Cat 239D3 vs Kubota SVL65-2
Quick take: The Kubota SVL65-2 costs $2,000 less; the Kubota SVL65-2 has a higher rated operating capacity (2,100 vs 1,530 lbs); the Kubota SVL65-2 has more engine power (68 vs 66 hp).
| Spec | Cat 239D3 | Kubota SVL65-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $58,000 | $56,000 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (360) | 4.5★ (380) |
| Type | Compact Track Loader | Compact Track Loader |
| Lift Path | Radial Lift | Vertical Lift |
| ROC | 1530 lbs | 2100 lbs |
| Engine HP | 66 hp | 68 hp |
| Operating Weight | 8035 lbs | 8069 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 4370 lbs | 6000 lbs |
| Lift Height | 115 in | 118 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 17.1 GPM | 17.4 GPM |
| Engine | Cat C2.2T | Kubota V2607-CR-TE4 |
| Tracks | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | 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.
Kubota SVL65-2
- ✓At around 8,000 lb the SVL65-2 tows comfortably behind a 3/4-ton pickup on a 10k trailer, which owner-operators call the single biggest reason they chose it over the SVL75.
- ✓Kubota builds its own V2607 engine, and owners report the same trouble-free reliability that made the bigger SVL75 the best-selling CTL in America.
- ✓Vertical lift with a 118.5-inch hinge-pin height is rare in this size class, so it loads dump trailers and stacks pallets that radial-lift competitors its size can't reach.
- ✓Self-leveling comes standard rather than as a paid option, which fork users appreciate when moving pallets on uneven ground.
- ✓The advanced multifunction valve runs aux hydraulics, boom, and bucket simultaneously without stalling, giving it smooth attachment manners for a small machine.
- ✓The 27 GPM high-flow option is generous for the size, letting it run power rakes and cold planers that surprise operators of a sub-70-hp machine.
- ✓Kubota's tractor dealer network means parts and service are available in nearly every rural county, a real advantage over thinner construction-only brands.
- ✓Resale is strong because small, clean SVLs are in constant demand from landscapers and homeowners, protecting the purchase price.
- ✗The 2,100 lb rated capacity runs out quickly with heavy attachments or wet material, and several owners admit they outgrew it and moved up to the SVL75 within a couple of seasons.
- ✗The 17.4 GPM standard flow is modest, so demanding attachments really want the high-flow model, which adds cost.
- ✗The sliding front door, while convenient, draws mixed reviews for seal durability and dust intrusion over time.
- ✗The DPF emissions system requires regen cycles that draw complaints during light-duty idling, common to the whole class.
- ✗Cab space is tighter than the SVL75-3, and larger operators find the smaller frame noticeably snugger over a full day.
- ✗The attachment ecosystem is smaller than Bobcat's, so sourcing used implements locally can take more hunting in some markets.
- ✗Ride quality over rough ground trails suspended-undercarriage competitors since the rigid undercarriage transmits more bumps at speed.
- ✗Kubota dealer inventory for the smaller SVL can be thin during spring demand, and buyers report waiting for popular configurations.