Caterpillar has added four Cat skid steer loaders and two Cat compact track loaders to its next-generation upgrades. It also launched its largest CTL: the Cat 285 and 285 XE. Next-gen skid steers include 250, 260, 270, and 270 XE; CTLs include the 275 and 275 XE.
The upgrades follow on the heels of the Cat 255 and 265 CTL updates from last fall and complete the process for this class of loader. They also usher in a new nomenclature for the machines: skid steer model numbers now end in “0,” and CTL model numbers in “5.”
A major design feature of the next gen loaders is its cab.
A larger cab design provides 22% more overall volume and 26% additional foot space. With a 2.75-inch increase in interior width, the new cab expands footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 inches, allows for an additional 1.5 inches of hip room, and 1.1 inches more width between the joysticks.
Next generation loaders have low entry points for easy entering and exiting. 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.