Cat 259D3 vs Case TR340B
Quick take: The Cat 259D3 costs $2,000 less; the Case TR340B has a higher rated operating capacity (3,400 vs 2,000 lbs); the Case TR340B has more engine power (90 vs 74 hp).
| Spec | Cat 259D3 | Case TR340B |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $72,000 | $74,000 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (540) | 4.4★ (280) |
| Type | Compact Track Loader | Compact Track Loader |
| Lift Path | Vertical Lift | Radial Lift |
| ROC | 2000 lbs | 3400 lbs |
| Engine HP | 74 hp | 90 hp |
| Operating Weight | 8987 lbs | 10000 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 5800 lbs | 6800 lbs |
| Lift Height | 122 in | 127 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 23 GPM | 24.2 GPM |
| Engine | Cat C3.3B | FPT |
| Tracks | Yes | Yes |
| Vertical lift | Yes | No |
| High-flow | Yes | 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 259D3
- ✓The 259D3 pairs a smooth suspended undercarriage with Cat's quiet sealed cab, and operators consistently rate it among the most comfortable CTLs to run all day.
- ✓Vertical lift geometry gives excellent dump height and reach for loading high-sided trucks, a clear advantage over radial-lift CTLs its size.
- ✓The C3.3B engine is a proven, reliable powerplant, and owners report strong pushing power and good fuel economy for the class.
- ✓Cat's dealer network provides fast parts, tracks, and service, and the 259D3's popularity means implements and used units are everywhere.
- ✓The XPS high-flow option (32 GPM) lets it run mulchers and planers, giving it real versatility for landscaping and site prep.
- ✓Ride control and the intuitive display make it productive and easy to operate, which rental customers and newer operators appreciate.
- ✓It holds resale value exceptionally well — the 259D3 is one of the most in-demand used CTLs, protecting owners at trade-in.
- ✓The suspended undercarriage is known for a smooth ride and good track life when kept off abrasive surfaces, per owner reports.
- ✗Cat parts and undercarriage components are pricey, and track replacement runs higher than many competitors, adding to ownership cost.
- ✗The 1-year base warranty trails Bobcat and Kubota's 2-year coverage, which value shoppers weigh against the higher price.
- ✗New pricing carries a steep Cat premium, and some buyers feel the capacity-to-price ratio favors Kubota or Case.
- ✗The DPF regen cycle draws complaints during heavy idling and light-duty work that pauses production.
- ✗At 2,000 lb rated capacity (35%) it's not the strongest lifter in the medium class, and heavy operators eye the 289D3 or 299D3.
- ✗The feature-rich cab adds weight and cost, and a fully-equipped 259D3 gets expensive fast.
- ✗Some operators find the electronic controls and throttle response take time to adjust to versus simpler machines.
- ✗Mud and debris packing in the suspended undercarriage requires regular cleaning to protect components and track life.
Case TR340B
- ✓The TR340B is Case's most powerful radial CTL, and operators doing heavy dirt work praise its 8,700 lb bucket breakout force for digging and dozing.
- ✓The 3,400 lb rated capacity and 90 hp give it serious muscle for grading, backfilling, and moving heavy material efficiently.
- ✓Radial lift geometry keeps the load close for excellent digging and grading control down low, which earthmoving crews specifically value.
- ✓Case cabs are roomy and comfortable with good visibility, and owners appreciate the low-effort EH controls over long days.
- ✓Case pricing undercuts equivalent Bobcat and Cat CTLs, so value-focused buyers feel they get big-frame capability for less money.
- ✓The 24.2 GPM standard flow (with high-flow available) handles a wide range of attachments without immediately needing the upgrade.
- ✓The two-speed travel and strong tractive effort make it productive on large sites where ground-to-ground moves matter.
- ✓Owners report the FPT engine pulls strongly and the machine feels planted and stable when pushing heavy piles.
- ✗Case's dealer and parts network is thinner than the big three, and owners in some regions report frustrating waits for undercarriage and service parts.
- ✗Radial lift limits dump height and reach at the top, so loading high-sided trucks is awkward compared to the vertical-lift TV450B.
- ✗Track and undercarriage costs are significant, and owners note replacement parts add up, especially on abrasive ground.
- ✗Resale value trails Bobcat and Cat CTLs, so the lower purchase price is partly offset by a bigger depreciation hit.
- ✗Some owners report electronic and sensor issues on FPT-engined machines that can be tricky to diagnose without a good dealer.
- ✗The attachment and used-implement ecosystem isn't as deep as Bobcat's, limiting options in certain markets.
- ✗Fit-and-finish is judged by some operators as a step below Cat and Bobcat refinement.
- ✗Dealer support quality varies widely by region, and owners say the ownership experience depends heavily on the local dealer.