Cat 239D3 vs Gehl RT165
Quick take: The Cat 239D3 costs $1,000 less; the Gehl RT165 has a higher rated operating capacity (1,650 vs 1,530 lbs); the Gehl RT165 has more engine power (70 vs 66 hp).
| Spec | Cat 239D3 | Gehl RT165 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $58,000 | $59,000 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (360) | 4.2★ (120) |
| Type | Compact Track Loader | Compact Track Loader |
| Lift Path | Radial Lift | Radial Lift |
| ROC | 1530 lbs | 1650 lbs |
| Engine HP | 66 hp | 70 hp |
| Operating Weight | 8035 lbs | 8020 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 4370 lbs | 4715 lbs |
| Lift Height | 115 in | 120 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 17.1 GPM | 18.7 GPM |
| Engine | Cat C2.2T | Yanmar 4TNV98C |
| Tracks | Yes | Yes |
| Vertical lift | No | No |
| 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 | 2 yr / 2000 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.
Gehl RT165
- ✓New RT165s routinely sell for several thousand dollars less than comparably-equipped Bobcat and Cat machines, and value is the number one reason owners pick Gehl.
- ✓IdealTrax automatic track tensioning removes the grease-cylinder ritual entirely - the system tensions the tracks when the engine starts, which extends track and bearing life and makes track swaps a 15-minute job.
- ✓The 69.9 hp Yanmar 4TNV98C is naturally aspirated and needs no DEF, so owners get simple, proven Tier 4 compliance without babysitting an SCR system.
- ✓Two-speed drive is standard, and the 10 mph top speed makes long carries across acreage or big pads noticeably faster than single-speed rivals.
- ✓The swing-out rear cooler takes minutes to open and blow clean, a genuinely useful design touch for anyone running in dusty or seedy conditions.
- ✓Four control options - classic Gehl T-bar, hand/foot, dual-hand, and pilot joystick - mean operators trained on any brand's pattern can be productive immediately.
- ✓A 119.6-inch hinge pin height and 91.7-inch dump height let it load full-size dump trucks that shorter small-frame machines can't clear.
- ✓Gehl's standard 2-year/2,000-hour full-machine warranty beats the 1-year coverage that several premium brands still ship with.
- ✗Gehl's dealer network is far thinner than Bobcat, Cat, or Deere, and owners in underserved regions report waiting days for parts that competitors stock on the shelf.
- ✗Resale values trail the major brands noticeably - the discount you get buying new comes back out of your pocket at trade-in time.
- ✗The radial-only lift path gives up reach at full height, so loading over high truck sides takes more finesse than a vertical-lift machine.
- ✗The rigid undercarriage rides rough on frozen or rutted ground compared to ASV's suspended tracks, and operators feel it over a long day.
- ✗Cab fit-and-finish is dated next to Bobcat's R-Series and Cat's D3 machines, with more noise and a plainer interior at a similar cab-equipped price.
- ✗The 30.1 GPM high-flow option is marginal for hungry attachments like mulching heads that really want 35+ GPM.
- ✗Air conditioning, cab enclosure, and self-leveling are all extra-cost options, so a fully-equipped machine narrows the price gap that draws buyers in.
- ✗Manitou Group sells the same machine under its own name, and some buyers worry about long-term Gehl brand support as the company consolidates around Manitou.