Cat 239D3 vs Cat 262D3
Quick take: The Cat 239D3 costs $5,000 less; the Cat 262D3 has a higher rated operating capacity (2,700 vs 1,530 lbs); the Cat 262D3 has more engine power (74 vs 66 hp).
| Spec | Cat 239D3 | Cat 262D3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $58,000 | $63,000 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (360) | 4.5★ (420) |
| Type | Compact Track Loader | Wheeled Skid Steer |
| Lift Path | Radial Lift | Vertical Lift |
| ROC | 1530 lbs | 2700 lbs |
| Engine HP | 66 hp | 74 hp |
| Operating Weight | 8035 lbs | 8296 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 4370 lbs | 5400 lbs |
| Lift Height | 115 in | 125 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 17.1 GPM | 23 GPM |
| Engine | Cat C2.2T | Cat C3.3B |
| Tracks | Yes | No |
| Vertical lift | No | Yes |
| High-flow | No | Yes |
| Enclosed cab | Yes | Yes |
| Two-speed | Yes | Yes |
| Self-leveling | Yes | Yes |
| A/C & heat | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 yr / 1000 hr | 1 yr / 1000 hr |
Pros & cons
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.
Cat 262D3
- ✓Cat's sealed, pressurized cab is widely considered the quietest and most comfortable in the class, and operators single it out for reducing fatigue on long days.
- ✓The vertical lift path and 125-inch hinge-pin height make truck-loading and pallet-handling easy, competitive with the best in the medium frame.
- ✓The C3.3B engine has an excellent reliability reputation, and owners report it pulls strongly and sips fuel for a 74 hp unit.
- ✓Cat's advanced display, ride control, and optional Smart Attachments make the machine approachable and productive for operators of all skill levels.
- ✓The XPS high-flow option (32 GPM) opens up mulchers and planers, giving strong attachment versatility for a wheeled machine.
- ✓Cat's global dealer network delivers fast parts, service, and financing, which fleet owners rely on for maximum uptime.
- ✓Resale value is strong thanks to the Cat brand and the 262's popularity in rental fleets, protecting owners at trade-in.
- ✓Build quality and durability are consistently praised, with owners reporting high-hour machines that hold up well.
- ✗Cat parts and dealer labor are among the most expensive in the industry, and owners feel maintenance costs run high over the machine's life.
- ✗The 1-year base warranty is shorter than Bobcat and Kubota's 2-year coverage, which value-focused buyers notice.
- ✗New pricing carries a clear Cat premium, and some contractors feel spec-for-spec you pay more for the badge and dealer network.
- ✗The DPF emissions system draws occasional complaints during heavy idling and light-duty cycles that interrupt work for regen.
- ✗At 74 hp some heavy operators wish for more power and eye the larger 272D3 for serious production work.
- ✗Standard flow is adequate but the high-flow XPS package is a pricey add for those needing hungry attachments.
- ✗The comfortable, feature-rich cab adds weight and cost, and a well-equipped 262D3 gets expensive quickly.
- ✗Some operators find the electronic throttle and controls take acclimation compared to simpler machines.