Bobcat T64 vs Cat 239D3
Quick take: The Cat 239D3 costs $4,000 less; the Bobcat T64 has a higher rated operating capacity (2,300 vs 1,530 lbs); the Bobcat T64 has more engine power (68 vs 66 hp).
| Spec | Bobcat T64 | Cat 239D3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $62,000 | $58,000 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (380) | 4.4★ (360) |
| Type | Compact Track Loader | Compact Track Loader |
| Lift Path | Vertical Lift | Radial Lift |
| ROC | 2300 lbs | 1530 lbs |
| Engine HP | 68 hp | 66 hp |
| Operating Weight | 8727 lbs | 8035 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 6571 lbs | 4370 lbs |
| Lift Height | 120 in | 115 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 17.6 GPM | 17.1 GPM |
| Engine | Bobcat (Doosan) D24 | Cat C2.2T |
| Tracks | Yes | Yes |
| Vertical lift | Yes | No |
| High-flow | Yes | No |
| Enclosed cab | Yes | Yes |
| Two-speed | Yes | Yes |
| Self-leveling | Yes | Yes |
| A/C & heat | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 yr / 2000 hr | 1 yr / 1000 hr |
Pros & cons
Bobcat T64
- ✓The rubber-track undercarriage lets the T64 float over wet lawns and muddy sites that would rut with a wheeled machine, which turf and landscape crews say is the whole reason they bought it.
- ✓It's light enough that most operators can legally trailer it behind a 3/4-ton pickup, unlike the heavier T76, which owners call a genuine day-to-day convenience.
- ✓The 5-link torsion suspension gives a notably smoother ride over roots and rubble than the rigid undercarriages on some competitors, reducing operator fatigue.
- ✓Ground pressure around 5.7 psi means minimal turf damage, so operators doing sod and finish grading report far fewer callbacks to fix ruts.
- ✓The vertical lift geometry makes truck-loading and pallet-stacking easy for a small CTL, an advantage over radial-lift machines its size.
- ✓Bobcat's dealer support and parts availability are unmatched, so owners rarely wait long for track sets, rollers, or scheduled service parts.
- ✓Attachment resale and the huge installed base of Bob-Tach tools mean it's easy to rent or buy implements almost anywhere in the country.
- ✓Operators like the tight turning and compact size for tree work and backyard access where a bigger CTL simply can't maneuver.
- ✗Tracks and undercarriage wear are the big recurring cost — owners report $2,000-plus for a track set, and rollers and idlers add up fast on abrasive ground.
- ✗The 68 hp / 2,300 lb rating leaves it underpowered for heavier dirt work, and several buyers wished they'd gone to the T76 after outgrowing it quickly.
- ✗Standard 17.6 GPM hydraulic flow is marginal for hungry attachments, essentially forcing the high-flow upgrade for mulchers or planers.
- ✗Bobcat parts and dealer service rates run high, and forum users complain the proprietary ecosystem keeps ongoing ownership costs elevated.
- ✗Tracks make it slower and less efficient on hard pavement, and owners note accelerated wear if used mostly on concrete or asphalt.
- ✗The smaller frame can feel tippy at full lift with heavy pallets, and operators say you have to respect the load charts.
- ✗Fine-grading with tracks takes practice — some operators find the T64 pushes material unevenly compared to a dedicated grading setup.
- ✗Cold-weather track de-icing and mud packing in the undercarriage are recurring maintenance headaches owners mention in winter climates.
Cat 239D3
- ✓The fully-suspended undercarriage gives a smooth ride and excellent flotation, and owners say it's gentle on lawns for turf and finish work.
- ✓Its small footprint lets it work in tight backyards and through gates that bigger CTLs can't reach, which landscapers specifically buy it for.
- ✓Cat's sealed, pressurized cab keeps dust and noise out better than most competitors, making long days more bearable for operators.
- ✓Radial lift delivers strong breakout and digging force down low, so it excels at trenching, grading, and dozing tasks.
- ✓The rubber-track suspension design is known for low maintenance and long track life when kept off abrasive surfaces, per owner reports.
- ✓Cat's dealer network means fast parts and service, and rental-fleet owners like the strong resale and financing options.
- ✓Two-speed travel comes standard, so ground-to-ground moves are quicker than on the wheeled 226D3, which operators appreciate.
- ✓The intuitive controls and clear display make it approachable for newer operators and rental customers with minimal training.
- ✗At 1,530 lb capacity it's one of the smaller CTLs available, and contractors routinely say they outgrew it and should have bought bigger.
- ✗The low standard hydraulic flow limits attachment options, so mulchers and other hungry tools are essentially off the table.
- ✗Cat parts and undercarriage components are expensive, and track replacement on a Cat runs higher than many rivals.
- ✗Radial lift compromises dump height and reach, making it awkward to load high-sided trucks compared to vertical-lift CTLs.
- ✗The small C2.2T engine feels underpowered when pushing heavy material, and owners note slower cycle times under load.
- ✗Some operators find the suspended undercarriage less stable than a rigid frame when lifting heavy loads at full height.
- ✗New-machine pricing is high for the modest capacity, reflecting the Cat premium more than raw performance.
- ✗The 1-year base warranty is short compared to Bobcat's 2-year coverage, which value-focused buyers notice.