Cat expands next-generation CTL and SSL lineup with eight new models

When the engineers at Caterpillar were tasked with improving its line of compact track loaders and skid-steer loaders, they were invited to rethink the machines from scratch to produce the performance that customers were looking for.

"They said, ‘We want more' and these machines provide that," said Trevor Chase, senior product consultant and new product introduction lead for Caterpillar.

Increased lift height, enhanced power and torque, expanded capabilities, and more comfort were the practical challenges presented. So the engineering team redesigned the engine compartment, the hydraulic systems, and the cabs from the ground up. The new machines deliver more torque, higher lift height, and a safer and more comfortable cab. The line now includes the largest CTLs ever produced by the company. 

"We started with the targets and then engineered to get them," Chase said at the launch of the new machines at the Caterpillar Demonstration & Learning Centre in Edwards, Illinois. 

Cat's new CTL and SSL lineup includes its largest CTLs ever

Eight new next generation Cat skid-steer and compact track loaders join the 255 and 265 CTLs announced in late 2023. Four new Cat SSLs — the Cat 250, 260, 270, and 270 XE — are the first SSLs to join the next-generation lineup. Meanwhile, the new Cat 275, 275 XE, 285, and 285 XE CTLs include the largest CTLs ever produced by Caterpillar. The 285 and 285 XE compete in a new class size with 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 Chase. "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."

Cat redesigns the engine compartment

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 and the 270 and 270 XE SSLs are powered by the Cat C3.6TA engine, while the 250 and 260 SSLs are powered by the Cat C2.8T engine. These new engines maintain horsepower across a wider RPM range, compared to the engines powering the D3 series SSLs and CTLs, and boast significant torque increases — 13 percent for the 250 and 260, 35 percent for the 270, and 50 percent for the 275 and 285 — for improved working performance. 
 
With a vertical lift design, these new machines give operators significant increases in lift height, breakout forces, and ROC to elevate loader flexibility and performance. 

• The Cat 250 features a lift height of 124 inches (3,150 mm), 3 inches (76.2 mm) more than the 242D3, a 36 percent increase in tilt and 26 percent increase in lift breakout forces, and 21 percent increase in ROC. 
• Offering a maximum lift height of 132 inches (3,353 mm), the 260 has 7 inches (193 mm) more lift height than the 262D3 and 27 percent increase in tilt and 24 percent increase in lift breakout forces, and a 17 percent increase in ROC.
• With 6.4 inches (162 mm) more lift height than the 272D3, the 270 and 270 XE deliver a maximum lift height of 133.5 inches (3,391 mm) plus 11 percent and 5 percent increases in tilt and lift breakout forces, respectively
• The 275 and 275 XE CTLs have a lift height of 134.4 inches (3,415 mm), 8 inches (203.2 mm) higher than the 299D3, plus a 37 percent increase in tilt breakout force and 19 percent 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 inches (3,708 mm) and tilt breakout force of 13,920 pounds (6,314 kg). The 285 has an ROC of 4,719 pounds (2,141 kg) with counterweight while the 285 XE has an ROC of 4,816 pounds (2,185 kg) with counterweight. 

Cat CTLs and SSLs feature all-new hydraulic systems

A new closed-centre auxiliary hydraulic system allows these machines to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard hydraulics provided. Standard hydraulic system pressure increases 5 percent to 3,500 psi (24,130 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 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.  

The available High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi (28,000 kPa) for the 250, 260, 270, 275, and 285 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 (31,000 kPa) and hydraulic flow to 40 gal/min (150 l/min).  

Cat's new CTLs feature a dozer-style undercarriage 

The four next-generation CTL models feature a new dozer-style E-bar (equalizer bar) undercarriage that provides increased stability for grading and handling heavier loads. The hybrid undercarriage solution 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. 

All next-generation Cat SSLs and CTLs feature a larger cab design with 22 percent more overall volume and 26 percent additional foot space. With a 2.75-inch (70-mm) increase in interior width, the new cab expands footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 inches (46 mm) and allows for an additional 1.5 inches (40 mm) of hip room and 1.1 inches (28 mm) more width between the joysticks to improve operator comfort.  

These new loaders are equipped with either a 5-inch (127-mm) standard LCD monitor or an 8-inch (203-mm) advanced touchscreen monitor, depending on the selected technology package. The standard monitor features Bluetooth connectivity and supports functionality for rear-view 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. Control of the touchscreen monitor is integrated into the new advanced joysticks, 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, 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.  

Low entry points make entering and exiting these loaders much easier. 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 the door without tools. The machines' lower engine mounting, 59 percent larger rear window, and bigger top window providing 15 percent increased viewable area combine to improve operator visibility. 

Cat Smart Attachments integrates attachment operation into the joystick 

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.  
 
The optional 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. Product Link Elite also provides Remote Flash and Remote Troubleshooting and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.