provide models for light residential work to heavy-duty material lifting and loading. The only difference between the New Holland C362 and CAT's 299D3 Land Management model is that CAT's machine can lift the same weight with a lighter operating weight, making it better for softer terrains.
Credited with building the world's first compact track loader in 1986, Takeuchi has a few loaders with both radial and vertical-lift technology as highlighted by the "R" and "V" in the model name. With their largest model, the Takeuchi 12V2, they are one of the few brands with a machine exceeding an ROC of 4,000 pounds. Overall, Takeuchi provides excellent tracked skid steer options across any weight, capacity, or engine power.
Wacker Neuson compact track loaders are a small but mighty band of machines. With ROCs ranging from 1,890 pounds to 3,500 pounds, their tracked loaders feature comfortable cabs, excellent visibility, and best-in-class service accessibility and are also designed to reduce ground pressure and disruption to the work area.
Experts in compact equipment, Yanmar noticed the rise of compact track loaders over skid steers and started to compete with the other big brands. Yanmar has one CTL currently on the market with the TL100VS, a vertical lift, large-frame machine. They also have three models that they say are releasing soon, the TL65RS, TL75VS, and TL80VS, of which the first is a radial lift loader and the last two are vertical lift loaders. Because they are yet to be released, some specs are missing.
Similar to Kato, Develon, and Hyundai, XCMG only has one compact track loader model. However, with an ROC of just under 3,000 pounds and 72 horsepower, it is great for medium-sized projects that require both strength and lift capacity. The XCMG XC7-12 has a vertical lift path making it great for loading and unloading.
The most common and important tracked skid steer specifications for contractors to know are ROC, operating weight, engine horsepower, lift height, length, width, and type of lift path. Another specification to factor in could be whether the machine has high-flow or standard-flow hydraulics as this will affect the kinds of attachments used on the machine.
The rated operating capacity (ROC) of a compact track loader is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency. It indicates the maximum load the machine can handle without risking tipping or loss of control, which helps prevent accidents and equipment damage. Knowing the ROC allows operators to select the appropriate loader for specific tasks, optimizing performance and productivity. Additionally, adhering to the listed ROC extends the lifespan of the loader by preventing overloading and associated wear and tear.
The ROC is typically calculated as 35% of the "tipping load", which is the amount the machine can safely carry without tipping. Rated operating capacities on compact track loaders range from 665 lbs to 4,340 lbs and are correlated to the operating weight of the machine.
The operating weight of a compact track loader is important because it affects the machine's stability, ground pressure, and transportability. A higher operating weight generally provides better stability and traction, especially on uneven or soft surfaces, enhancing the loader's performance in various conditions. A heavier machine may exert more pressure on the ground, potentially causing damage to delicate surfaces. Additionally, knowing the operating weight is crucial for ensuring the loader can be safely transported on trailers and other vehicles without exceeding weight limits.
Engine power, or horsepower, is important for renters or purchases of compact track loaders to know as it directly influences the machine's performance and efficiency. Higher engine power allows the loader to handle more demanding tasks, such as lifting heavier loads, operating larger attachments, and working in tougher conditions. It also impacts the loader's speed, both in terms of travel and the operation of hydraulic systems. Adequate engine power ensures that the loader can maintain consistent performance and productivity throughout various tasks.
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