Cat 259D3 vs Cat 272D3
Quick take: The Cat 259D3 costs $10,000 less; the Cat 272D3 has a higher rated operating capacity (3,650 vs 2,000 lbs); the Cat 272D3 has more engine power (98 vs 74 hp).
| Spec | Cat 259D3 | Cat 272D3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $72,000 | $82,000 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (540) | 4.6★ (380) |
| Type | Compact Track Loader | Wheeled Skid Steer |
| Lift Path | Vertical Lift | Vertical Lift |
| ROC | 2000 lbs | 3650 lbs |
| Engine HP | 74 hp | 98 hp |
| Operating Weight | 8987 lbs | 9133 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 5800 lbs | 6900 lbs |
| Lift Height | 122 in | 133 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 23 GPM | 23 GPM |
| Engine | Cat C3.3B | Cat C3.8 |
| Tracks | Yes | No |
| Vertical lift | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | 1 yr / 1000 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.
Cat 272D3
- ✓At 98 hp and 3,650 lb capacity the 272D3 is Cat's biggest wheeled skid steer, and heavy operators praise its raw power for loading and pushing.
- ✓The high-flow XPS hydraulic system delivers strong flow and pressure for demanding attachments like planers and cold planers.
- ✓Cat's sealed, pressurized cab is class-leading for quiet, dust-free comfort, which operators single out for long production days.
- ✓Vertical lift with a 133-inch hinge-pin height makes loading the tallest trucks and hoppers effortless, ideal for aggregate work.
- ✓The C3.8 engine has a strong reliability reputation and pulls hard, and owners report dependable high-hour service.
- ✓Cat's global dealer network delivers fast parts, service, and financing, which fleet owners rely on for uptime on a high-value machine.
- ✓Resale value is strong thanks to the Cat brand and the machine's popularity in demanding applications.
- ✓Ride control and the advanced display make a big, powerful machine manageable and productive for operators of varied skill.
- ✗Cat parts and dealer labor are among the most expensive in the industry, and owners feel maintenance costs on a big machine add up fast.
- ✗The 1-year base warranty is short versus Bobcat and Kubota's 2-year coverage, which value buyers weigh against the price.
- ✗As a wheeled machine it lacks the flotation of a CTL, making it less suited to soft or muddy ground than the 299D3.
- ✗New pricing carries a steep Cat premium, and some contractors feel the capacity-to-price ratio favors New Holland or Case.
- ✗The DPF emissions system draws complaints during heavy idling and light-duty work that pause production for regen.
- ✗At over 9,000 lb it needs a heavy truck and trailer, and its size reduces versatility on tight residential sites.
- ✗The feature-rich cab and high-flow package push the price up quickly, so a well-equipped 272D3 gets expensive.
- ✗Tires wear quickly under heavy loads on abrasive surfaces, and a full premium set is a steep recurring cost.